During a circuit through Peru and Bolivia, discovering Lipez is essential. It represents a highlight and the most anticipated stage when traveling through the vast Altiplano region, at the far southwestern tip of Bolivia in the Andes Cordillera. It's an excellent opportunity to explore the famous Salar d'Uyuni, often recounted by globe-trotters. You will be captivated by the stunning natural landscapes of South Lipez, featuring lunar-like scenery and lagoons of every hue. Many visitors consider the region among the most beautiful in the world. It's worth noting that this destination doesn't lack adventure: you'll rest in refuges at altitudes over 4,200 meters where temperatures can plunge to -25°C, you won't miss exploring charming colonial towns and much more.

Visiting the Lipez Region

Several options await you to explore South Lipez, whether you arrive from Peru, Bolivia, or even Chile. There are circuits of varying lengths that allow you to traverse it in a few days (3 to 7). In any case, excursions in this region often include visiting Salar d'Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, which represents half of all exploitable lithium reserves on the planet.

The three main departure points to explore this region are:

• Uyuni: a town located just next to the Salar. It once served as a hub for trains transporting minerals toward Pacific ports. You can see the Uyuni Cemetery of Old Trains as an attraction.
• Tupiza: a Bolivian town surrounded by the mountains of the Chichas Cordillera. It offers slightly lower prices compared to Uyuni and allows you to explore South Lipez in reverse, giving you the advantage of encountering fewer tourists.
• San Pedro de Atacama: a Chilean town located roughly twenty kilometers from the Pacific coast. If planning a longer circuit and your itinerary includes, for example, the Santiago Metropolitan Region, this departure point suits you.

What to See in South Lipez?

Laguna Verde

You'll be charmed by this lagoon, green as its name suggests due to the high concentration of copper within. The intensity of its color depends on the quality of minerals, sunlight, and wind.

Laguna Kollpa

This body of water is distinguished by white patches covering it. These are actually soda powder, used and exploited notably for the manufacturing of shampoo and detergent.

Laguna Hedionda

You'll mainly see three species of pink flamingos here. However, it's best to pass through quickly due to the unpleasant odor emanating from it. This results from the high sulfur concentration. This lagoon is also called "Laguna Apestosa," which means "stinking lagoon."

Laguna Canapa

A magnificent lake where pink flamingos come to drink. It changes color depending on the sun and algae reacting to light.

Laguna Honda

This high-altitude salt lake sits at an altitude of 4,114 meters in the Potosi Department of Bolivia.

Laguna Charcota

It's part of the Uyuni Reserve, offering a breathtaking setting with stunning nature despite difficult conditions. Its shallow waters host a large number of pink flamingos.

Laguna Ramaditas

A small volcanic-looking lake situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters. The bare rock and surrounding mountains create the impression of having landed on Mars or Neptune.

The Renowned Salar d'Uyuni

This is the journey's major attraction. To better admire this jewel, you can reach Inca Huasi Island, a desert expanse covered with tall cacti. Climb to its summit via marked trails that allow you to observe the salar in complete peace. A few fauna species like viscachas inhabit this coral island. Spend several hours wandering through this white eternity.

Laguna Colorada

This salt lake is part of the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve. It fascinates you with its reddish waters. This is due to red sediments and pigments from certain types of algae it contains. A breeding ground for Andean flamingos where you may sometimes observe several thousand, this lagoon is barely 35 centimeters deep.

The "Sol de Mañana" Geysers

Located south of Laguna Colorada, these geysers are extremely powerful. You explore an entire field of mud pools and fumaroles with powerful hot water vapor.

Dali Desert

Still within the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, you discover this Bolivian desert named after its arid mountain crests and expanses of gravel in light ochre tones, punctuated by isolated rocks, evoking the landscapes painter Salvador Dali featured in his works. Some Bolivians enjoy recounting that Dali visited and found inspiration for his art here.

When to Visit South Lipez?

If you wish to explore the Lipez region, the best time is April to October, during the dry season. The sky is blue, though temperatures remain quite cold. You can take beautiful photographs during this period. However, the rainy season offers a unique sight of Salar de Uyuni appearing as a mirror with barely a few centimeters of water on its surface.