Acotango

Acotango is a massive stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile, standing as the highest peak in the Kimsa Chata group at 6,052 meters. It is located in Bolivia's Oruro Department, within the boundaries of the Sajama National Park. Geologically, the volcano is heavily eroded, suggesting a significant age, although certain lava flows on its northern flank appear morphologically young and potentially date to the Holocene. The mountain features a broad, glaciated summit area, which has seen considerable recession in recent decades due to climate change. Historically, the area surrounding Acotango served as a transit route for indigenous caravans and later became a site for sulfur mining operations. Today, the volcano is a popular objective for mountaineers, as it is considered one of the technically easiest 6,000-meter peaks in the Andes. The summit provides an exceptional vantage point for viewing the nearby Sajama Volcano and the vast plains of the Altiplano.

Nearby cities

Putre

The Andean village at 3500 meters altitude is a center of ancient Aymara culture and an ideal acclimatization base for exploring Lauca Na…

Mamiña

A historic Andean village perched at 2,700 meters, renowned for its therapeutic volcanic hot springs and mud baths.

History & landmarks

Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas

A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.

Monumento a la Virgen del Socavón

A gigantic statue representing the patron saint of Oruro, majestically towering over the city on Santa Bárbara hill.

Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón

An important religious shrine in Oruro, dedicated to the patron saint of miners and the destination of the famous Oruro Carnival.

Lauca National Park

A spectacular national park in the high Andes with the Chungará Lake and volcanic peaks.

Nature

Uru Uru Lake

Uru Uru Lake is a shallow lake near Oruro, fed by the Desaguadero River.

Lake Poopó

Lake Poopó was once Bolivia's second-largest lake but has largely dried up due to climate change and water diversion.

More places

Pomerape Volcano

Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.

Parinacota Volcano

Parinacota is a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile.

Nevado Sajama

An extinct stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bolivia, located in the remote Western Andes.

Tata Sabaya Volcano

Tata Sabaya is a volcano in the central Andes, known for massive prehistoric sector collapses.

Cordillera Occidental

The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.

Tunupa Volcano

The imposing Tunupa Volcano towers over the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni and is a sacred mountain for the local people.

Santuario del Socavón

An important pilgrimage church in Oruro, deeply connected to the local mining culture and forming the center of the famous carnival.

Altiplano Alpaca Breeding

At extreme altitudes, indigenous herders raise alpacas and llamas, continuing an ancient tradition that provides wool and meat.