Oruro

Oruro is a high-altitude mining city in Bolivia's western Altiplano, set at roughly 3,700 metres above sea level between La Paz and Sucre. Known as the folklore capital of Bolivia, it is most famous for the Carnival of Oruro, a UNESCO-recognized festival that fills the city with masked dancers, bands and pilgrimage processions each year.

Founded in 1606 as Villa Real de San Felipe de Austria, Oruro grew around rich silver deposits and later became an important tin-mining centre. Its colonial past remains visible in historic churches, narrow central streets and the mining traditions that shaped the city's working-class identity.

Landmark sights include the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Socavón, built beside an old mine and central to the carnival's pilgrimage route, the neoclassical Cathedral on Plaza 10 de Febrero, and mining and mineralogical museums. During carnival, the Diablada, Morenada and other traditional dance groups parade along a several-kilometre route to the sanctuary.

Around the city centre, visitors can sample local food in the Ranchería area, browse markets, or make day trips to the Obrajes hot springs, Lake Uru Uru and the high peaks of Sajama National Park.

As a commercial, mining and transport hub on the Altiplano, Oruro connects major highland routes and attracts business travellers year-round, while the carnival season brings large numbers of domestic and international visitors.