Santuario del Socavón

The Sanctuary of Socavón (Santuario del Socavón) in Oruro is one of the most significant religious and cultural landmarks in Bolivia. The church was built at the foot of Pie de Gallo Hill, directly above an ancient mine entrance where, according to legend, an image of the Virgin Mary appeared in the 18th century. Dedicated to the Virgin of the Socavón, the patron saint of miners, the sanctuary is the terminal point for the world-famous Oruro Carnival. The building underwent a major expansion and modernization in the late 20th century to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims. Inside, visitors can see a precious mural of the Virgin dating back to 1781 and visit the mining museum located in the tunnels beneath the church. Every year, thousands of costumed dancers, such as those performing the Diablada, conclude their parade by dancing into the sanctuary to pay homage. The site perfectly illustrates the syncretism of Catholic devotion, mining heritage, and ancient Andean mythology.

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.

Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas

A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.

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.

Desaguadero River

The Desaguadero River is the main outflow of Lake Titicaca and feeds Lake Poopó further south.

More places

Altiplano Alpaca Breeding

At extreme altitudes, indigenous herders raise alpacas and llamas, continuing an ancient tradition that provides wool and meat.

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.

Cordillera Occidental

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

Tata Sabaya Volcano

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

Nevado Sajama

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

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.