Potosí Department, Administrative department in southwestern Bolivia
Potosí Department is an administrative division in southwestern Bolivia covering mountainous terrain that includes the Salar de Uyuni salt flat and the mineral-rich Andean highlands. The region divides into sixteen provinces with elevations ranging from valleys to high plateaus above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
The area contained the most productive silver mines of the Spanish Empire during colonial times, generating enormous wealth through precious metal extraction. The mines shaped the economy and society for centuries before silver reserves declined in the late 19th century.
The name comes from the eponymous city that became one of the world's largest population centers during the 16th-century silver rush. Many towns preserve colonial architecture alongside markets where vendors sell local textiles and potato varieties cultivated for generations.
Travelers should prepare for high altitude and rapid weather changes, especially in provinces near the salt flat and highest peaks. The drier months from May through October offer clearer visibility and better road conditions for journeys through remote areas.
The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve holds red and green lagoons where flamingos feed among mineral-colored waters at high altitude. These hues come from algae and sediments that glow intensely depending on light and season.
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