Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Southern Altiplano
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Why Go?
The harsh and at times almost primeval geography of the southern Altiplano will tug at the
heartstrings of visitors with a deep love of bleak and solitary places. Stretching southward
from La Paz, this high-plains wilderness is framed by majestic volcanic peaks, swathes of
treeless wilderness and the white emptiness of the eerie
salares
(salt deserts), which are al-
most devoid of life. At night the stargazing is spectacular, and it's as cold as you could ever
imagine.
The area around Parque Nacional Sajama offers an amazing wilderness to explore, while
revelers may wish to hit up Carnaval celebrations in the gritty, straight-talking mining city
of Oruro. Further south the Salar de Uyuni is the star attraction, and a three-day jeep tour of
the region is at the top of most travelers' itineraries. From here, you can head to the warmer
cactus-studded valleys around Tupiza for horseback riding and mountain biking.
