Cerro Zapaleri is notable because its summit is a tripoint at which the borders of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile meet. It is part of Potosi Department (Bolivia), Jujuy Province (Argentina), and Antofagasta Region (Chile).
The Bolivian portion of the mountain is protected within Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Moreover, it is close to the sector Salar de Tara-Salar de Aguas Calientes of Los Flamencos National Reserve, Chile.