The government has declared the area a "disaster zone," but many say not enough has been done to make the area sustainable again.

Valerio Calle Rojas is one of 150 fishermen from the Untavi community.

"Just 40 days ago there was water, and flamingos were there. There was some water, where there's now those small, dark patches," he said.

He explained Lake Poopo's gradual water loss.

"In the 90's there was at least 2,000 square kilometres of water. After that, the water level began going down,” he said. “In 1995, 1996, there was a drought as well, and the water dried up, but it came back quickly. (…) There should be some rain. But that's not happening.”