Tunupa

Mountain Andean stratovolcano overlooking Salar de Uyuni salt flats

Tunupa volcano rises above the eastern edge of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni; travellers visit for salt‑flat panoramas, pre‑Columbian ruins on its slopes and nearby llama herds.

Main image
Tunupa
Tunupa Volcano, on the northeastern edge of Salar de Uyuni, Potosí Department, Bolivia
-19.8347, -67.6479
No formal admission to the volcano; guided excursions from nearby towns vary-expect fees for permits, guides, or transport.

How to Get to Tunupa #

Tunupa is reached from Uyuni town by 4x4 tours that cross the Salar; many multi-day tour operators include Tunupa viewpoints in circuit itineraries. Road access depends on season-during heavy rains some routes are impassable-so use a reputable operator and confirm vehicle capability.

Tips for Visiting Tunupa #

  • Altitude acclimatization matters-take time if coming from lowlands and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Local guides from villages around Salar de Uyuni offer rides and cultural context-hire someone reputable with a radio and vehicle suited to salt flats.
  • Combine a Tunupa visit with dawn on the Salar de Uyuni for dramatic light and reflections.

Best Time to Visit Tunupa #

For mirror reflections visit in the wet season; for stable vehicle travel and easier trekking choose the dry months.

Dry season
May-Oct · -5-18°C (23-64°F)
Cold nights but clear skies-ideal for salt-flat photography and visiting highland landmarks.
Wet season (mirror effect)
Dec-Mar · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Short rainy season floods portions of the Salar, creating the famous mirror; roads can be muddy.
Shoulder months
Apr & Nov · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Transitions can offer both reflections and drier routes, though weather is unpredictable.

Weather & Climate near Tunupa #

Climate

Tunupa's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -12°C to 12°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 53 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 12°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 11°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 12°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5° 11°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-8° 10°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coldest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-11°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-9° 10°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-7° 11°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -4°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 12°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 13°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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