Cordillera Occidental

mountains, Bolivia

Also known as: Western Cordillera

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July 1, 2026

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The Cordillera Occidental is a major mountain system in western Bolivia, forming part of the Andes. It runs parallel to the border with Chile and is characterized by numerous active volcanoes and the vast Uyuni Salt Flat. The cordillera's highest peak is Mount Sajama, reaching an elevation of 21,463 feet (6,542 meters). This mountain range, along with the Cordillera Oriental to its east, encloses the high-elevation Altiplano plateau, which is one of the world's highest inhabited areas. The Cordillera Occidental's western slopes descend into the Atacama Desert.12

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mountain
The Andes
…of two parallel ranges, the Cordillera Occidental (or Western Cordillera) and the Cordillera Oriental (or Eastern Cordillera), which surround the high plateau, the Altiplano.
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…of two parallel ranges, the Cordillera Occidental (or Western Cordillera) and the Cordillera Oriental (or Eastern Cordillera), which surround the high plateau, the Altiplano.
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Bolivia
Relief
…border with Chile is the Cordillera Occidental, which contains numerous active volcanoes and the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flat; the cordillera is crowned by the republic’s highest peak, Mount Sajama, reaching an elevation of 21,463 feet (6,542 meters). To the east is the Cordillera Oriental, whose spectacular northern section near La…
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…border with Chile is the Cordillera Occidental, which contains numerous active volcanoes and the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flat; the cordillera is crowned by the republic’s highest peak, Mount Sajama, reaching an elevation of 21,463 feet (6,542 meters). To the east is the Cordillera Oriental, whose spectacular northern section near La…
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