Desaguadero River

river, Bolivia

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June 25, 2026

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The Desaguadero River is a river in Bolivia that serves as the sole outlet for Lake Titicaca. It flows south from the lake, eventually disappearing underground for a portion of its course before emptying into the Coipasa Salt Flat. The Desaguadero River is part of the inland-draining system of the Altiplano region in western Bolivia. This system also includes Lake Poopó, which has experienced significant drying due to climate change. The Desaguadero River is distinct from the Deseado River in Argentina.12

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Lake Titicaca
One small river, the Desaguadero, drains the lake at its southern end. This single outlet empties only 5 percent of the lake’s excess water; the rest is lost by evaporation under the fierce sun and strong winds of the dry Altiplano.
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One small river, the Desaguadero, drains the lake at its southern end. This single outlet empties only 5 percent of the lake’s excess water; the rest is lost by evaporation under the fierce sun and strong winds of the dry Altiplano.
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Andes Mountains
Physiography of the Central Andes
…part of the depression; the Desaguadero River flows south through the depression, draining Titicaca water into the smaller Lake Poopó.
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…part of the depression; the Desaguadero River flows south through the depression, draining Titicaca water into the smaller Lake Poopó.
Read More