Lago Poopó and around

From Oruro, a paved road and the railway run between Lago Poopó and the Cordillera Azanaque, south to Challapata, a very scenic ride.

Lago Poopó, Bolivia's second largest lake (4250 sq km) is a bird sanctuary, a Ramsar site since 2003, where you can see flamingos and other Andean waterbirds. The lake may dry up completely in winter. Birds start arriving with the first rains in October or November. It can be accessed from Challapata, but it is closer to Huari, from where it is about 8 km, depending on the water level. Boats can be hired in Llapallapani when the water level is high, at other times Poopó is an unattainable mirage.