Lakes Uru Uru and Poopó
Oruro Department · Altiplano, lakes and salt flats
Just south of Oruro, Lake Uru Uru spreads across the plain, with its reeds, its birds and sometimes pink flamingos. Further south, the great Lake Poopó has almost disappeared in recent years because of drought: its shores show how fragile water is on the Altiplano. Uru communities have lived here for centuries from fishing and reeds.
3,686 maltitude
0 to 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
- Birds and flamingos on Lake Uru Uru
- The shores of Lake Poopó and Uru communities
- Sunset over the Altiplano
What to eat
- Ispi and pejerreySmall lake fish, fried and crispy, eaten whole with a squeeze of lime.
Tip. Water levels vary a lot from year to year: ask in Oruro. Binoculars recommended.
How to get to Uru Uru
Oruro Road (bus, car) · 15 to 30 min
Taxi or minibus from Oruro.
Photos of Lakes Uru Uru and Poopó
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.
ChipayaVillage of the Uru-Chipaya, one of the oldest peoples of the Andes, with round earthen houses.
Coipasa Salt FlatBolivia's second-largest salt flat, wild and almost without visitors.
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.