Cerro Zapaleri

Cerro Zapaleri is a mountain standing at 5,653 meters in the Andes, possessing a unique geographical significance as the official tripoint between Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The mountain is situated in one of South America's most remote and inhospitable regions, the Puna de Atacama. On the Bolivian side, it is part of the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Geologically, Zapaleri is part of a massive ignimbrite plateau created by cataclysmic volcanic eruptions during the Tertiary period. The landscape surrounding the summit is characterized by extreme aridity, high UV radiation, and vast nearby salt flats. Historically, the mountain served as a vital landmark for travelers and was formally established as a boundary marker in border treaties during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite its isolation, it is a point of great interest for geographers and high-altitude adventurers, as it serves as a common junction for three distinct national protected areas.

History & landmarks

Cementerio de Trenes

A surreal open-air museum near Uyuni where dozens of rusted 19th-century British steam locomotives are left to decay.

Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

This ornate stone bell tower is the only remnant of a Jesuit church and one of the most important symbols of the silver city of Potosí.

Catedral de Potosí

An imposing neoclassical cathedral in the historic center of the old mining town of Potosí, whose towers dominate the cityscape.

Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas

One of Potosí's most masterful churches, featuring an incredibly detailed carved stone portal facade in the mestizo baroque style.

Nature

Madre de Dios River

The Madre de Dios River is an important river in the Amazon basin that flows through Peru and northern Bolivia.

More places

Cerro Guayaques

Cerro Guayaques is a volcanic complex on the border with Chile, whose lava flows shape the rugged desert landscape.

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Stunning high-altitude reserve known for its colorful lagoons, flamingos, and surreal volcanic landscapes.

Cordillera de Lípez

The Cordillera de Lípez in southwestern Bolivia offers a rugged, extreme volcanic landscape with unique colored lagoons.

Lípez Quinoa Fields

On the harsh high plateau of southwestern Bolivia, indigenous farmers cultivate royal quinoa, a unique pseudocereal.

Ollagüe Volcano

The active Ollagüe volcano is located in the Andes and is characterized by constant fumarole activity near the summit.

Church of San Lorenzo de Carangas

A beautiful church in Potosí, famous for its elaborately carved stone portal in the Mestizo Baroque style.

Casa de la Moneda

The old royal mint in Potosí, where coins were minted for the Spanish Empire from the silver of Cerro Rico during the colonial period.

Cathedral of Potosí

The most important church in the center of Potosí, reflecting the wealth of the silver city with its magnificent neoclassical architecture.