The "shining hill" is a must-see attraction in the mountain range de los Lípez mountain range in Potosi.
The Cerro Maravilla holds a mineral wealth that attracted thousands of settlers in the past.
Llipij orko, the "shining hill", is the original name of the Cerro Maravilla volcano, which rises to an impressive height of 5,890 metres in the mountain range de los Lipez in Potosi.
Reaching its summit is an interesting challenge for mountaineering enthusiasts: a 6-7-hour hike is required but, once at the top, there is a marvellous view of the Bolivian plateau and the Andes mountain range.
Cerro Maravilla was an important mining centre, in both colonial times and in the early decades after Bolivian independence. Numerous small towns sprang up around it, and the ruins of San Antonio del Nuevo Mundo, now known to everyone as the "ghost town", remain to remind us of the age of the great mining boom.
At the foot of the Cerro the climate is cold; the mountain itself reaches a height of about 4,100 metres. The fauna changes depending on the ecosystem: on the slopes of the volcano, llamas and sheep are common; in the high mountain areas and the lakes found there you can easily come across vicunas, viscachas and flamingos, while the nandu, the largest birds in South America, dominates the plains.
Today, the economic mainstay of the communities around Cerro Maravilla is agriculture. Among the products grown here, besides quinoa and potatoes, are greenhouse vegetables, which allow for crop diversification in the adverse weather conditions of the area.
If you want to visit the area of Lipez and its imposing volcano, contact us. We can provide all the information you need for an unforgettable experience.
Additional Info
We recommend warm and windproof clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, cap, hat, sunglasses and a camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Comunidad San Antonio de Lípez, municipio San Pablo de Lípez, departamento de Potosí.
Transportation
By private transport
From Uyuni take the road towards San Cristóbal and there take the dirt road to San Antonio de Lípez; the trip lasts about 4 hours.
By public transport
There is no public transportation available.
Visiting Rules
For your own health and that of the local population, remember to respect all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: bring a mask and hand sanitizer, as well as a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medication for altitude sickness.
During your visit, remember to protect the region's cultural and natural heritage.