Cordillera de los FrailesCordillera de los Frailes at a Glance
When to Go
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.
Dry season
May-Oct · -5-15°C (wide diurnal range)
Cold nights, clear skies and reliable 4x4 tracks - best for trekking and photography.
Wet season
Nov-Apr · 0-18°C
Warmer days but short, intense rains can make roads impassable and transform gullies into streams.
Weather & Climate near Cordillera de los Frailes
Climate
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.
Air Quality:
AQI 70
Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
16°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 1° - 15° | 6° | 42 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 42 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 15° | 6° | 36 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 15° | 4° | 2 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -6° - 13° | 1° | 2 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -9° - 10° | -3° | 1 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -9° - 10° | -3° | 0 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -9° - 11° | -2° | 1 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -6° - 13° | 1° | 3 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -4° - 15° | 3° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 16° | 5° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 0° - 16° | 6° | 31 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
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.