Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UYUNI & THE SOUTHWEST CIRCUIT
Bolivia's southwestern corner is an awe-inspiring collection of 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 wild-
life species. The ground here literally boils with minerals, and the spectrum of color is ex-
traordinary. A circuit from Uyuni takes you through absolutely unforgettable, literally
breathtaking landscapes and is the highlight of many people's visit to Bolivia.
Although it gets plenty of visitors, in many ways Bolivia's southwest is still a remote
wilderness, with rough dirt roads, scattered mining settlements, quinoa-producing villages
and little public transportation. The main town, Uyuni, is a military outpost with a real
frontier feel; at times you expect the harsh temperatures and biting winds to do away with it
altogether. It's the launching point for expeditions into the region, from the desolate ex-
panses of the
salares
to the craggy hills of Los Lípez, which rise into the high Andean
peaks along the Chilean frontier. Way south, Tupiza has a pleasant climate, and plenty of
hiking, biking and horseback riding adventures.
Much of the region is nominally protected in the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina
Eduardo Avaroa, which was created in 1973, covers an area of 7150 sq km and receives in
excess of 50,000 visitors annually. Its emphasis is on preserving the vicuña and the yareta
plant, both of which are threatened in Bolivia, as well as other endemic species and unique
ecosystems.
Most people visit the attractions that are part of the Southwest Circuit 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. Note that the toilet facilities in most stops along the
way cost B$5.
Uyuni
POP 18,700 / ELEV 3669M (12,037FT)
Seemingly built in defiance of the desert-like landscape, Uyuni stands desolate yet undaun-
ted in Bolivia's southwestern corner. Mention Uyuni to a Bolivian and they will whistle
and emphasize
harto frío
(extreme cold). Yet despite the icy conditions, Uyuni's got a
cheerful buzz about it with hundreds of travelers passing through every week to kick off
their tour of the Salar de Uyuni or the Southwest Circuit.
