Eduardo Avaroa National Park

Eduardo Avaroa National Park, tucked into the high-altitude desert of southwestern Bolivia near the Chilean and Argentine borders, is a surreal, otherworldly landscape of vivid lagoons, steaming geysers, and vast salt flats. At an average elevation of 4,000 metres, this park is a highlight of the altiplano circuit, offering encounters with flamingos, rock formations sculpted by wind, and thermal springs. It's a must for adventurous travellers seeking raw, photogenic nature and a taste of the remote Andean wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Laguna Colorada – A shallow, rust-red lake dotted with white borax islands, where hundreds of James's flamingos feed. The colour is most striking at midday when light hits the algae-rich waters.
• Sol de Mañana Geyser Field – At dawn, this geothermal area erupts with steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots, set against a stark, high-plain backdrop. Arrive early for the best atmosphere.
• Laguna Verde – A stunning emerald-green lake at the foot of the Licancabur volcano, its colour shifting with the wind. The contrast with the surrounding ochre hills is unforgettable.
• Laguna Blanca – A white, salt-encrusted lagoon adjacent to Laguna Verde, offering mirror-like reflections of the volcano on calm days.
• Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) – A 7-metre-high rock formation eroded into the shape of a tree, standing alone in the vast Siloli Desert. A classic photo stop.
• Polques Hot Springs – Soak in warm thermal pools (around 30°C) after a cold morning, with views over the altiplano and nearby geysers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers visit as part of a 3-day or 4-day jeep tour from Uyuni, which covers the park and the Uyuni Salt Flats. One full day inside the park is enough to see the main highlights, but two days allows for a more relaxed pace, including a sunrise at Sol de Mañana and an afternoon soak at Polques. Overnight stays are in basic refugios; book through a tour operator in Uyuni or Tupiza.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Salar de Uyuni – The world's largest salt flat, a surreal white expanse just north of the park, often combined on the same tour.
• Laguna Hedionda – A smaller, dark-water lake on the way to the park, famous for its flamingo populations.
• Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa – The broader reserve surrounding the park, with additional lagoons and wildlife.
• San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) – A popular gateway town across the border, offering access to the park via the Hito Cajón crossing.
• Tupiza – A colourful town in southern Bolivia, starting point for adventurous multi-day tours through the altiplano to the park.

Please check official sources for current details.