Far Southwest

Introducing Far Southwest

Several startlingly beautiful sights are hidden away in this remote corner. The surreal landscape is nearly treeless, punctuated by gentle hills and volcanoes near the Chilean border. Wildlife in the area includes three types of flamingos (most notably the rare James species), plus plenty of llamas, vicuñas, emus and owls.

The following sites comprise the major stops on most tours. Laguna Colorada is a bright adobe-red lake fringed with cakey-white minerals, 25km east of the Chilean border. On its western shore is Campamento Ende and beside it the meteorological station, where those with marginal tour companies find shelter and visitors without tents can crash overnight. The thin, clear air is bitterly cold and between June and September, the temperature at night drops below -20°C (-4°F). The air is perfumed by llareta, a rock-hard, mosslike shrub that is broken apart to be burned for fuel.

Most independent transport to Laguna Colorada will be supplying or servicing mining and military camps or the on-hold geothermal project 50km south at Sol de Mañana. The main interest here is the 4950m-high geyser basin, with its boiling mud pots and sulfurous fumaroles. Tread carefully when approaching the site; any damp or cracked earth is potentially dangerous. The nearby Termas de Polques hot springs spout comfortable 30°C (86°F) sulfurous water and provide a relaxing morning dip at 4200m.

Laguna Verde, a splendid aquamarine lake, is tucked into Bolivia’s southwestern corner at 5000m. Behind the lake rises the dramatic 5930m cone of Volcán Licancabur.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009