South America

Laguana Colorado

Laguana Colorado is a shallow salt lake in the beautiful barren region of Bolivia. It is inside the Eduardo Avaroa Andean National Reserve. The lake stretches for about 60 square kilometers. The particular color of the lake is due to the high mineral content in the water and the presence of algae and plankton. Minerals like sodium, magnesium, borax and gypsum are found in the water. Beautiful flamingoes abound in this barren area. The contrast is quite stark. This whole area is the breeding ground for these magnificent avian species. The place is generally reached through Uyuni. You either take a bus ride or car ride from La Paz, Oruro, Potosi, Tupiza, Atocha, and Sucre to reach here. There is a small hill nearby the lake which offers a breathtaking view of the sunset.It can be quite cold in here with the setting of the sun. So carry enough warm clothes.

The best time to arrive here is in Summer. Since there are not many settlements nearby, it is best to finish your excursion while daylight is still there. The sunset in this lake is worth a shot. The Laguana Colorado is listed as one of the Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. Just inside the National Park, in the South of Lipez is the Volcano Licancabur. It provides excellent trekking opportunities.

Some other important places in the same itinerary of Bolivia are

Paso de Leon:

This place has Bolivia’s only active Volcano. The red rocks in the region are quite common.

Laguana Canapa:

This is the first Laguana in the itinerary. This also have saline water and is the breeding ground of flamingoes like the Laguana Colorado. The whole are is surrounded by huge mountains.

Laguana Hedionda:

This is at a elevation of 4186 meters. This also is a ground for flamingoes. The trail between Laguana Hedionda and Laguna Colorado there are some rodents like viscachas. Also on the way there is a certain rock formation that has taken shape due to erosion for thousand of years. They look more or less like stone tree.

Colchani:

It lies in the Salar de Uyuni region. If you want to observe how soil is extracted this is the place to be.

Fish Island:

This is 100 kilometers from Uyuni. It is a hilly region that is covered with cacti. The contrast is quite striking. From above you can have a view of the white sea of salt. The hills here are at an angle of 45 degrees. The whole area of this tilted hills, sea of white and blue colors, and cacti growth here and there produces a landscape that is quite unique and strange for the tourists.