Ruqayyah Snyder
The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Cordillera, is a mountain range in Bolivia that forms a natural border with Chile. It is one of the two main ranges in Bolivia and is part of the Andes Mountains system, which is, in turn, part of the American Cordillera. The Cordillera Occidental is characterised by its volcanic summits and is formed by numerous cones and lava flows from the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. The range begins in the north at Juqhuri on the border with Peru and ends in the south at the Licancabur volcano, spanning approximately 700 km (435 mi) and reaching a maximum elevation of 5,400 m (17,716 ft) at its southern terminus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Extreme western Bolivia |
| Border | Natural border with Chile |
| Mountain Range | Part of the Andes Mountains system |
| Length | Approximately 700 km (435 mi) |
| Highest Peak | Mount Sajama (also known as Nevada Sajama), 6,542 m (21,463 ft) |
| Northern Section | Contains the highest peaks in Bolivia, including volcanoes Pomerape and Parinacota (Payachata) |
| Central Section | Situated between Uyuni and Coipasa; Ollagüe (Ullawi) volcano is the most prominent summit |
| Southern Section | Characterized by volcanic activity, sandstorms, and fog; Licancabur stratovolcano is located here, with an elevation of 5,920 m (19,422 ft) |
| Climate | Cold and unsuitable for vegetation or wildlife |
| Natural Resources | Contains large quantities of metallic minerals such as gold, silver, and copper |
What You'll Learn
The Cordillera Occidental is a mountain range in Bolivia
The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Cordillera, is a mountain range in Bolivia that forms a natural border with Chile. The range is part of the Andes Mountains system, which is, in turn, part of the American Cordillera.
Beginning in the north at Juqhuri on the border with Peru, the Cordillera Occidental extends approximately 700 km (435 mi) to the south, ending at the Licancabur volcano. The range is the westernmost of Bolivia's two main ranges and is separated from the Cordillera Oriental to the east by the high plateaus of the Altiplano.
Constructed on a thick crust, the Cordillera Occidental contains numerous active volcanoes. The range is crowned by the country's highest peak, Nevada Sajama, which stands at 6,542 m (21,463 ft) and is perennially covered in snow. Other notable volcanoes in the range include Parinacota, Pomerape, and Ollagüe (Ullawi).
The Cordillera Occidental is characterised by its volcanic activity, sandstorms, and fog. The range is known for its mineral-rich brown, red, and orange colours, as well as its salt flats, such as the Salar de Uyuni, which provide a bright white contrast to the landscape. The climate in the Cordillera Occidental is cold and inhospitable to most plant and animal life. However, the region is rich in metallic minerals such as gold, silver, and copper.
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It is part of the Andes Mountains system
The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Cordillera, is part of the Andes Mountains system. This mountain range forms the western boundary of Bolivia, running parallel to the border with Chile. It is one of the most captivating and formidable mountain ranges in the world and is divided into three sections: La Septentrional, La Central, and La Meridional.
La Septentrional contains the tallest peaks in Bolivia, including the Nevado Sajama volcano, which rises to 6,542 meters (21,463 feet) and is the highest point in the country. Other notable volcanoes in this section are Parinacota and Pomerape, which straddle the Chilean-Bolivian border.
La Central is situated between the Salars of Coipasa and Uyuni, and its highest peak is the Cerro Candelaria or Alto Torani, which stands at 6,000 meters above sea level. Other important summits in this section include the Ollagüe volcano on the border with Chile and the Volcán Tunupa, which rises to 5,432 meters.
La Meridional is characterised by its volcanic activity and sandstorms and fog. The Licancabur volcano, which stands at 5,920 meters, is part of this section. Only two-thirds of its northeastern slope belongs to Bolivia, and it is the southwesternmost point of the country. La Meridional is also home to the Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, famous for their respective colours.
The Cordillera Occidental is known for its volcanic activity, with many active volcanoes. The range is geologically young and contributes to the region's arid and rugged nature, with landscapes of barren slopes, geothermal fields, and extensive salt flats. One of its most unique features is the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. This natural wonder was once part of a prehistoric lake and now contains large lithium reserves, making it an important economic resource.
The Cordillera Occidental is part of the Bolivian Andes, which are divided into three main cordilleras: the Cordillera Occidental, the Cordillera Oriental (including the Cordillera Real), and the Cordillera Central. These ranges feature towering volcanic peaks, extensive glaciers, vast highland plateaus, and deep valleys that support diverse ecosystems and ancient cultures. The Bolivian Andes are among the most captivating and formidable mountains globally, with unique geographical, ecological, and cultural significance.
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The range is formed by numerous cones and lava flows
The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Cordillera, is a mountain range in the extreme west of Bolivia, forming a natural border with Chile. The range is part of the Andes Mountains system, which is part of the American Cordillera.
The Cordillera Occidental is characterised by its volcanic summits, and is formed by numerous cones and lava flows from the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. The range is divided into three sections: La Septentrional, La Central, and La Meridional.
