Siloli Desert
Siloli Desert
In the heart of Bolivian South Lipez, the Siloli Desert aligns the Árbol de Piedra, the Colorada and Verde lagoons and the Sol de Mañana geysers. Access from Uyuni.
The Siloli Desert occupies the southwest of Potosí department, in the heart of Bolivian South Lipez. Rising to nearly 5,000 meters in altitude, it constitutes one of the gateways to the Eduardo Avaroa national reserve of Andean fauna. Geologically linked to the Atacama system, this desert plateau aligns wind-carved rock formations, mineral lagoons and active volcanic zones. Most visitors access it from Uyuni, as part of a multi-day 4x4 circuit.
Why visit the Siloli Desert
Siloli concentrates within a few dozen kilometers a variety of landscapes rare in South America: expanses of red sand, erratic blocks, geysers, lagoons colored by algae and minerals, snowcapped peaks above 5,000 meters. The setting evokes bare geology, shaped by wind and erosion over thousands of years. It is also one of the rare sectors of the altiplano where one still observes vicuñas, viscachas and Andean flamingos in their natural habitat.
The site is generally explored as a complement to the Uyuni salt flat, Bolivia's largest salt lake, located further north. The two ensembles form one of the flagship itineraries of southern Bolivia.
What to see in the Siloli Desert
The Árbol de Piedra
Symbol of the desert, the Árbol de Piedra ("Stone Tree") is a monolith carved by thousands of years of wind erosion. Its silhouette in balance, wide at its top and narrow at its base, rises to approximately 5 meters in height. It stands alone in the middle of a sandy expanse, making it a systematic photographic stop on circuits.
The Colorada and Verde Lagoons
The Colorada Lagoon, located east of Siloli, owes its reddish-orange hue to the presence of algae and mineral sediments. It is home to three species of Andean flamingos. Further south, the Verde Lagoon derives its turquoise color from deposits of arsenic and copper, at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. Between the two stretches the sector nicknamed the Salvador Dalí Desert, where isolated stone blocks stand out against hills with ochre tones.
Sol de Mañana
South of the desert, Sol de Mañana is an active geothermal zone located above 4,800 meters in altitude. Sulfurous fumaroles, yellow or pink mud pots and boiling water pools reaching 80°C due to altitude can be observed. The zone is unstable: you must strictly follow your guides' indications to avoid venturing onto fragile crusts.
Cerro Lipez and Nuevo Mundo
The Cerro Lipez, a stratovolcano in the Lipez cordillera, exceeds 5,900 meters with two twin peaks. Approximately four kilometers to the southwest stands Nuevo Mundo, a secondary summit of around 5,500 meters. The northern slopes, which are better covered in snow, offer the best viewpoints from the trail.
When to go
The Siloli Desert can be visited year-round, but conditions vary greatly by season.
- May to October (dry season): clear skies, passable trails, very low nighttime temperatures (down to -20°C in July-August). Peak visitation period.
- November to March (rainy season): warmer days, but some trails may be impassable and access to geysers sometimes compromised.
- April and November: shoulder seasons often favorable, with fewer visitors.
Practical Information
Average altitude exceeds 4,500 meters. Prior acclimatization in La Paz, Potosí or Uyuni is recommended before undertaking the circuit. Plan for warm, layered clothing, sunglasses, high-protection sunscreen and good hydration.
Visits take place almost exclusively as part of organized 4x4 circuits, generally over 3 days / 2 nights departing from Uyuni, with accommodation in basic shelters (a salt hotel on the salt flat, then more rustic accommodation near the Colorada Lagoon). Entry to the Eduardo Avaroa reserve is paid (moderate rate, payable on site in bolivianos).
How to get there
The main access point is Uyuni, connected by overnight bus to La Paz, Sucre and Potosí, and by flight from La Paz. From Uyuni, allow approximately three hours of trail travel by 4x4 to reach the first emblematic landscapes of South Lipez, then several additional hours to reach Siloli proper.
Another option is to enter from the south via San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) through the Hito Cajón border crossing, near the Verde Lagoon. The Tatio geysers on the Chilean side often complement this type of cross-border itinerary.
Nearby
- Uyuni and its salt flat, Bolivia's largest salt lake.
- Cerro Rico Mines in Potosí, testament to colonial mining history.
- Curahuara de Carangas Church, nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano".
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Most circuits from Uyuni last 3 days and 2 nights, including the salt flat, Colorada Lagoon, Sol de Mañana and Verde Lagoon. A 4-day option allows for a slower pace and better altitude management.
Yes. The circuit evolves between 3,600 and over 4,900 meters. Several days of acclimatization at altitude before departure and gradual ascent greatly reduce symptoms.
In practice, no. Trails are not marked, remoteness and weather conditions make individual expeditions risky. All visitors travel by 4x4 vehicle with a local driver-guide.
The dry season (May to October) guarantees clear skies. Early morning hours, particularly at Sol de Mañana, offer the best contrast between steam and raking light.
Plan your trip
The Siloli Desert is part of a broader itinerary through southern Bolivia. To build a custom journey integrating Uyuni, South Lipez and the high plateaus, consult our Bolivia travel suggestions.
Interested in this visit?
We can include it in your personalised itinerary.
