Juriques

Juriques is a stratovolcano straddling the Bolivia-Chile border that rises to 5,704 meters with a symmetrical cone shape. The volcano contains a crater at its summit and sits within an arid high-altitude landscape dotted with rare vegetation.

The name Juriques comes from Kunza-speaking inhabitants and means 'without a head', referring to the regional geological character. Volcanic activity shaped this formation over thousands of years as the Andes mountain range developed.

Indigenous communities of the Andes Mountains incorporate the Juriques volcano into their traditional narratives about the formation of natural landmarks.

Access requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach the upper trailhead around 4,500 meters elevation, then several hours of hiking to the summit. You should prepare for thin mountain air and bring adequate water and sun protection for the exposed terrain.

The nearby Laguna Verde displays changing colors in its mineral-rich waters depending on wind patterns and temperature shifts throughout the day. This color transformation occurs from the interplay between suspended minerals and varying light conditions at high altitude.

Location: Sur Lípez Province

Elevation above the sea: 5,704 m

GPS coordinates: -22.84643,-67.82433

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41