La Septentrional contains the highest peaks in Bolivia, including the tallest, the volcano Nevada Sajama, which stands at 6,542 m (21,463 ft) and is covered in snow all year round. Other volcanoes in this section include Pomerape and Parinacota, the latter of which is a dormant volcano with a cone of snow.
La Central is situated between the Uyuni and Coipasa salt flats, and its most prominent summit is the Ollagüe (Ullawi) volcano on the border with Chile. Ollagüe is a massive andesite stratovolcano that began developing over a million years ago. It features a summit crater with a vigorous fumarole that can be seen from a distance.
La Meridional is characterised by volcanic activity, sandstorms, and fog. The Licancabur stratovolcano is located in this section, with an elevation of 5,920 m (19,422 ft). Only two-thirds of the northeastern slope of the volcano belongs to Bolivia, and the remaining third is in Chile. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, two lakes named for their respective colours, can be found on Licancabur.
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It is divided into three sections: Septentrional, Central, and Meridional
The Cordillera Occidental, also known as the Western Cordillera, is a mountain range in the Andes, located in the west of Bolivia. It is characterised by the vulcanity of its peaks, which are formed by numerous cones and lava flows from the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. The range begins in the north at Jucuri and ends in the south at the Licancabur volcano on the border with Chile, which stands at 5,400 m (17,716 ft) above sea level. The climate is cold and not suitable for plant or animal life. However, the soil is rich in metallic minerals such as gold, silver, and copper.
The Cordillera Occidental is divided into three sections: Septentrional, Central, and Meridional.
Septentrional
The Septentrional section is home to Bolivia's largest nevados (snow-capped peaks), including the country's tallest mountain, Nevado Sajama, which stands at 6,542 m (21,463 ft) above sea level and is covered in perpetual snow. Other notable peaks in this region are the cerros (hills) of Pomerape and Parinacota, known as the Payachatas. Parinacota is a dormant volcano with a snow cone resembling that of Japan's Mount Fuji.
Central
The Central section is located between the Coipasa and Uyuni salt flats, with its tallest peak being the Cerro Candelaria or Alto Torani, rising to 6,000 m (19,685 ft) above sea level. Other important summits include the Ollagüe volcano (5,870 m or 19,258 ft) on the border with Chile, and the Volcán Tunupa (5,432 m or 17,821 ft).
Meridional
The Meridional section is volcanic and known for its sandstorms and fog. The Licancabur volcano stands at 5,920 m (19,422 ft) above sea level, although only two-thirds of its northeastern slope belongs to Bolivia up to 5,400 m (17,716 ft). This area is also home to the famous Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, which owe their names to their respective colours.
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The area is rich in metallic minerals such as gold, silver, and copper
The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Cordillera, is a mountain range in Bolivia that is part of the Andes. It runs along the country's border with Chile and is characterised by its volcanic activity. The region is known for its cold climate and rugged landscape, which is not particularly hospitable to animal and plant life. However, it is beneath the surface that the area truly distinguishes itself, as it is here that large quantities of metallic minerals can be found. Chief among these are gold, silver, and copper, which have no doubt attracted people to the region throughout its history.
The range consists of three sections, each with its own unique features. The northern section is home to the tallest peaks in Bolivia, including the volcano Sajama, which rises to a height of 6,542 meters (21,463 feet) and is the highest point in the country. This section also includes the volcanoes Pomerape and Parinacota, the latter of which is a dormant volcano with a snow-covered cone resembling that of Mount Fuji in Japan.
The central section of the Cordillera Occidental is situated between Uyuni and Coipasa, and its most prominent feature is the Ollagüe (Ullawi) volcano, which sits on the border with Chile. This part of the range is slightly more mild in terms of elevation, but it is no less volcanically active.
The southern section of the Cordillera Occidental is known for its sandstorms and fog, in addition to its volcanic activity. Here, one can find the Licancabur volcano, which rises to a height of 5,920 meters. While only two-thirds of its northeastern slope belongs to Bolivia, it is nonetheless a striking landmark that gives rise to the Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, two lakes named for their respective colours.
The Cordillera Occidental is not just a geographical feature but also a repository of valuable natural resources. The presence of gold, silver, and copper in the region has likely played a significant role in shaping its history and economy. Mining and mineral extraction industries may have developed in the area, contributing to economic growth and attracting people in search of opportunity.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Cordillera, is a mountain range in the extreme west of Bolivia, forming a natural border with Chile.
The Cordillera Occidental is a mountain range that is part of the Andes Mountains system, which, in turn, is part of the American Cordillera.
The highest peak in the Cordillera Occidental is Mount Sajama, reaching an elevation of 21,463 feet (6,542 meters).
The Cordillera Occidental is known for its numerous active volcanoes, salt flats such as the Salar de Uyuni, and colorful lakes like Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde.
