Laguna Colorada Bolivia
A surreal, shallow red salt lake in Bolivia's Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, famed for its thousands of flamingos and stark, high-altitude beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak flamingo breeding season
Laguna Colorada Bolivia
Best Time
Peak flamingo breeding season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surreal, shallow red salt lake in Bolivia's Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, famed for its thousands of flamingos and stark, high-altitude beauty.
"Felt like I was trespassing in a sacred sanctuary on another planet, silent, surreal, and utterly humbling."
Pack Warm Layers 🥵
Temperatures plummet at night. Bring thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket.
Sun Protection is Crucial 🌜
The high altitude means intense sun. Use high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crimson Waters
Laguna Colorada
Witness the surreal, vibrant red hue of the lake, caused by mineral sediments and algae.
Flamingo Spectacle
Laguna Colorada
Observe thousands of Andean, James's, and Chilean flamingos gracefully wading in the shallow waters.
Borax Islands
Laguna Colorada
Admire the striking contrast of white borax islands against the red lake and surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Altitude
Tour is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Warm Layers 🥵
Temperatures plummet at night. Bring thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket.
Sun Protection is Crucial 🌜
The high altitude means intense sun. Use high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Bring Snacks & Water 🧀
Food options are scarce. Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks for your tour.
Camera Ready! 📷
The colors and wildlife are incredible. Ensure your camera is fully charged and has ample storage.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Warm Layers 🥵
Temperatures plummet at night. Bring thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket.
Sun Protection is Crucial 🌜
The high altitude means intense sun. Use high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Bring Snacks & Water 🧀
Food options are scarce. Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks for your tour.
Camera Ready! 📷
The colors and wildlife are incredible. Ensure your camera is fully charged and has ample storage.
Respect Wildlife 🦊
Maintain a safe distance from flamingos and other wildlife. Do not feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Laguna Colorada as one of the most surreal and humbling places on Earth, often comparing it to Mars with a touch of flamingo chic. The vibrant red lake, thousands of flamingos, and stark, silent landscapes create an unforgettable, otherworldly experience. While the altitude and basic conditions are challenging, the raw, untouched nature makes it a profound rite of passage for many.
"🦩 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩
One of the most surreal places I’ve ever stumbled into, like someone Photoshopped Mars, added a dash of flamingo chic, and forgot to invite the rest of the tourists. When I went, it was just us, the flamingos, and the howling silence of high-altitude nothingness. No selfie sticks. No tour buses. Just volcanic mountains and a lake that bleeds red under the Andean sky.
The flamingos 🦩 ? Still hundreds of them.. (as it was low season) strutting around like they own the planet. Which, out here, they kind of do. Mostly James’s, Chilean, and Andean flamingos all doing ballet in freezing shallow waters like it’s no big deal.
May to December, especially September to November when breeding season hits and the population explodes like pink confetti across the lake. Outside of this, you might see fewer of them, but even a dozen flamingos in this red surreal soup is something else.
Andean flamingos are the rarest in the world, and Laguna Colorada is one of their main breeding sites. During the coldest months (June to August), some migrate to lower altitudes, but many remain thanks to geothermal activity that keeps parts of the lake from freezing. Their primary food source is red algae, which not only fuels their feathers but also paints the lake in its iconic crimson hue—basically the most dramatic dinner date imaginable.
At an altitude of 4,278 meters above sea level and covering roughly 60 square kilometers, Laguna Colorada is both breathtaking and breath-snatching. The temperature ranges from freezing to frostbite, the air is thinner than your excuses, and flamingos number in the thousands during peak season. When I explored the lake, tourist count was basically in the single digit, just raw nature, pink birds, and the creeping suspicion that I had entered a flamingo-controlled simulation.
VERDICT: Felt like I was trespassing in a sacred sanctuary on another planet, silent, surreal, and utterly humbling. Would absolutely return, though next time with more thermal layers and less ego. If you value solitude, bone chilling temperatures, and raw untouched nature, this is not just a recommendation, it’s a rite of passage."
The Compass Guy
"Laguna Colorada or Red Lagoon is an incredible natural wonder in Bolivia, near the border with Chile. It's an experience that no pictures or videos can translate. Seeing the stunning flamingo in their habitat (and the reason why they are pink after all comes from the lagoon pigmentation) felt like being live in a documentary from the BBC. Unforgettable."
Danny
"This is an amazing place, full of flamingo and with a wonderful color; red, white and green. There is a small trek to do to see the laguna from an upper view which is great and allow you to have a 360 degree vision."
Anastasia Zarina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laguna Colorada is typically visited as part of a 3-4 day jeep tour from Uyuni. These tours cover vast distances across the altiplano and include stops at various lagoons and natural wonders. Independent travel is extremely difficult due to the remote location and lack of infrastructure.
Yes, many tours from San Pedro de Atacama include Laguna Colorada as part of a 3-4 day itinerary that crosses into Bolivia. This is a popular option for travelers exploring the Atacama region.
