Kari Kari Lagoon
Attraction

Kari Kari Lagoon

In 1575, the viceroy Toledo ordered to build several artificial lagoons east of the city that would be useful to accumulate water during the rainy season, with the intention of using them in the dry periods. The artificial lagoons of Potosi known as the 'lagunas de Kari Kari' are considered to be...

Updated: August 6, 2026
In 1575, the viceroy Toledo ordered to build several artificial lagoons east of the city that would be useful to accumulate water during the rainy season, with the intention of using them in the dry periods. The artificial lagoons of Potosi known as the 'lagunas de Kari Kari' are considered to be one of the main elements of the mining infrastructure. These lagoons are located in the Eastern part of the city. They were constructed in almost 50 years and with the participation of 20,000 indigenous residents. A large wall was built as well at the Northern end of the city to take advantage of the city's natural slope, to retain the water with greater ease and to use this construction as a dam. This helped to get a greater better motive power from the water kept in these construtions. The first lagoon was called "Chalviri", which was used to construct the main dam. In 1576 the digging of the "Kari Kari" Lagoon began, which has also been known as "San Idelfonso", "Chalviri" and "San Sebastian".

Tours Including This Destination

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Tupiza to Uyuni Tour
4 Days
Potosi
Potosi

Tupiza to Uyuni Tour

This is a perfect option for travelers looking to discover the wonders around Tupiza town and the magnificent Uyuni Salt Flat and colored lagoons.

Tarapaya Thermal Lagoon Tour
1 Day
Potosi
Potosi

Tarapaya Thermal Lagoon Tour

Visit Tarapaya Lagoon, filled with thermal waters which give origin to other spring water sites.

Nearby Places & Attractions

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Salvador Dalí desert
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Salvador Dalí desert

Salvador Dalí Desert (Desierto Salvador Dalí), also known as Dalí Valley (Valle de Dalí), is an extremely barren valley of southwestern Bolivia, in the Potosí Department.

Red Lagoon
Attraction

Red Lagoon

The Red lagoon (Laguna Colorada) is a shallow lake within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve and close to the border with Chile. The lake is famous for its strong red colour caused by algae that provide food for large flocks of pink flamingos.

Green Lagoon
Attraction

Green Lagoon

Green lagoon (Laguna Verde) is a high-altitude mineral lake in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, known for its beautiful green color. It sits at the foot of 2 volcanoes, Licancabur and Juriques, which straddle the border with Chile and are reflected in the water when the weather is calm.

Rock Tree
Attraction

Rock Tree

The Rock Tree (Árbol de Piedra) is a tree-like rock formation in the Siloli Desert desert that offers great photo opportunities!

Andean Fauna
Attraction

Andean Fauna

The Andean fauna populating the surroundings of the Uyuni Salt Flat and the amazing lagoons is diverse and rich. During the most popular tours to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve it is possible to observe these species in their natural habitat and be amazed by nature.

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