It is part of the same high-altitude (Andean Altiplano) volcanic region as Chile's Atacama Desert, with elevations of roughly 4,000–6,000 meters (13,000–20,000 feet).
The National Reserve, surrounded by volcanoes and deserts, is a protected area in the remote southwest corner of Bolivia near the borders with Chile and Argentina.
The reserve was established in 1973 to protect endangered wildlife such as vicuñas and Andean flamingos.
