Cordillera de los Frailes
Mountains Andean mountain range in Bolivia's high plateau
A highland range in Bolivia, the Cordillera de los Frailes offers eroded cliffs, coloured strata and rural villages; travellers come for day hikes, photography and local agricultural landscapes.
How to Get to Cordillera de los Frailes #
Typical access is by road from Tupiza (south Potosí) or from the Uyuni-Potosí road network. Most visitors join guided 4x4 tours that include the Frailes as a stop en route between Tupiza and Salar de Uyuni; independent travel requires a high-clearance vehicle and local routing advice.
Tips for Visiting Cordillera de los Frailes #
- Acclimatize before attempting long day treks - altitudes can exceed 3,500-4,000 m in nearby ranges.
- Most visitors approach on 4x4 tours from Tupiza or from the Salar de Uyuni region; hire a local guide who knows which tracks hold after rain.
- Sunrise and late afternoon produce the most dramatic color contrasts on the badlands and red cliffs - photographers should aim for golden hour.
- Bring cash and basic snacks; there are few services once on the dirt roads.
Best Time to Visit Cordillera de los Frailes #
Visit during Bolivia's dry season (May-October) for the most reliable road access and dramatic desert light.
Weather & Climate near Cordillera de los Frailes #
Cordillera de los Frailes's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in December) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -9°C to 16°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 42 mm of rain.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 42 mm of rain.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -3°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -4°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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