Lake Poopó

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.

• 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.