The folklore festival’s roots in Christian traditions and indigenous myths and deities makes this a unique cultural experience. Spend two days in Oruro during the weekend prior to Ash Wednesday to witness the triumph of good over evil displayed in the form of dances and music. Each costume, each gesture, each character, color, and movement have a symbolism and meaning in this carnival.
Highlights
Watch the parade from reserved seats along the main route
Listen as your guide recounts the traditions of the festival
Visit Sanctuary of the Socavón, Mining Museum, witches market, Street of the embroiderers and Conchupata Lighthouse
Early this morning, we depart by private vehicle for a 4 hour drive to Oruro. Upon arriving, transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Today is the main parade with dance groups coming from all over the country and regaled in colorful, ornate costumes that compete in splendor with those found in Rio’s Carnaval. These costumes, the rythym of the music, and the choreography all tell stories based on Christian symbols and stories as well as Uru and Inca legends from the pre-Columbian times. The most famous is La Diablada, or Dance of the Devils, a story of the underworld that originated among Bolivian miners and is now quite famous throughout the world.
The day is spent with your private guide to witness this spectacle and to learn the stories, both traditional and modern, involved with a festival described by UNESCO as “a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” You will have a reserved seats along the main parade route as you watch the procession of an estimated 30,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians over the course of a twenty hour celebration. Travelers have the flexibility to go back to the hotel at any point to relax and return energized to the parade.
Day 2: City Tour | Return to La Paz
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
In the morning City Tour, visit the Sanctuary of the Socavón, Mining Museum, witches market, Street of the embroiderers and Conchupata Lighthouse. Have lunch in a restaurant and in the afternoon, return by private vehicle to La Paz
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.