Cordillera Occidental (Central Andes) facts for kids
The Western Cordillera (also called Cordillera Occidental) is a huge mountain range in Bolivia. It's part of the bigger Andes mountains, which stretch all the way along the western side of South America. This mountain range is special because it has lots of volcanoes!
The Western Cordillera forms a natural border between Bolivia and Chile. It starts in the north with a mountain called Juqhuri and ends in the south at the Licancabur volcano. The weather here is very cold, and it's tough for plants and animals to live. But what makes this area important is its ground, which is full of valuable minerals like gold, silver, and copper.
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What Makes the Western Cordillera Special?
This mountain range is known for its many volcanoes. It's like a chain of fiery mountains! The Cordillera Occidental is divided into three main parts, each with its own cool features.
Northern Peaks: Home to Bolivia's Giants
The northern part of the Western Cordillera has some of the highest mountains in all of Bolivia. The tallest is a volcano called Sajama, which stands at an amazing 6,542 meters (about 21,463 feet) high. Sajama is always covered in snow, making it look majestic.
In this northern section, you'll also find the volcanoes Pomerape and Parinacota. These two are often called Payachata when talked about together. Parinacota is a sleeping volcano, and its snowy top looks a bit like the famous Mount Fuji in Japan!
Central Section: The Ollagüe Volcano
In the middle part of the Western Cordillera, between the towns of Uyuni and Coipasa, the most important mountain is the Ollagüe (Ullawi) volcano. This volcano sits right on the border with Chile.
Southern Wonders: Volcanoes and Colorful Lakes
The southern part of the Western Cordillera is very active with volcanoes. You might also experience sandstorms and fog here. One of the most famous volcanoes in this area is Licancabur, which is 5,920 meters (about 19,423 feet) tall.
Near Licancabur, you can find two incredible lakes: Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde. They are named for their amazing colors – Laguna Colorada is reddish, and Laguna Verde is green! These lakes get their colors from minerals and tiny living things in the water.
See also
- Cordillera Central (Bolivia)
- Cordillera Oriental (Bolivia)
- Cordillera Occidental (disambiguation)
- Licancabur
