Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas

Often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes,' the Church of Curahuara de Carangas is a masterpiece of colonial art located on the high Altiplano of Bolivia. Built between 1570 and 1608, the outward appearance of the church is a simple adobe structure with a thatched roof, which belies the incredible richness of its interior. The inner walls and ceilings are completely covered in intricate frescoes depicting biblical scenes, including the Last Judgment and Noah's Ark, rendered in the unique Mestizo Baroque style. These murals were created by indigenous artists under the guidance of Spanish missionaries to visually communicate Christian teachings to the Aymara people. Standing at an altitude of 3,898 meters, it is one of the oldest churches in the region. The dry Andean climate has helped preserve the animated colors of the paintings for over four centuries. Today, it remains a vital site for understanding the cultural and religious syncretism of the colonial era.

History & landmarks

Monumento a la Virgen del Socavón

A gigantic statue representing the patron saint of Oruro, majestically towering over the city on Santa Bárbara hill.

Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón

An important religious shrine in Oruro, dedicated to the patron saint of miners and the destination of the famous Oruro Carnival.

Mercado de las Brujas

The fascinating Witches' Market in La Paz is full of traditional remedies, amulets, and spiritual offerings for Pachamama.

Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa

A monument on the plaza of the same name in La Paz, dedicated to the Bolivian national hero Eduardo Abaroa from the War of the Pacific.

Nature

Uru Uru Lake

Uru Uru Lake is a shallow lake near Oruro, fed by the Desaguadero River.

Lake Poopó

Lake Poopó was once Bolivia's second-largest lake but has largely dried up due to climate change and water diversion.

More places

Cordillera Occidental

The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.

Nevado Sajama

An extinct stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bolivia, located in the remote Western Andes.

Tata Sabaya Volcano

Tata Sabaya is a volcano in the central Andes, known for massive prehistoric sector collapses.

Acotango

Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.

Pomerape Volcano

Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.

Parinacota Volcano

Parinacota is a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile.

Tunupa Volcano

The imposing Tunupa Volcano towers over the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni and is a sacred mountain for the local people.

Santuario del Socavón

An important pilgrimage church in Oruro, deeply connected to the local mining culture and forming the center of the famous carnival.