Wasteland Houses: Defying a Poisonous Land | Habitats of the World: Bolivia

Our host and guide, Philippe Simay, is welcomed by Elias, who explains that, for the Chipayas, a home is more than just four walls. The Chipaya live in self-sufficiency in the vast expanse of the Altiplano, Bolivia’s high plains. Following conflicts with their neighbors, they sought refuge in this salt-scorched land, where they developed a unique way of life. Their dwellings are scattered across kilometers, spanning from the village to their putukus—small, earthen huts resistant to strong winds. To sustain themselves, they practice lamea, an ancient technique that diverts rainwater to fertilize the soil.