ENG:Lago Uru Uru

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A lovely walk through the middle of Lago Uru Uru allowing views of the many birds and life which occupies the lake. Quite flat but at 4,000 m, it is a good way to acclimate to the elevation and experience the remnants of an ancient lake.

Year round, weather dependent.

En vehículo propio

Park on either end of the route on RN 1, though your vehicle may be easier to access and less likely to be robbed if left in Machacamarca

En transporte público y autostop

Walking out from Oruro to the town of Machacamarca. Returning to the city it cost less than 4 Bolivianos on one of many minis which leave frequently throughout the day back to Oruro.

This route is 25 km long of lovely, easy, flat walking, following along the railroad burm which departs to the south of the city of Oruro. Leaving the city you will see the large amounts of trash which are thrown into the lake for lack of proper disposal options and awareness.

This section was not lovely but interesting, in a smelly kind of way. The route then passes a few homesteads and then out through the reeds. The level of the lake varies greatly with the season, though the locals report it never rises over the railroad tracks so this walk is a safe option if weather permits. Out on the waters of the lake birdlife was abundant, a birdwatchers delight with many ducks, flamingos, hawks, etc. Fish and fishermen can be seen along the way, as can farmers, with their animals out grazing in the shallows.

Trains are infrequent during the day so the passage is largely yours, though it is important to remain attentive.

Approaching Machacamarca we saw a complex of small, private mining operations which were actively being worked and an intersting insight into the mining culture of the country.

Tiempo Esperado

4-5 hours

• Ejemplo 1
• Ejemplo 2