Overview:

San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas is a small village located in the South of Bolivia on the edge of the Lauca National Park in the Oruro Department. It lies at an altitude of 3,846 meters (12,646 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by high and snowcapped mountains. San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas is populated by Aymaras, an indigenous group living in Bolivia, who have preserved their traditional lifestyle in spite of Spanish influence. The village features old colonial architecture, colorful markets, and many churches and chapels with original artwork. Its vast surrounding mountains include lakes, natural lagoons, and hot springs, making it a popular destination for mountain trekking, nature exploration, and other outdoor activities. The local economy is based mainly on agriculture and small businesses, although the nearby regional airport has attracted a growing number of international visitors. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Curahuara de Carangas Church: The church is the largest and oldest colonial church in southern Bolivia and was built in the 17th century to honor San Pedro. It is a beautiful adobe structure with impressive carvings on the exterior walls, which are filled with scenes of indigenous history and Catholic religious events. 2. Pre-Incan Ruins of Curahuara: The area is home to several pre-Incan ruins that include an Inca carved temple and a plaza. Visitors can explore the remains of this ancient site and learn more about the indigenous culture that once thrived here. 3. Cultural Museum of Curahuara: Located in the main plaza, this museum houses ancient artifacts from the area, as well as information about local culture. It is a great place to explore and learn more about the history and culture of the region. 4. Artisan Pathway: The artisan pathway is a network of paths that cross the region, linking small villages and towns. Here visitors can purchase handmade products from local artisans, such as jewelry, textiles, and pottery. 5. Bird Watching: The area is a great place for bird watching. The surrounding landscape is home to many native species of birds, such as tanagers, larks, and finches. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas is a small town located in the Oruro Department in the western region of Bolivia. It is situated along the Desaguadero River in an area called the Carangas Province. The town sprang up in the late 1700s when a group of Franco-Basque sheep herders, who came from an area now known as Venezuela, moved to the area to take advantage of the mineral wealth of the region. The settlement grew rapidly as mining industries were established and the town was renamed San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas by the Bolivian government in 1825. The area changed hands a few times during the War of the Pacific in the late 1800s, and eventually all of the land became part of the Bolivian Republic. Once the war was over, the area continued to grow and by the early 1900s San Pedro was considered to be an important trading hub. By the 1940s, the town had become a bustling metropolis with various industries, including mining and agriculture, as well as a thriving market. Throughout the twentieth century, San Pedro has continued to grow and develop. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with many people visiting the town in order to explore the rich culture and history of the area. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas is believed to be the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Latin America. It has existed for around 2000 years. 2. Its Wari culture is thought to have its origins in Peru. This culture was influential in Bolivia and parts of Peru and Chile. 3. The site features around 250 adobe brick dwellings, the oldest of them being more than 500 years old. 4. The site was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. 5. San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas is the only World Heritage Site in Bolivia that is designated for its state of conservation rather than its cultural value. 6. The area around the site is also filled with the carvings and petroglyphs that date back to the 4th century. 7. The architecture of the buildings is traditional in the region and dates back to the pre-Inca civilizations. 8. San Pedro de Curahuara de Carangas is located close to Lake Poopo, which is the second largest lake of Bolivia. The lake is often referred to as the most beautiful in Bolivia. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.