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Cathedral
Just east of the main plaza, the cathedral has fine stained-glass above the altar. The adjacent tower was constructed by the Jesuits as part of a church before Oruro was founded. When the Jesuits were expelled, it was designated as the cathedral of the Oruro bishopric.
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Complejo Metalúrgico Vinto
The around US$12 million Complejo Metalúrgico Vinto tin smelter was constructed in the early 1970s during the presidency of General Hugo Banzer Suárez. By the time it was put into operation, the Bolivian tin industry was already experiencing a steady decline, but it still processes up to 20,000 tons of ore annually.
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Faro de Conchupata
On November 17, 1851 Bolivia's red, gold and green flag was first raised at Faro de Conchupata: red for the courage of the Bolivian army, gold for the country's mineral wealth and green for its agricultural wealth. The spot is now marked by a platform and column topped by an enormous glass globe, illuminated at night. It provides a fine vista over the town.
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Mina San José
There are numerous mines in the Oruro area, most of which are abandoned or operated by cooperativos (small groups of miners who purchase temporary rights). One of the most important is Mina San José, which has operated for over 450 years. You can hike around the colorful tailing heaps; if you want to enter the mine, ask one of the miners or contact Oruro Tours. To get there take a yellow micro (marked 'San José') from the northwest corner of Plaza 10 de Febrero.
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Museo Antropológico Eduardo López Rivas
At the south end of town adjacent to the zoo, the Museo Antropológico Eduardo López Rivas is a fascinating anthropological and archaeological museum that is well worth a visit. Like many such museums, there's something of a hodgepodge of exhibits, from mastodons to Carnaval costumes.
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Museo Mineralógico
On the university campus south of town, the Museo Mineralógico houses a remarkable collection of more than 5000 minerals, precious stones, fossils and crystals from around the world. Hop on minibus 102 or any micro marked 'Sud' or 'Ciudad Universitaria' from opposite the train station or Plaza 10 de Febrero.
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Museo Patiño
Museo Patiño, a university-administered cultural complex, is a former residence of tin baron Simón Patiño. Exhibits include his furniture, personal effects, fine toys and an ornate Art Nouveau stairway. Visiting exhibitions are featured in the downstairs lobby. Entry is by guided tour only; they leave on the hour (last morning tour , last evening tour ).
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Museo Sacro, Folklórico, Arqueológico y Minero
An excellent double museum attached to the Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón. You descend from the church itself down to an old mining tunnel, which exhibits various methods and equipment from both the colonial and modern mining eras. There are also two representations of the devilish El Tío, spirit of the underground.
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