Cordillera Occidental

The Cordillera Occidental of Bolivia forms the western fringe of the Altiplano and serves as a natural border with Chile. This mountain range is primarily volcanic in origin, characterized by a series of massive stratovolcanoes, many of which are still considered potentially active. The climate in this region is extremely arid and cold, resulting in a landscape of vast salt flats and barren high-altitude steppes. Bolivia's highest peak, the extinct volcano Sajama (6,542 m), dominates the northern part of the range. Due to the aridity, permanent surface water is scarce, but the area is dotted with alkaline lagoons that serve as critical breeding grounds for various flamingo species. Geologically, the range is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. The region is sparsely populated but supports unique ecosystems such as Queñua forests, which are among the highest-growing forest formations in the world.

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.

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

Tata Sabaya Volcano

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

Nevado Sajama

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

Acotango

Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.

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.

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.

Altiplano Alpaca Breeding

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

Santuario del Socavón

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