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Oruro

Bolivia · City · BOB · -17.971500, -67.093200
Family friendly 5.3/10 · Rank 2001 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Suitable for culture lovers, carnival enthusiasts, mining history buffs and anyone wanting to see authentic Bolivia.

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$51.00 (≈ 4 280 ₽)
For 7 days
$357.00 (≈ 29 959 ₽)
Oruro is a city on the high plateau, famous for its carnival, which is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The carnival lasts ten days and gathers thousands of dancers in colourful costumes. The city also serves as a base for visiting Sajama National Park with its high-altitude lakes and volcanoes.
Summer
21.0°C
Winter
-6.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Oruro residents are friendly and proud of their carnival and mining traditions.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Oruro Carnival, a UNESCO site
  • Rich mining history
  • Authentic culture
  • Affordable prices
  • Convenient base for trips to Uyuni

Cons

  • No beach
  • Cold climate
  • Altitude may cause discomfort
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few restaurants
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
13.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
17.6°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
21.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
5.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
19.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-6.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Basílica del Socavón

Oruro's main church and spiritual centre of the carnival, with a museum and viewpoint

Plaza 10 de Febrero

Main square with the cathedral and government buildings

Cable Car to Virgen del Socavón

Cable car to the Virgin Mary statue with panoramic city views

Mining Museum

Museum dedicated to the region's mining history

Oruro Carnival

One of South America's largest carnivals, a UNESCO site, held in February

Best areas

City Centre

Close to the square, basilica and main attractions

Socavón Area

Scenic area with the basilica and museums

Market Area

Lively area with street food and shops

Must-try food

Salteñas

Baked pastry with meat, potato and spices, popular in Bolivia

Charque

Dried llama or beef meat, popular in the highlands

Almuerzo

Set lunch of soup, main course and drink

Api

Hot purple corn drink, popular for breakfast

Chicharrón

Fried pork, a popular snack

Where to go next

Salar de Uyuni

World's largest salt flat with unique landscapes, 4 hours by car

La Paz

Bolivia's capital with museums and markets, 3.5 hours by car

Cochabamba

City with a mild climate and markets, 3 hours by car

Potosí

Historic city with mines, 4 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт имени Хуана Мендосы (ORU).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Oruro: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Oruro: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +21.0°C, during the day — up to +17.6°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Oruro: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-6.0°C, during the day — up to +19.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Oruro: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Oruro: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $51.00 (≈ 4 280 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Oruro: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $110.00 per night, an apartment — $35.00 per night, a villa — $90.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Oruro: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $3.00, dinner at a restaurant — $7.00, a cup of cappuccino — $1.50, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Oruro: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.40, a short taxi ride — $2.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Oruro: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Basílica del Socavón — Oruro's main church and spiritual centre of the carnival, with a museum and viewpoint; Plaza 10 de Febrero — Main square with the cathedral and government buildings; Cable Car to Virgen del Socavón — Cable car to the Virgin Mary statue with panoramic city views; Mining Museum — Museum dedicated to the region's mining history; Oruro Carnival — One of South America's largest carnivals, a UNESCO site, held in February. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Oruro: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Salteñas — Baked pastry with meat, potato and spices, popular in Bolivia; Charque — Dried llama or beef meat, popular in the highlands; Almuerzo — Set lunch of soup, main course and drink; Api — Hot purple corn drink, popular for breakfast; Chicharrón — Fried pork, a popular snack. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Oruro: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Close to the square, basilica and main attractions; Socavón Area — Scenic area with the basilica and museums; Market Area — Lively area with street food and shops. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Oruro: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Oruro: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт имени Хуана Мендосы (code ORU). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Oruro: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BOB. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $51.00 (≈ 4 280 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Oruro: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Oruro: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Oruro: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Salar de Uyuni — World's largest salt flat with unique landscapes, 4 hours by car; La Paz — Bolivia's capital with museums and markets, 3.5 hours by car; Cochabamba — City with a mild climate and markets, 3 hours by car; Potosí — Historic city with mines, 4 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.3/10
Overall rank: 2001 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 798