Why Visit Putana
Putana rises to nearly 5,900 meters in the arid highlands of Sur Lípez Province, offering visitors a rare close-up view of an active volcano with persistent fumaroles that release sulfurous steam. The mountain’s dark slopes contrast sharply with the surrounding pale salt crusts and mineral deposits, creating a dramatic high-desert scene that feels otherworldly. Because the area sees few travelers compared with the Salar de Uyuni, those who reach Putana experience genuine solitude amid Bolivia’s southern volcanic belt.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive via multi-day 4×4 tours that begin in Uyuni or Tupiza and continue south through the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The route follows rough gravel roads past Laguna Colorada and the Sol de Mañana geyser field before turning toward Putana’s base. Independent travelers with high-clearance vehicles can approach from the Chilean border at Hito Cajones, but a local guide is essential for navigation and safety at these elevations. No public transport reaches the mountain directly.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October brings stable weather, clear skies, and firm ground for walking. Afternoon winds are common year-round, yet they are strongest in the austral summer when thunderstorms can form quickly. Nighttime temperatures routinely drop below freezing even in the dry months, so layered clothing is necessary regardless of season.
What to See and Do
The primary attraction is the cluster of fumaroles on the upper slopes, where yellow sulfur crystals line the vents and steam rises continuously. Short hikes from established campsites allow close observation without technical climbing gear. Photographers favor sunrise and sunset when the low light accentuates the red and ochre mineral streaks across the crater walls. Birders may spot Andean flamingos at nearby saline wetlands, while geology enthusiasts examine the extensive lava flows that extend toward the Chilean border. Overnight stays in basic mountain camps enable stargazing under some of the clearest skies in South America.
Nearby Attractions
- Sol de Mañana geyser basin, roughly 30 kilometers southeast
- Laguna Colorada with its crimson waters and flamingo colonies
- The thermal springs at Polques, useful for relaxing after a day at altitude
- Chalviri and Hedionda lagoons, part of the same volcanic plateau
