Oruro Carnival in Bolivia: February 2013

The Oruro Carnival (Carnaval de Oruro) brings tens of thousands of visitors to Bolivia each year. Dancers, bands and costume creators prepare throughout the year for this, one of the country's most publicized cultural events. The Oruro Carnival, proclaimed by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity event, is one of the top tourist attractions in Bolivia and features over 20,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians who follow a 4-kilometer long parade route (see this city map) throughout the city of Oruro. Their elaborate costumes, each representing different stages or characters in Bolivia's history, can take months and up to several thousand of dollars to make. Tourists must typically reserve hotel rooms months in advance and families open rooms in their homes to provide more lodging. Visitors can also take day trips from La Paz, which are offered through hotels and travel agencies. Read more about the city of Oruro and the Oruro Carnival here. Find hotels in Oruro and Oruro Travel Information here.