Suriplaza
Pale volcanic pinnacles on the high road between Putre and the salt flats, at over four thousand metres.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Suriplaza is a stretch of eroded volcanic tuff on the altiplano road between Putre and the Salar de Surire, where the soft pale rock has weathered into columns, fins and rounded forms standing out of the plain at over four thousand metres. Vicuna graze around it and the ground is bofedal wetland in places. It is not a destination in itself - there is no facility, no sign of any substance and no path - but it is the landmark on a long and otherwise featureless drive, and the standard stop between Putre and the salt flat. The name refers to the suri, the Andean rhea, which lives in this country.
What you actually see
- Eroded tuff pinnacles - columns and fins on the altiplano.
- Over four thousand metres - with the effects that brings.
- Vicuna and bofedal wetland - the ground around the formations.
- A landmark on a long drive - between Putre and Surire.
When to go
April to November; the summer rains close the road. Two hours.
Honest expectations
There is nothing here but the rocks - no facilities, no path, no interpretation. The altitude is serious and the road is rough gravel. It is a stop, not a destination.
Nearby
Salar de Surire is south; Putre and Lauca are north.
What to pack for Suriplaza
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.