Located in the Potosí region, Southern Lipez brings together some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes. Between desert sand, incredible wildlife, rock formations sculpted by centuries and breathtaking vistas, you'll be moved and astonished from start to finish. Discover countless multicolored lagoons, vast mineral-rich desert zones, geysers and hot springs, all set against volcanoes towering above 6,000 meters. It's a true favorite for lovers of the exceptional, those seeking extraordinary natural beauty.

Where is Southern Lipez located?

Southern Lipez is a desert region in southern Bolivia, bordering northern Chile. The area spans 15,000 km² and is bordered to the north by Northern Lipez, extending to the colorful canyons of Tupiza. It's one of the 16 provinces of Potosí Department, yet virtually uninhabited—which is precisely part of its appeal.

Discovering Southern Lipez

Crossing Southern Lipez is a journey outside of time through an exceptional territory. Adventure, wonder and intense pleasure await you—either in shelters perched above 4,200m, or in the steaming thermal pools of Polques at 3,000 meters, surrounded by lunar landscape. South of the colorful lagoon, witness the immense jet of hot water erupting from the earth at the "Sol de Mañana" geyser site, located at nearly 5,000 meters altitude.

Unforgettable sunsets and light reflecting in hues of yellow, ochre, pink and mauve across the rock and sand create a stunning backdrop in this polychromatic mineral world. On the plains, you may encounter a few hamlets where Quechua communities live. For the more adventurous, climbing Licancabur volcano or Uturuncu at 6,008m promises moments of pure exhilaration.

A 4x4 expedition through Southern Lipez, a territory made for discovery and exploration, will be an unforgettable experience. You have three departure points to choose from: the town of Uyuni in Bolivia, San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, or Tupiza.

What to see in Southern Lipez?

Salar de Uyuni

With your feet in warm water and clouds and blue sky as your only reference points, Salar de Uyuni offers an immaculate panorama of unparalleled purity. This gigantic salt desert represents one-third of the world's exploitable lithium reserves. Perched at 3,670 meters altitude in the heart of the Andes, Salar de Uyuni formed over 10,000 years ago. Walking across this herculean mirror gives you the sensation of stepping through clouds, especially when the salt flat is covered in water.

The Train Cemetery

The Train Cemetery gathers old rusted train carcasses—a site steeped in history. After the enchanting atmosphere of Salar de Uyuni, you'll appreciate the calm, legendary atmosphere this place evokes. Explore the skeletal remains of wagons and locomotives scattered throughout.

The Lagoons

Southern Lipez is renowned for its strikingly colorful lagoons of incomparable beauty. Discover:

• The magnificent Laguna Cañapa, which changes color with the light. Surrounded by volcanoes, this lagoon hosts colonies of flamingos. The spectacular views of snow-capped peaks from this vantage point are breathtaking.
• The splendid Laguna Colorada rises to 4,278m altitude. This stunning lake is famous for its red and orange hues, caused by sediments and algae dwelling in its waters. Laguna Colorada represents one of the most beautiful sites in Latin America and measures nearly 6km in diameter. Numerous varieties of pink flamingos come here to breed.
• The enchanting Laguna Verde sits at 4,300m altitude. The green color of its waters and panoramic views of Licancabur volcano across the way create an intensely immersive landscape at the foot of the Andes.

The Dali Desert

Between the ridges of arid mountains and vast expanses of pebbles in light ochre tones, scattered with isolated boulders, the Salvador Dali Desert evokes a landscape from an impressionist painting—one that painter Salvador Dali himself featured in the background of his compositions. It extends across 100 km² within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. It's a spectacular place with nothing but sand and rocks stretching to the horizon.

Best times to visit Southern Lipez

Southern Lipez has a warm Mediterranean climate with a dry summer. The best months to visit are October and November. During these months, the climate is ideal with average temperatures of 13-14°C and average rainfall of 17mm.

Practical Information

From La Paz, you can reach Southern Lipez by bus. The journey to Uyuni takes 10 hours. Alternatively, you can stop in Oruro and take a train to Uyuni.

Tips

Before embarking on an expedition through Southern Lipez, it's advisable to:

• Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Opt for a gradual ascent spread over several days;
• Pack warm clothing and a quality sleeping bag for the nights, as the climate can be unpredictable, especially in the evenings.