The most practical and recommended way to visit Laguna Colorada is by booking a multi-day tour from Uyuni or Tupiza in Bolivia, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. These tours provide transportation, accommodation, and guides.
Driving to Laguna Colorada independently is not recommended. The roads are unpaved, often rough, and navigation can be challenging. A 4x4 vehicle and experience with high-altitude desert driving are essential.
The journey to Laguna Colorada is part of a longer tour. From Uyuni, it's typically a full day's drive, often with several stops along the way. The total travel time depends on the tour itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Laguna Colorada is located within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, and an entrance fee is required. This fee is usually included in the price of your tour package. 
The entrance fee for the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, which includes Laguna Colorada, is typically around 150 Bolivianos (approximately $20 USD), but this can vary. Confirm with your tour operator.
Accommodation near Laguna Colorada is very basic and usually consists of simple refugios or hostels provided by tour operators. These are often shared dormitories with limited amenities. Booking a tour that includes accommodation is standard.
Laguna Colorada is a natural reserve and does not have set opening hours. It is accessible as part of day tours or multi-day excursions. The best viewing times are during daylight hours.
Tickets for Laguna Colorada are typically purchased as part of a tour package. You cannot usually buy separate entry tickets online; the reserve fee is collected by your tour operator.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, but the vibrant red color is visible throughout the day. Midday sun can be harsh, but the contrast with the white borax islands and pink flamingos is always striking.
A telephoto lens is great for capturing flamingos, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for the vast landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the stillness of the lake.
Your tour guide will likely take you to several viewpoints. Look for elevated spots that offer a panoramic view of the lake, flamingos, and surrounding volcanoes.
Drone usage may be restricted within national reserves to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check with your tour operator and local regulations before flying a drone.
Use your camera's white balance settings or shoot in RAW format to adjust colors in post-processing. The red hue is naturally intense due to algae and sediments.
🎫 🦩 Wildlife
Laguna Colorada is a vital habitat for three species of flamingos: Andean, James's, and Chilean flamingos. The Andean flamingo is the rarest.
The flamingos' pink and red coloration comes from the pigments in the algae and brine shrimp they consume, which are abundant in the mineral-rich waters of Laguna Colorada.
While flamingos are the main attraction, you might also spot vicuñas, Andean foxes, and various bird species in the surrounding Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
The largest numbers of flamingos are typically seen from May to December, with peak numbers often occurring during the breeding season from September to November.
It's important to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the flamingos. Your tour guide will ensure you have good viewing opportunities without impacting their habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key considerations for families: Ensure children are well-acclimatized to the altitude before visiting. Pack plenty of snacks and entertainment for the jeep journeys. The basic accommodation might be a challenge, so consider tours that offer slightly more comfortable options if available. The sheer wonder of the natural world on display here is unforgettable for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the tour cost is a significant factor, remember that it covers transportation, lodging, and food in a remote area. The value lies in experiencing the vastness of the altiplano and its unique natural wonders. Be prepared for basic conditions to keep costs down.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Tips for photographers: Bring a good telephoto lens for the flamingos and a wide-angle lens for the expansive landscapes. Shoot in RAW format to maximize editing flexibility. Be prepared for challenging light conditions and extreme temperatures. The lack of crowds, especially outside peak season, allows for unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Crimson Hue
+1The lake's high salinity and mineral content create a challenging environment for most life, but it's perfectly suited for these specialized algae. The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve protects this delicate ecosystem, ensuring the continued survival of the flamingos and the preservation of the lake's unique color. Visitors often describe the sight as otherworldly, comparing it to landscapes on Mars due to the intense colors and stark surroundings.
Beyond the red, Laguna Colorada also features striking white borax islands. These formations add another layer of visual contrast, making the lake a photographer's dream. The interplay of red water, white islands, pink flamingos, and the vast, arid altiplano creates a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Navigating the Altiplano: Tour Essentials
These tours typically include basic accommodation in refugios or hostels along the route, which are often shared dormitories with minimal amenities. Meals are usually provided, but they are simple and hearty, designed to fuel you for the day's adventures. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and extra water, as options are limited once you're on the road.
When choosing a tour, look for operators with good reviews regarding safety, vehicle maintenance, and knowledgeable guides. While the journey can be bumpy and the conditions basic, the incredible scenery and unique wildlife encounters make it a worthwhile adventure. Many travelers find the experience to be a highlight of their South American trip, despite the challenges.
The Flamingo's Sanctuary
The flamingos' diet consists primarily of the algae and small crustaceans found in the lake. This diet is directly responsible for their vibrant pink and red plumage. The high altitude and harsh conditions of the altiplano might seem inhospitable, but they create a unique environment where these specialized birds can thrive, largely undisturbed by human activity.
+1Observing these flamingos in their natural habitat is a profound experience. The sight of large flocks moving in unison across the crimson lake, with the backdrop of volcanoes and stark landscapes, is truly mesmerizing. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience and beauty of nature in extreme environments.
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