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Oruro Attractions"Things to Do & See in Oruro, Bolivia"
The main attraction in Oruro is its carnival and if you are anywhere near Oruro at carnaval time, this is a fiesta that should not be missed. Other than the carnival, the city offers very few activities and things to do compared to other major Bolivian cities. Other sights include museums, churches, mine tours and other attractions just outside the city. (See below)
Cerro Pie de Gallo (Chicken-Foot Hill) A small mountain that can be climbed to get a good view over the city of Oruro. It is located behind the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Socavon. Mineralogical Museum (Museo Mineralógico): Located south of the city center on the university campus. The museum exhibits more than 6,000 minerals, precious stones, fossils and crystals. Its open Mon-Fri 9 am to noon and 2pm to 5pm, if no one is there you have to look for someone at the university to let you in. Cost is $1.50 (11 bolivianos) for tourists. Anthropological Museum: The recently remodeled Museo Antropológico de Eduardo Lopez Rivas is located on the south end of the city on Avenida Espana. The museum features artifacts and information from the Oruro area. Admission is 4Bs. To get there take an orange micro marked 'sud' from the main plaza. A green micro marked '#1' will take you back to the main plaza. Micro ride is 1Bs each way. Mining Museum (Museo Etnográfico Minero): This museum is located in an old mineshaft, just below the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Socavon. The museum features the methods & traditions of Bolivian mining in Oruro. It is open Mon-Sat 8am - noon and 3pm - 5:30pm. Admission is $2 (15Bs). Museo Patiño: Located a few blocks northwest of Plaza 10 de Febrero on Avenida Soria Galvarro. This museum is the former mansion of "tin baron", Simon Patiño, one of world's richest man in the early 1900's. He was nicknamed "The Andean Rockefeller" and made his fortune with the numerous mines he owned in Oruro, Bolivia. Around OruroObrajes aguas termals (Thermal Baths): Located about 25 Km (15 miles) northeast of Oruro, there is a large pool-like, swimming spot that are fed by natural hot springs. It is a great place to relax and warm up in the Andes Mountains for a half-day trip from Oruro. Entrance cost is 14 bolivianos. There are also private baths for rental. Snacks and drinks are also available there. To get there take the micro marked 'Obrajes' from the corner of Avenida 6 de Agosto and Calle Caro in Oruro, which leave about every 30 minutes from 8am-5pm. Micro cost is about 4 bolivianos one-way. Lake Uru Uru: Located about 13 Km (8 miles) southeast of Oruro is the large shallow lake known as Lago Uru Uru. It is a great place to spot pink flamingos or to go fishing. Other Related Pages: |
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The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Socavon (Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón): This church is located five blocks east of the Plaza 10 de Febrero at the base of the Cerro Pie de Gallo. The church was built in 1781 and sits above an old mineshaft. It is home to the image of the Virgin del Socavon, the saint of miners, in whose honour the Carnaval celebrates.