How to reach the Socavón Sanctuary and Oruro Carnival by train

Station, train, journey time and the final stretch — the complete guide.

Quick answer

Take the train to Oruro station (a stop of the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús). From there you reach the Socavón Sanctuary with a short taxi ride or a 20–25-minute uphill walk from the station to the Pie de Gallo hill, where the Socavón Sanctuary stands.

The sanctuary is open all year; the carnival itself is a single weekend of the year.

Why visit

The Socavón Sanctuary, at the foot of the Pie de Gallo hill, is the heart of the Oruro Carnival —Bolivia’s great folk festival, listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Every year, on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, thousands of Diablada dancers make their way up to the sanctuary in honour of the Virgin of the Socavón. Oruro is the northern head of the Ferroviaria Andina corridor: the historic Oruro station is the starting point of the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús toward Uyuni and Villazón.

Getting there from the corridor

Starting point	Train route
From Uyuni	Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús · 6 h 55 min (Friday 01:00 → Friday 07:55) · Bs 60, then taxi to the Socavón
From Tupiza	Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús · 13 h 45 min (Thursday 18:10 → Friday 07:55) · Bs 107 (sum of legs), then taxi to the Socavón
From Villazón	Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús · 17 h 25 min (Thursday 14:30 → Friday 07:55) · Bs 132 (sum of legs), then taxi to the Socavón

Step by step

Take the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús and get off at Oruro station.

As you leave the station, take a short taxi ride from Oruro station.

This brings you to the Socavón Sanctuary.

What else to see nearby

Sacred, Folk and Mining Museum of the Socavón📍 Mapbeside the sanctuary
San José mine and mining museum📍 Mapshort taxi from the centre
Monument to the Virgin of the Socavón📍 Mapon the hill, above the sanctuary
Plaza 10 de Febrero📍 Mapin the centre, a short taxi from the station

Useful information

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Ticket

The Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús has one fare per leg, with no classes: Oruro–Uyuni Bs 60, Uyuni–Atocha Bs 22, Atocha–Tupiza Bs 25 and Tupiza–Villazón Bs 25. Longer journeys add up the legs.

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Frequency

There is only one departure a week in each direction: from Oruro on Monday at 21:30 (reaching Villazón on Tuesday at 16:30) and from Villazón on Thursday at 14:30 (reaching Oruro on Friday at 07:55). The Wara Wara del Sur has been suspended since 2021. Check the schedule before you travel.

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Tip

The Oruro Carnival is held once a year (February or March, on a movable date); if you go for the carnival, book accommodation far in advance. Outside those dates you can visit the sanctuary, its museum and the hilltop viewpoint at a quieter pace.

Oruro station Route planner Network map

Frequently asked questions

How much is a train ticket?

One fare per leg, no classes: Oruro–Uyuni Bs 60, Uyuni–Atocha Bs 22, Atocha–Tupiza Bs 25 and Tupiza–Villazón Bs 25; longer journeys add up the legs (Oruro–Villazón: Bs 132). More on the fares page.

What days does the train run?

Once a week in each direction: the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús leaves Oruro on Monday at 21:30 and Villazón on Thursday at 14:30. Always check the schedule before you travel.

How long does it take from Uyuni?

From Uyuni to Oruro is 6 h 55 min on the Ferrobús, and then a short taxi ride from Oruro station to the Socavón Sanctuary.

Can you walk to Socavón Sanctuary & Oruro Carnival from the station?

Not directly: you need a short taxi ride from Oruro station. The sanctuary is open all year; the carnival itself is a single weekend of the year.

Where can I see more attractions on the corridor?

The what to see near the Bolivia Train guide lists every attraction by station.

Updated: October 2026