Coipasa Salt Flat
Oruro Department · Altiplano, lakes and salt flats
The Coipasa salt flat is the little brother of the Uyuni salt flat: a vast white salt desert, with the village of Coipasa sitting on an island in the middle. There are far fewer people than at Uyuni, and the mirror effect is just as striking in the rainy season. A fine alternative for lovers of big empty spaces.
3,660 maltitude
1 dayto spend there
High altitude. Above 3,500 m, altitude sickness (soroche) is common. Arrive gradually, drink plenty and take it slow on the first day.
Things to do
- Crossing the salt flat by 4x4
- Mirror effect in the rainy season (January to March)
- Coipasa village on its island
- Combine with Chipaya
What to eat
- Quinoa realThe world's best quinoa grows around the Salar: in soups, patties or as a side.
- Llama meatLean and tasty meat, often grilled or as “charque” (dried). Very common in Uyuni and on the Altiplano.
Tip. No regular tours: by 4x4 with a driver from Oruro or Chipaya, or on some longer tours from Uyuni.
Also here
- Border Pisiga – Colchane (to Iquique)The crossing on the Oruro – Iquique road, near the Coipasa salt flat. Buses from Oruro. A remote, cold area: bring water and cash.
How to get to Salar de Coipasa
Chipaya 4x4 tour or excursion · about 1 h
4x4 with a driver or local guide.
Photos of Coipasa Salt Flat
More places in this region
Sajama National ParkBolivia's highest peak (6,542 m), geysers, hot springs and llamas.
Curahuara de CarangasThe “Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano”: an adobe church covered in murals.
OruroAn Altiplano mining city, famous for its UNESCO-listed carnival. Starting point of the train to Uyuni.
Obrajes and Capachos hot springsNatural hot-water pools on the Altiplano, less than an hour from Oruro.
Machacamarca railway museumOld steam locomotives and the history of the mining railways, south of Oruro.
Lakes Uru Uru and PoopóShallow Altiplano lakes on Oruro's doorstep, visited by flamingos.
ChipayaVillage of the Uru-Chipaya, one of the oldest peoples of the Andes, with round earthen houses.
UyuniBase town for Salar tours, with a train cemetery on the edge of town.
Salar de Uyuni + Sud Lípez (tour)The world's largest salt flat, then the colourful lagoons of the Sud Lípez. The highlight of many trips.
TupizaWild West scenery: red canyons, cacti and the last ride of Butch Cassidy.- CotagaitaA small green town in a fruit-growing valley, on the road from Potosí to Villazón.
VillazónThe border with Argentina, facing La Quiaca: the crossing travellers use most.