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Dancers in Oruro

Oruro Carnaval

Example 2 Day Tour
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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.
Dancers in the annual festival in OruroMusicians in main plaza during Oruro CarnavalFolk dancers in the Oruro FestivalCarnaval in OruroAn exquisite miner's helmet sculpture in Oruro gives tribute to the area's rich mining historyCarnaval in OruroVirgin de Candelaria - the patron of Oruro minersOruro monument to minersCarnaval Parade in OruroDancers during Oruro CarnavalA folk performer in the Oruro FestivalFolk dancers in the annual Oruro FestivalDancers in Oruro
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
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Oruro | Parade of Dancers

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

Accommodations

Oruro - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$1,873

Notes

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Trip starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.
Included
  • 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
  • 1 Night Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Entrance Fee(s) in Bolivia
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Numbered seats in the main square
  • Water permanently in the seats and snacks (tea, coffee, mate, ham and cheese sandwich) in the afternoon.
  • Souvenirs
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Departure Transfer
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • Bolivian visa - It is recommended that you apply in advance.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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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.
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