EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE
The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is Bolivia’s most visited protected area, a surreal landscape of high-altitude deserts, volcanic peaks, and multicolored lagoons that feel like another planet.
This rugged sanctuary in the Sur Lípez region protects the fragile beauty of the Altiplano. It is a land of extreme contrasts, where freezing winds sweep across vibrant, mineral-rich waters.
Most Popular Attractions
Geological Wonders & Deserts:
Siloli Desert: One of the highest deserts in the world, famous for its wind-sculpted rock formations and vast, gravelly plains.
Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree): An iconic 7-meter-tall volcanic rock formation thinned by wind erosion, resembling a stunted tree.
Salvador Dalí Desert: A valley characterized by surreal landscapes and colors that mimic the paintings of the famous Spanish surrealist.
Sol de Mañana Geysers: A high-altitude geothermal field with bubbling mud pools, sulfurous steam vents, and intense volcanic activity.
Rock Valley (Ciudad de Piedra): A massive field of volcanic rock outcrops that create the illusion of a ruined, ancient stone city.
Ollagüe Volcano: An active stratovolcano on the border with Chile, often seen with a permanent plume of smoke rising from its crater.
Licancabur Volcano: The towering, cone-shaped sentinel of the reserve, reflecting perfectly in the emerald waters at its base.
The Great Lagoons (Lagunas):
Laguna Colorada: A shallow salt lake famous for its deep blood-red color caused by algae and its massive population of flamingos.
Laguna Verde: A stunning mineral-rich lake at the foot of Licancabur, known for its brilliant turquoise-green hue.
Laguna Blanca: Located right next to Laguna Verde, this lake appears milky white due to its high concentration of suspended minerals.
Laguna Hedionda: Named “Stinking Lake” for its sulfurous smell, it is a primary feeding ground for James’s and Andean flamingos.
Laguna Cañapa: A picturesque blue lagoon surrounded by yellow pajonal grass, often the first stop for visitors entering from the north.
Laguna Honda: A small, shallow “deep” lagoon known for its clear reflections and tranquil atmosphere.
Laguna Busch: A remote body of water located in the southern reaches of the park, offering pristine wildlife viewing.
Wildlife & Thermal Springs:
Termas de Polques: Natural hot springs where travelers can soak in mineral waters while looking out over the Salar de Chalviri.
James’s Flamingo Nesting Sites: Specific protected marshlands within the reserve where the rarest of the three flamingo species breeds.
Vizcachas Lookout: Areas of rocky scree where these rabbit-like rodents with long tails are frequently spotted sunning themselves.
Andean Fox Habitats: Observation points throughout the Siloli Desert where the hardy Culpeo fox is often seen scavenging.
Vicunã Grazing Grounds: The vast open plains (pampas) where herds of wild, protected vicuñas graze on the sparse vegetation.
Bofedales de Quetena: High-altitude wetlands that serve as essential oases for llamas, alpacas, and diverse birdlife.
Activities & Experiences
Marvel at the Laguna Colorada: Observe the striking blood-red waters of this shallow salt lake, colored by sediment and algae, while thousands of James’s flamingos feed in the shallows.
Photograph the Árbol de Piedra: Visit the Siloli Desert to see this “Stone Tree,” a unique volcanic rock formation carved into a tree-like shape by years of strong winds and sand erosion.
Bathe in the Polques Hot Springs: Relax in the natural thermal pools of Termas de Polques, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while looking out over the icy Altiplano landscape.
Visit the Sol de Mañana Geysers: Arrive at dawn to witness the intense geothermal activity of this basin, featuring bubbling mud pots, pressurized steam vents, and a distinct sulfurous aroma.
Admire Laguna Verde and Licancabur Volcano: See the turquoise waters of Laguna Verde at the foot of the massive Licancabur Volcano, which changes hue based on the disturbance of mineral sediments by the wind.
Spot Andean Wildlife: Keep your binoculars ready to spot endemic species such as the Andean fox (culpeo), herds of vicuñas, viscachas (rabbit-like rodents), and three different species of flamingos.
Explore the Dalí Desert: Drive through the Valle de Dalí, a surreal landscape of wind-swept sands and isolated boulders that famously resemble the paintings of Salvador Dalí.
Stargaze in the High Altiplano: With almost zero light pollution and high altitude, spend a night at a local refuge to witness the Milky Way with incredible clarity.
Climb Volcano Uturuncu: For the adventurous, embark on a high-altitude trek up this semi-active volcano, which features one of the highest drivable tracks in the world.
Visit the Laguna Blanca: Located right next to Laguna Verde, this lake offers a stark, white contrast due to its high salt and mineral content, creating a perfect mirror effect on calm days.
Local Tips & Transport
4×4 Tours are Essential: There are no paved roads within the reserve. The most common and safest way to explore is by hiring a private 4×4 vehicle with a driver/guide, usually departing from Uyuni (Bolivia) or San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).
Self-Driving Risks: While possible, self-driving is highly discouraged unless you are an expert off-roader with satellite navigation (GPS). There are no signposts, and getting lost or stuck in the sand can be life-threatening due to the extreme climate.
Fuel and Supplies: There are no gas stations inside the reserve. Tours must carry all their own fuel in jerry cans, as well as several spare tires and mechanical tools.
Checkpoints: Ensure your tour operator has registered your entry at the main administrative office in Laguna Colorada, where you must pay the entrance fee (usually 150 BOB) in cash.
Altitude Awareness: Most of the reserve lies between 4,000m and 5,000m above sea level. Spend at least two days acclimating in Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama before entering to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Drink plenty of water and try local coca tea.
Extreme Temperatures: This is one of the coldest regions in Bolivia. Even in summer, nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing ( -15ºC is common). Dress in multiple layers (thermal base, fleece, and windproof outer shell).
Respect the Wildlife: Never feed the Andean foxes or get too close to the flamingos. The ecosystem is incredibly fragile, and human interference can disrupt the nesting patterns of these rare birds.
Limited Infrastructure: Accommodations inside the reserve are generally basic “refugios” with shared bathrooms and limited electricity (often only for a few hours in the evening). Do not expect luxury or reliable Wi-Fi.
Hidden Gems:
- Laguna Capina: Often overlooked for the bigger lakes, this is a great spot to see borax mining in action and large colonies of flamingos without the crowds.
- The “Inca” Ruins of Laguna Verde: Small, lesser-known archaeological remains can be found near the base of the mountains, hinting at the historical transit routes through the Andes.
- Laguna Salada: A smaller salt flat within the reserve that offers incredible reflections during the rainy season (January–March) but remains accessible when the Great Salar de Uyuni is too flooded to cross.
Water Conservation: Water is a very scarce resource in this desert environment. Showers at refugios are often paid and very short; please use water sparingly.
Language: Your drivers and guides will likely speak Spanish or Quechua/Aymara. While tour agencies provide English-speaking guides for a premium, knowing basic Spanish will greatly enhance your interaction with the local staff at the refugios.