Things To Do
in Oruro
Oruro is a city located in the highlands of Bolivia, known for its colorful and vibrant Carnival celebrations. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Spanish and indigenous influences. Oruro has a mining industry that has played a significant role in its economy, with silver and tin being some of the main resources extracted.
Visitors to Oruro can explore historic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Oruro and the Museum of the Miner.
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Cathedral of Oruro, a stunning example of colonial architecture. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while learning about its history.
Head to the Oruro Mining Museum to explore the rich mining history of the region. The exhibits provide fascinating insights into the challenges and successes of mining life.
Wrap up your day with a delicious local dinner at a popular restaurant. Don’t miss trying traditional Bolivian dishes like salteñas or pique a lo macho.
Begin your morning with a scenic hike in the surrounding mountains. The fresh air and beautiful landscapes will rejuvenate you for the adventures ahead.
Visit the Poopó Lake, a stunning area perfect for bird watching and enjoying nature. Bring a picnic to fully enjoy the serene environment.
Return to Oruro and enjoy a quiet evening strolling through the local markets. Sample some street food while shopping for unique handicrafts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, especially known for its traditional festivals such as Carnaval de Oruro, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including access to the Andean mountains and nearby salt flats.
- Friendly and welcoming local community with a vibrant artisanal market.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other tourist destinations in Bolivia.
- A unique opportunity to experience local traditions, music, and folklore.
- High altitude (over 3,700 meters) can cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
- Limited modern amenities and infrastructure compared to larger cities.
- Potential safety concerns, such as petty crime, typical of many urban areas.
- Transportation can be challenging, with fewer direct routes to and from other locations.
- Limited English-speaking services may make communication difficult for non-Spanish speakers.
Best Activities in Oruro
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes, hike to the base camp of Nevado Sajama, the highest peak in Bolivia, and enjoy bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Take a day trip to the world's largest salt flats, where you can admire the otherworldly scenery, take perspective-bending photos, and visit the Incahuasi Island.
Experience the vibrant cultural festival held in February, featuring colorful parades, traditional music, and dance performances.
Visit the second largest lake in Bolivia, where you can observe a variety of bird species and witness the unique scenery of the surrounding area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Oruro with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Oruro
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains, ideal for photography.
Scenic lagoon with opportunities for birdwatching and beautiful sunsets, perfect for capturing stunning images.
Historic convent with a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Food in Oruro
Oruro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish featuring thin breaded and fried beef or chicken cutlets served with rice, potatoes, and a fried egg. Check out Restaurante Miraflores for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
A heaping plate of bite-sized pieces of beef, sausage, and potatoes, topped with onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Don't miss trying this dish at La Vagoneta.
A spicy chicken stew made with aji amarillo peppers, served with potatoes and rice. Sample this flavorful dish at La Candelaria restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Oruro better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market to savor a wide range of local street food, including tucumanas (stuffed pastries), salteñas (savory pastries), and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
Stroll through this vibrant square to find an array of street vendors offering traditional snacks such as choripan (sausage sandwich) and anticuchos (grilled skewered meats).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Oruro, Bolivia, it is important to show respect for Pachamama, the Andean earth mother. This may involve participating in traditional rituals and ceremonies that honor and give thanks to the earth.
Being courteous and respectful in interactions is highly valued in Oruro. This includes using polite language, greeting others with respect, and being mindful of personal space and boundaries.
The Carnaval de Oruro is a significant cultural event in Oruro, and participating in the festivities with an open and respectful attitude demonstrates an appreciation for the local cultural traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Oruro with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Oruro
Ensure a smooth experience
In Oruro, Bolivia, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A customary tip in restaurants is around 10% of the total bill. Tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers is also common, but not obligatory.
Cash is widely used for transactions in Oruro, Bolivia. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some upscale hotels, restaurants, and stores, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available in the city for withdrawing local currency, the Bolivian boliviano.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Oruro, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Expect to experience the famous Oruro Carnival in February, filled with colorful parades, traditional dances, and lively music.
Expect heavy rainfall during this season, which may affect outdoor activities. However, this time is ideal for birdwatching and witnessing lush green landscapes.
Oruro at Night
Hiking in Oruro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 150 km from Oruro, it features the highest peak in Bolivia, Sajama Mountain, along with trails that offer stunning views of the Andes and diverse wildlife.
Situated approximately 100 km from Oruro, this park has various hiking trails that take you through beautiful landscapes and rugged mountains, along with opportunities for bird watching.
While a bit farther (200 km), this area offers unique hiking experiences around the vibrant red lagoon, famous for its flamingos and spectacular scenery.
Around 90 km from Oruro, Chacaltaya is well-known for its high-altitude trails leading to views of glaciers and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Located on Lake Titicaca, about 200 km away, this island provides excellent hiking trails along ancient Inca sites and magnificent lake views.
Aiports
How to reach Oruro by plane.
Located in Cochabamba, approximately 180 kilometers from Oruro, this is the nearest major international airport.
Situated in La Paz, about 230 kilometers from Oruro, this airport serves many international flights.
Located in Santa Cruz, approximately 570 kilometers from Oruro, this is one of Bolivia's largest international airports.
Although primarily a domestic airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, it serves some international flights and is about 1,800 kilometers from Oruro.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Aymara are one of the largest indigenous groups in Bolivia, with a significant presence in Oruro. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditions, language, and craftsmanship.
The Quechua people are another significant indigenous group in Oruro. They share linguistic and cultural ties with other Quechua-speaking populations throughout the Andes.
Mestizos, people of mixed indigenous and European ancestry, constitute a large portion of the population in Oruro. They primarily speak Spanish and often blend cultural elements from both ancestry.
European-descended individuals, primarily of Spanish heritage, are present in Oruro, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the city.
This category includes small populations of other indigenous groups and immigrant communities from various backgrounds, contributing to Oruro's cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Oruro, with a passionate local following and several clubs competing in regional leagues.
As a representation of the national sport, Bolivian football leagues and matches attract significant local attention.
Cycling is popular, especially in the foothills and rural areas surrounding Oruro, with events and competitions held frequently.
Cricket has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to the influence of expatriates and local initiatives.
Basketball is played in schools and community centers, particularly among the youth in Oruro.
Volleyball is a popular recreational sport, played casually in parks and during school activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oruro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Bolivian cuisine leans heavily towards meat-based dishes, many restaurants in Oruro offer vegetarian and vegan options such as quinoa salads, vegetable stews, and lentil soups. Check out Green Vegan Restaurant for a diverse plant-based menu.
Diners with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free alternatives like grilled meats, rice dishes, and fresh salads at various restaurants across the city. La Trattoria Pizzeria offers gluten-free pizza and pasta options.