Eduardo Avaroa Reserve and Laguna Colorada

Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve (1973), A Reserve Of Red And Green Lagoons, Geysers, Hot Springs And Desert Plateau. Laguna Colorada Is A Red Mineral Lake With Three Species Of Flamingo; The Reserve Holds The Sol De Manana Geysers At About 4,900 M And Laguna Verde Under The Licancabur Volcano. · Villa Mar, Potosi

The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve covers about 7,150 square kilometres of high desert at 4,200 to 5,000 m in Potosi department, near the Chilean border. It is the stretch most travellers cross on the 3-day, 2-night jeep trip from Uyuni, which ends at the Hito Cajon border and San Pedro de Atacama. Laguna Colorada, red from algae and minerals, is the centrepiece, with borax islands and three species of flamingo. Nearby are the Arbol de Piedra, the Sol de Manana geysers, the Termas de Polques hot springs and Laguna Verde under Licancabur volcano. The honest picture is a harsh, remote place. The air is thin, the wind and sun are fierce, nights fall far below freezing, lodging is basic and you can only visit by guided tour. Acclimatise first, bring a sleeping bag and cash, and go with time to spare. Few places feel so empty or so strange, with red water, steam rising from the ground, and thousands of flamingos set against snow-capped volcanoes. Expect a long, bumpy and cold trip that rewards patience.

High-altitude reserve in the south-west corner of Bolivia at 4,200 to 5,000 m, visited on the Uyuni-to-Chile jeep route, with Laguna Colorada, Sol de Manana geysers and Laguna Verde, Villa Mar, Potosi, Bolivia

The reserve is open all day and every day, and the entrance fee is paid in cash at the gate. Access is only by tour or your own 4x4. Dawn is cold and the best light is early and late. Roads can CLOSE in the rainy season, January to March, or during snow and blockades.

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