Silala

The Silala is a mountain stream in the high Andes along the Chilean-Bolivian border. It flows at approximately 4,000 meters elevation and forms a water system that connects both countries.

In the early 1900s, the Antofagasta & Bolivia Railway Company built canals to divert water from Bolivian springs toward Chile. These artificial systems were designed to supply water for industrial uses in the region.

The water source remains essential for local indigenous communities who depend on its flow for agricultural activities and the preservation of their traditional farming methods.

Visiting the Silala requires permits and navigation through unpaved mountain roads in this remote area. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November, when conditions are more stable.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 2022 that both Chile and Bolivia have equal rights to use the water. This decision resolved decades of disputes over who could access this shared resource.

Location: Antofagasta Region

Location: Potosí Department

Elevation above the sea: 4,551 m

GPS coordinates: -22.00889,-68.00333

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:44