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| Other sites of interest |
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Vinto
Situated 5 k from the
town of Oruro, the
most important Ore
Smelter in this
country can be visited
at this site.
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Pazña
A relaxing,
recreational resort
with natural Andean
landscapes of a
serene, majestic
beauty, where full
advantage can be taken
of thermal baths.
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Quillacas
Sanctuary
This Sanctuary is one
of the most well-known
internationally. In
mid-September,
thousands of pilgrims
visit this area to
pray to the Lord of
Quillacas. There is a
very attractive
colonial church at
this site. |
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Sepulturas
- CalaCala - Urmiri - Quillacas Sanctuary
This
route begins in the town of Oruro, known as
“The Bolivian Folklore Capital” because of
the Lavish Folklore Carnival held there every
year in honour of the Virgin of Socavón,
which is considered to be the utmost
expression of Bolivia’s popular and
traditional cultures.
The weather in Oruro can be very cold in
winter. Situated at al altitude of 3,706
m.a.s.l., the characteristic landscape on the
Oruro - Machacamarca route is a bleak mountain
plateau with a view of the Three Crosses
mountain range in the Central and Lacustrian
watercourses of the Amazon and La Plata. The
highest peaks in this mountain range are Negro
Pabellon (5,400 m), Toro peak (5,180 m) and
Azanaques (5,150 m).
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Access |
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Access
to this route is from the town of Oruro by
bus. Buses leave the main bus terminal in the
town every day.
There is also a daily overland transport
service from the town of Oruro.
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Tourist Attractions |
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 Sepulturas
Originally a mining settlement, this is one of
the towns that formed part of the industrial
satellites of the Colonial mining town, to
which minerals were taken on beasts of burden
for processing. These ore processing centres
were one of the most original features of
American towns. Churches that date back to
1785 are also worth a visit.
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 Uru
Uru Lake
Situated in the provinces of Machacamarca,
this lake is 21 k. long, 16 k. wide and 1 m.
deep, formed by the overflow of the
Desaguadero river. Typical fauna of the region
can be observed in this area and there are
fish in the lake, such as a local species of
mackerel.
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 Cala
Cala
An Aymara place name which means region of
many rocks, situated in the Cercado province,
21 k. from the town of Oruro. The area in
which cave paintings can be found is also
known as “Quellcata”, which means written.
Camelidae paintings are clearly predominant,
in different tones of red, white and black.
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 Machacamarca
A small village considered to be the main
destination for railway machinery, located
about 30 k. from the town of Oruro. The
abundant willow trees add to the picturesque
image of a quaint town, with old chalets that
were once the homes of railway engineers at
the end of the last century. Thermal baths
with medicinal properties are located nearby.
A mining plant of the same name is located 3
k. away from this village.
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 Poopo
This area has all the characteristics of a
mining centre, with interesting sites like the
XVII century church in the old town, now
totally abandoned, situated at the edge of the
river facing the new town that has developed
around the old ore smelting towers that rise
up on the side of the road, their chimneys no
longer burning.
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 Urmiri
Situated 68 k. From Pazña, Urmiri is
considered to be one of the most important
resorts on this route. It also has a colonial
church that dates back to the XVII century.
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 Challapata
A settlement situated 38 k. from Pazña at the
crossing of the Oruro - Potosi road, this is
one of the most important areas on Oruro’s
commercial route. Its urban structure starts
in the old town, where there is a prominent
religious complex. From the higher part one
can see the enchanting colonial images and
highland plateau scenery in all its splendour.
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