Eduardo Avaroa National Park

Eduardo Avaroa National Park, high in the Bolivian Altiplano near the Chilean border, is a surreal landscape of salt flats, colored lagoons, geysers, and volcanic peaks. This remote, otherworldly park is a highlight of any Bolivia trip, offering some of the most dramatic and photogenic scenery in South America.

Highlights & What to See

• Laguna Colorada: A shallow red lake dotted with white borax islands, home to thousands of flamingos. The striking color comes from algae and minerals.
• Sol de Mañana Geysers: At nearly 4,900m, this geothermal field has boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and steaming vents. Visit at sunrise when the steam is most dramatic.
• Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca: Two stunning lagoons at the foot of Licancabur Volcano. Laguna Verde’s emerald hue contrasts with the white salt of Laguna Blanca.
• Árbol de Piedra: A wind-sculpted rock formation that resembles a petrified tree, set in a vast plain.
• Salar de Chalviri & Termas de Polques: Hot springs where you can soak surrounded by altiplano scenery.
• Wildlife: Look for vicuñas, viscachas, Andean foxes, and three species of flamingos (James, Andean, and Chilean).

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore the park as part of a 3-day salar de Uyuni tour that starts in Uyuni and ends at the Chilean border. You'll spend one full day inside the park, but allocate at least 3 days total for the entire circuit. The high altitude (4,200-5,000m) means you should acclimatize in Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama before entering. Come prepared for extreme temperature swings – from freezing nights to intense daytime sun.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Salar de Uyuni: The world’s largest salt flat, just north of the park. Most tours combine both.
• San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: A popular gateway via the Hito Cajón border crossing. Combine with Atacama’s geysers, salt flats, and valleys.
• Laguna Hedionda & Siloli Desert: Smaller lagoons and a stark desert en route to the park.
• Villa Mar: A tiny settlement near the border with a lagoon and flamingos.
• Potosi: A historic mining city, often visited on the way to or from Uyuni.

Please check official sources for current details.