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Tunupa Volcano
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Tunupa Volcano is an extinct stratovolcano in southwestern Bolivia, rising majestically from the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni. At an elevation of 5,321 meters, it dominates the surrounding Altiplano landscape and provides spectacular views of the world's largest salt flat. The volcano is primarily composed of layered lava flows and pyroclastic deposits. In Aymara mythology, Tunupa is a central figure, often personified as a female deity whose tears, according to legend, created the salt flat itself. The mountain's slopes are home to significant archaeological sites, most notably the Coquesa mummies, which rest in a cave at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. Vegetation on the volcano is sparse, consisting mainly of hardy bunchgrasses and cushion plants adapted to the extreme thin air and cold temperatures. The volcano is a favored destination for hikers and climbers seeking to experience its unique blend of cultural history and geographical grandeur.
- Location: Bolivia
- Top sights: Crater View · Museo Artesanal de Coqueza · Mirador del Crater del Volcan Thunupa (desde Jirira)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 74 | 45 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 18 | 19 | 59 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is typically from the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni, often starting from nearby villages like Coqueza. Most visitors join guided 4x4 tours crossing the salt flats to reach the base of the mountain.
Best season
The dry season, usually between May and October, provides the most stable weather and clear skies for climbing. During the rainy season, the salt flat can become flooded and impassable for vehicles.
Terrain & paths
The terrain involves loose volcanic rock, steep scree slopes, and potentially high-altitude trails. The ascent is physically demanding due to the significant elevation, though lower viewpoints are more easily accessible.
What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are essential for navigating the scree. Due to the high altitude and intense sun, layered warm clothing, strong sun protection, and plenty of drinking water are absolutely necessary.
Parking
Vehicles are typically parked at the trailheads near the villages at the base of the volcano. Independent driving is extremely challenging on the salt flats, so relying on local tour operators is highly recommended.
Safety
Acute mountain sickness is a severe risk due to the extreme elevation above the salt flat. Hikers must acclimatize properly beforehand, ascend slowly, and be prepared to turn back if experiencing headaches or nausea.
Time needed
A full ascent to the crater viewpoints typically takes the better part of a day. Visitors who only explore the lower slopes or nearby caves usually spend a few hours at the site during their salt flat tour.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: 5,321 meters above sea level
- Location: Directly north of the Salar de Uyuni
- The Coquesa mummies are approximately 700 years old
- Last active volcanic phase was millions of years ago
- Considered a sacred mountain by the Aymara people
- The village of Coquesa serves as the base for climbs
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tunupa Volcano (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb the volcano?
Yes, hiking to the crater rim at about 4,700m is a popular day trip.
How is the view?
Spectacular; you can overlook the entire white Salar de Uyuni.
Where to stay?
In the villages of Coquesa or Tahua at the base, often in salt hotels.
Are there toilets there?
Only in the village accommodations; there are no facilities on the mountain itself.
How is the ascent?
Strenuous due to loose ash and high altitude; a local guide is recommended.
Tunupa Volcano: where is it located?
Tunupa Volcano is located in Bolivia.
Tunupa Volcano: what is there to see?
Highlights include Crater View, Museo Artesanal de Coqueza, Mirador del Crater del Volcan Thunupa (desde Jirira).
Tunupa Volcano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Tunupa Volcano: why is it worth visiting?
Tunupa Volcano is an extinct stratovolcano in southwestern Bolivia, rising majestically from the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni.
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History & landmarks
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.
Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas
A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.
Nature
Lake Poopó
Lake Poopó was once Bolivia's second-largest lake but has largely dried up due to climate change and water diversion.
Uru Uru Lake
Uru Uru Lake is a shallow lake near Oruro, fed by the Desaguadero River.
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat and harbors a large portion of the world's lithium reserves.
More places
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.
Cordillera Occidental
The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.
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.