Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND ORURO
There's plenty to see around Oruro, particularly along the road south toward Uyuni, where
bleak and epic scenery surrounds old mines and the remnants of ancient lakeside cultures.
These areas can be visited by bus from Oruro or on a tour.
The
Termas de Obrajes hot springs
(admission B$10)
, 25km northeast of town, is a
popular destination. It's a well-run complex, with a pool and a private rooms with tubs that
you can rent by the half-hour. There's an unspectacular restaurant adjacent to a modest
hotel. From the corner of Caro and Av 6 de Agosto, catch an Obrajes
micro
(B$7, 30
minutes) from 7:30am to 5pm daily, which passes the grungier
Capachos hot springs
(ad-
mission B$3)
, 10km east of town. The last
micro
to Oruro departs at 4pm.
The atmospheric
Calacala
(admission B$40)
makes a worthwhile trip from Oruro. The
site consists of a series of rock paintings of llamas and humans in red and orange tones,
presumably dating from the first millennium BC. It's located under an overhang 2.5km
beyond the village of Calacala, which is 26km east of Oruro. Stop in the village to locate
the guard who has the keys and collects the fee; she can often be found in the small cafe
marked by a rusted Pepsi sign. The site itself is a 30-minute walk past the village, near the
old brewery. The views from the site of the exceptionally beautiful valley, which provides
some of Oruro's water, are spectacular. There's no public transport unless it's the feast day
of Señor de la Laguna (Lord of the Lake) on September 14; a taxi there and back will cost
you B$120.
Poopó
, a tough mining town halfway between Oruro and Uyuni, offers authentic
glimpses of Andean life, plus hot springs and a resort-style hotel. There are mining ruins at
the entry to town that are haunting to say the least.
