Silala

The Silala Brook flows through the high-altitude Andean region, forming a water system that extends across the Chilean-Bolivian border at 4,000 meters elevation.

The Antofagasta & Bolivia Railway Company constructed canals in the early 1900s to redirect water from springs in Bolivia towards Chile for industrial purposes.

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.

Access to the Silala Brook requires permits and navigation through unpaved mountain roads, with optimal visiting conditions during the dry season from April to November.

The International Court of Justice recognized in 2022 that both Chile and Bolivia have rights to utilize the Silala waters under international customary law.

Location: Antofagasta Region

Location: Potosí Department

Elevation above the sea: 4,551 m

GPS coordinates: -22.00889,-68.00333

Latest update: October 29, 2025 18:35