Cordillera de Lipez Circuit
Mars-like landscape at lung-busting altitude.
The Eduardo Avaroa Reserve stretches across Bolivia’s remote southwest corner like a fever dream painted in impossible colors. This circuit loops through the Cordillera de Lipez from Uyuni south to the Chilean border, passing Laguna Colorada’s blood-red waters, the Salvador Dalí Desert’s surreal rock sculptures, and Sol de Mañana’s sulfur-spewing geysers at 4,850 meters. The route threads between flamingo colonies at Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca, where mineral-rich waters shift from emerald to white depending on wind conditions and your viewing angle.
Expert-level terrain demands serious preparation — altitude sickness hits hard above 4,000 meters, and mechanical failures turn deadly fast. High-clearance 4WD mandatory, with low-range gearing essential for rocky climbs and descents. Pack for extreme cold (nights drop to -20°C), carry 5+ days of food and water, plus emergency gear. Best May through September when weather’s stable. Entry permits required at Reserve checkpoints. This isn’t Instagram tourism — it’s legitimate expedition driving through landscape that belongs on Mars, not Earth.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Rock|Dirt|Sand |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 310 mi / 499 km |
| Duration | 4-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15912 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Uyuni, Potosí |
| Land manager | SERNAP - Eduardo Avaroa Reserve |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | sernap.gob.bo |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to run the Cordillera de Lipez Circuit?
High-clearance 4WD is the floor, not the ceiling — a stock Land Cruiser or Hilux is the local standard for good reason. Skid plates, a reliable snorkel for the water crossings, and a spare tire (or two) are non-negotiable. Anything less and you're a recovery situation waiting to happen 100+ miles from the nearest mechanic.
Can you run this trail outside of May–September?
October through April is the wet season and many sections become impassable mud or get cut off entirely by swollen crossings. The salt flats around Uyuni also flood, which can block access to the circuit's start. Stick to the dry season unless you enjoy digging yourself out at 15,000 feet.
Do you need a permit to drive the Cordillera de Lipez Circuit?
Yes — you're entering the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve managed by SERNAP, and an entry fee is required at the park gate. As of recent reports it's around 150 BOB (roughly $20 USD) for foreign nationals, paid cash only. Confirm current fees at sernap.gob.bo or with your contact in Uyuni before departing.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I expect?
The volcanic rock and sand tracks southwest of Laguna Colorada toward Sol de Mañana geysers are the most technical — loose rock, steep grades, and zero traction warning. At that elevation (close to 16,000 ft) your engine is already down 40%+ power, and so are you. Take it slow, keep momentum on the sand, and don't expect to make up lost time.
How do you handle fuel and water logistics on a 310-mile route with no services?
Fuel up completely in Uyuni and carry enough range for 400+ miles — there are no gas stations inside the reserve. Water is available at some lagoon-side refugios but treat everything; high-altitude mineral content in some sources will wreck your stomach. Plan your dispersed camp spots around known water sources and account for the fact that altitude tanking your fuel economy will be worse than expected.
Trail track
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