Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve is a high-altitude wonderland in Bolivia's southwestern altiplano, a starkly beautiful expanse of lagoons, geysers, and volcanoes that feels like another planet. Named after a Bolivian hero, this protected area sits at over 4,000 metres and is a highlight of any journey through the region, offering otherworldly landscapes and extraordinary wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions.

Highlights & What to See

• Laguna Colorada – a shallow, mineral-rich lake stained rust-red by algae and borax, dotted with white islands and flamingos; the contrast is surreal.
• Sol de Mañana Geysers – steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pools at nearly 5,000 metres, best visited at dawn for dramatic steam against the cold air.
• Laguna Verde – a stunning emerald-green lake at the foot of Licancabur Volcano, its colour shifting with the wind and light.
• Laguna Blanca – a brilliant white lake that mirrors the sky, often paired with Laguna Verde for a striking duo.
• Flamingos – three species (James's, Andean, and Chilean) feed in the lagoons; the best viewing is at Laguna Colorada.
• Desierto Siloli – a rocky desert with strange wind-sculpted rock formations, including the iconic Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree).
• High-altitude wildlife – look for vicuñas, viscachas, and Andean foxes roaming the plains.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore the reserve as part of a three-day or four-day jeep tour from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) or Uyuni (Bolivia). Dedicate at least one full day within the reserve to cover the key lagoons, geysers, and desert landscapes. The altitude can be challenging, so pace yourself and allow time to acclimatise before arriving. Early starts are essential to catch the best light and avoid afternoon winds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Salar de Uyuni – the world's largest salt flat, a surreal expanse that often forms the start or end of a circuit including the reserve.
• San Pedro de Atacama – a Chilean oasis town with its own high-altitude attractions, just a few hours' drive from the reserve.
• Laguna Hedionda – another flamingo-filled lake on the route between Uyuni and the reserve.
• Siloli Desert – often visited en route, with its bizarre rock formations and stark beauty.
• Licancabur Volcano – a perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano that towers over the border with Chile; some tours offer a challenging summit climb.

Please check official sources for current details.