Southwest Circuit

Introducing Southwest Circuit

Bolivia’s southwestern corner is an awe-inspiring­ collection of harsh, diverse landscapes ranging from the blinding white Salar de Uyuni salt flat to the geothermal hotbed of Los Lípez, one of the world’s harshest wilderness regions and an important refuge for many Andean wildlife species. The ground here literally boils with minerals, and the spectrum of colors produced is extraordinary. A circuit from Uyuni takes you through absolutely unforgettable, literally breathtaking landscapes and is the highlight of many people’s visit to Bolivia.

Much of the region is nominally protected in the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa (REA; www.bolivia-rea.com; admission US$3.75), which was created in 1973 and receives in excess of 50, 000 visitors annually. Its emphasis is on preserving the vicuña and the llareta plant, both of which are threatened in Bolivia, as well as other unique ecosystems and endemic species. It covers an area of 7150 sq km.

Most people visit the region on an organized trip from Uyuni or Tupiza.

Apart from a couple of Entel points, there are no phones out in the Southwest Circuit. All communication is by radio. Any phone numbers listed in this section are for offices located in Uyuni.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009