TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
~400,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
The Carnival of Oruro is a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage and one of South America's most extraordinary festivals — a February celebration in the Bolivian altiplano where tens of thousands of costumed dancers perform for some twenty hours straight along a parade route, led by the famous Diablada ("dance of the devils") in elaborate, horned masks.
A profound fusion of Indigenous Andean beliefs and Catholic devotion to the Virgin of the Mineshaft (Virgen del Socavón), it's a dazzling, high-altitude spectacle of masks, brass bands, and faith.
Want to go? Turn Carnival of Oruro into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
The Saturday before Ash Wednesday (Feb or early March)
Admission
Street viewing free · grandstand seats ticketed
Parking
The route fills the city — walk, and take the train/bus from La Paz to arrive.
Nearest airport
La Paz El Alto (LPB) ~3.5 hr by road; Oruro (ORU) limited
Typical weather
Cool, thin high-altitude air (12,000 ft) — 50s–60s °F days, cold nights; sun protection and layers (and go easy at altitude).
Official website
Location
Oruro, Bolivia
Where to stay
Oruro hotels
Book far ahead — the city fills for carnival.
Grandstand-package stays
Some operators bundle lodging with seats.
La Paz hotels (base)
Many visitors base in La Paz and travel in.
Where to eat & drink
Rostro asado & Andean fare
Hearty highland Bolivian dishes.
Salteñas
Bolivia's savory baked pastries.
Api con pastel
A warm purple-corn drink with fried pastry.
Nearby attractions
Sanctuary of the Virgen del Socavón
The mineshaft-Virgin sanctuary at the route's end.
Lake Uru Uru
A flamingo-dotted lake near the city.
Salar de Uyuni (add-on)
The vast salt flats to the south for a longer trip.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + acclimatize
- •Travel from La Paz to Oruro
- •Afternoon: the sanctuary
- •Evening: salteñas + early night
2Carnival day
- •All day: the Diablada and dance parade
- •Evening: brass bands + celebration
3Altiplano + depart
- •Morning: Lake Uru Uru
- •Head out (or on to Uyuni)
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Book a grandstand seat — the parade runs for many hours.
- Acclimatize to the high altitude before you arrive.
- Consider adding the Salar de Uyuni salt flats.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Carnival of Oruro?
The Saturday before Ash Wednesday (February or early March), in Oruro, Bolivia.
What is the Diablada?
The "dance of the devils" — the carnival's signature performance of dancers in elaborate horned masks.
What about the altitude?
Oruro sits near 12,000 ft — acclimatize (ideally via La Paz), stay hydrated, and take it slow.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Carnival of Oruro or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.