Uru Uru Lake

Uru Uru Lake is situated on the Bolivian Altiplano, just south of the city of Oruro at an elevation of 3,686 meters. The lake is a relatively recent geographical feature, having formed in the mid-20th century after the Desaguadero River diverted its course and flooded the surrounding plains. It covers an area of approximately 214 square kilometers but is remarkably shallow, with an average depth of only 1.5 meters. Uru Uru is an ecologically significant site for migratory waterbirds, particularly flamingos, and is recognized as a RAMSAR wetland of international importance. In recent years, the lake has suffered from severe environmental degradation due to urban waste from Oruro and heavy metal runoff from nearby mining operations. Climate change has also led to significant water level fluctuations, causing parts of the lake to dry up during extended periods of drought. Despite these threats, the lake remains a critical part of the hydrological corridor connecting Lake Titicaca to the shrinking Lake Poopó.

History & landmarks

Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón

An important religious shrine in Oruro, dedicated to the patron saint of miners and the destination of the famous Oruro Carnival.

Monumento a la Virgen del Socavón

A gigantic statue representing the patron saint of Oruro, majestically towering over the city on Santa Bárbara hill.

Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas

A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.

Nature

Lake Poopó

Lake Poopó was once Bolivia's second-largest lake but has largely dried up due to climate change and water diversion.

Desaguadero River

The Desaguadero River is the main outflow of Lake Titicaca and feeds Lake Poopó further south.

More places

Santuario del Socavón

An important pilgrimage church in Oruro, deeply connected to the local mining culture and forming the center of the famous carnival.

Altiplano Alpaca Breeding

At extreme altitudes, indigenous herders raise alpacas and llamas, continuing an ancient tradition that provides wool and meat.

Tunupa Volcano

The imposing Tunupa Volcano towers over the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni and is a sacred mountain for the local people.

Cordillera Occidental

The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.

Tata Sabaya Volcano

Tata Sabaya is a volcano in the central Andes, known for massive prehistoric sector collapses.

Nevado Sajama

An extinct stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bolivia, located in the remote Western Andes.

Acotango

Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.

Pomerape Volcano

Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.