Lake Poopó
Lake Shallow Andean salt lake, often seasonal or dry
High on the Altiplano, Lake Poopó once formed Bolivia’s second-largest lake and supported Andean wildlife; visitors to the Oruro region see salt flats, reed beds and local mining landscapes.
Lake Poopó was a broad, shallow saline lake on the southern Bolivian Altiplano in Oruro Department. It historically occupied a low-lying basin fed by the Desaguadero River from Lake Titicaca and supported local fisheries and migratory waterbird populations.
The lake’s area and depth fluctuated seasonally and over decades; in 2015 large sections of the lake dried up and it has since shown severe desiccation with only intermittent water coverage. Environmental pressures including reduced inflow, climate variability and upstream water use contributed to the collapse of the lake’s surface area.
Historically the lake supported small-scale fishing and regional wildlife, but after the mid-2010s decline those uses and habitats were greatly reduced. The basin sits on the high Altiplano at roughly 3,700-3,800 metres above sea level between the departments of Oruro and Potosí.
Lake Poopó is located in southwestern Oruro Department on the Bolivian Altiplano, south of Lake Titicaca and within the closed endorheic drainage system of the Altiplano.
- Ecological role: Once Bolivia's second-largest lake, it was shallow and saline and a seasonal feeding site for flamingos and other waterbirds.
Tips for Visiting Lake Poopó #
- Confirm current conditions before planning a visit-Lake Poopó has experienced extensive drying and seasonal variation in recent years, so recent satellite images or local reports will tell you whether there is water to see.
- Base yourself in Oruro or another nearby town and coordinate with local guides familiar with road and weather conditions; the region is remote and access can change rapidly.
Best Time to Visit Lake Poopó #
Conditions are highly variable and Lake Poopó has experienced significant drying in recent years-confirm local status before planning a visit.
Weather & Climate near Lake Poopó #
Lake Poopó's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -3°C to 19°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 89 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
