2025 Sur Lipez Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

I went to Laguna Colorado, a red lake. It is located in Bolivia, near the border with Chile. There are many wild flamingos here, and you can see all three species of flamingo in the world. It is very mysterious and moving. Please go and see it.

Laguna Colorada, located in southwestern Bolivia, is renowned for its stunning pink waters and flocks of flamingos, creating a dreamy scene that resembles a watercolor painting left behind on Earth. Location: Situated in Bolivia's Andean plateau near the Chilean border, it is part of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Elevation: Approximately 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level. The pink color of Laguna Colorada comes from: Algae in the lake produce red carotenoids under high-salt and high-light conditions. Mineral deposits in the water also reflect unique colors. Depending on the weather, time, and angle of sunlight, the lake's color shifts between pink, reddish-brown, and orange-red, creating a spectacular view. This lake is one of the habitats for three species of Andean flamingos (Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, and James's flamingo). They can be seen feeding in groups in the lake, and South American llamas are often spotted grazing along the shores. Best Travel Time Dry season (May to October): Stable weather and better road conditions make this the ideal time for sightseeing and photography, as the lake's colors are most vivid. Tips Transportation challenges: Most visitors start their journey from Uyuni, joining a 4WD desert tour that typically includes the Salar de Uyuni. Altitude sickness: Due to the high elevation, ensure adequate rest and hydration. Warm clothing: Despite strong sunlight during the day, nighttime temperatures can be extremely low.

🌄 Introduction: In the Potosí Province of Bolivia, there is a natural wonder that amazes the world - the Uyuni Salt Flats. This vast expanse of white wasteland, known as the "Mirror of the Sky", is one of the purest and most dreamy landscapes on earth. When the rainy season comes, the salt marsh turns into a giant mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, making people feel as if they are on the edge of another world. 📅 Best time to travel: The best time to witness the stunning sight of the "Sky Mirror" is from December to February of the following year, which is the local rainy season. At this time, the salt marsh is filled with rainwater, forming a shallow lake. On a clear and windless day, the lake is as calm as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky and cloud shadows, creating a breathtaking picture. 🌈 Recommended attractions: Train Cemetery: A group of abandoned train wrecks from the late 19th century. The rusty carriages contrast sharply with the purity of the salt marshes, making it a photography enthusiast’s dream. Red Lake: Located near the salt marsh, the lake water is an attractive red color and is surrounded by a large number of flamingos, which is a beautiful sight. Green Lake and White Lake: unique lake landscapes with water of different colors that contrast beautifully with the surrounding volcanoes and desert. Stone Tree Desert: The strange rock formations, shaped like trees, are masterpieces of nature's carving. 📌 Travel Tips: Altitude sickness: Uyuni is about 3,700 meters above sea level. First-time visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to move slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous exercise. Environmental protection: Please keep the salt lake clean, do not discard garbage at will, and jointly protect this pure natural landscape. Clothing preparation: There is a big temperature difference between day and night, so you can wear light and breathable clothes during the day, but you will need thick down jackets and other cold-proof equipment at night. At the same time, don’t forget to bring colorful clothes for taking photos! Transportation: Usually you will first fly to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, and then take a plane or bus from La Paz to the town of Uyuni. The flight from La Paz to Uyuni takes about 1.5 hours, and the bus ride takes about 10-12 hours. In Uyuni, travel mainly relies on four-wheel drive off-road vehicles provided by travel agencies. Accommodation recommendation: There are many salt hotels near the Uyuni Salt Lake. Most of the building materials are salt blocks, which provide a unique experience. 📸 Photography tips: Season and Weather: During the rainy season, clear and windless weather is the best condition for photographing the "Sky Mirror". Equipment preparation: A camera with sufficient power, a mobile phone, spare batteries, a memory card, and a tripod to facilitate photographing the stars, sunrise and sunset. Drone use: When using a drone in a salt marsh, be aware that salt and sand may enter the machine and affect gimbal control. Photography tips: Use low-angle shooting to highlight the mirror effect; try shooting at sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the colors are rich. 🌌 Conclusion: The Uyuni Salt Flats is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism. Here, you can feel the wonders of nature and experience the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Pack your bags and embark on this magical journey to find the "Mirror of the Sky"! Let the purity and beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats become an eternal memory in your heart.

| Uyuni Green Lake—an emerald plateau secret. 👍 Recommended reason: A emerald lake that changes color Uyuni Laguna Verde, located in southwestern Bolivia, is located in Eduardo Avaroa National Park. It is famous for its dreamy emerald green lake water and the surrounding desolate volcanic landscape. Its color changes with sunlight and wind, from light blue to rich emerald, as if it were a natural gem embedded in the Andes Mountains. ✅ Magical color changes - Due to the high content of copper, minerals and arsenic, the lake water changes into emerald green, emerald and even blue-green under different light conditions; ✅ Charming wilderness landscape - Behind the lake stands the Licancabur Volcano (5,960 meters), and the lake reflects the volcano, which is a very stunning view; ✅ A plateau wonderland far away from the world - Green Lake is located in an uninhabited area at an altitude of about 4,300 meters, like an alien star outside the earth; ✅ Part of the South American "Sky Realm" route - usually combined with Uyuni Salt Flats, Red Lake, Stone Trees, Hot Springs and other attractions to form a beautiful adventure route. ⸻ 📅 Game guide: How to play the game in the most shocking way? 🌟 Must-try items 📸 Green Lake + Volcano Reflection Photography - In the early morning or at noon, the Green Lake is as clear as emerald, and the volcano is reflected on the lake surface, the picture is amazing; 💨 Watch the lake change color - under the action of sunlight and wind, the lake water slowly changes from light blue to dark green, which is a spectacle; 🌋 Volcano Landscape Hiking - Behind the lake is the Licancabur Volcano. You can take a walk by the lake and feel the extreme contrast between the desert and the oasis; 🌅 The beauty of the wilderness at dusk - the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the lake, the color of the lake changes unpredictably, and it forms a shocking picture with the desolate mountains; 🔭 Stargazing at night - Far away from urban light pollution, this place is one of the best stargazing spots in South America, and the Milky Way is clearly visible. 🕰 Recommended play time 📌 1-2 hours. If you like photography or nature, you can stay a little longer to capture the subtle changes in the color of the lake. 🌞 Best time to view ✔ 10:00am-3:00pm – plenty of sunshine, the lake is at its brightest color; ✔ When the wind picks up – the minerals in the lake water are agitated, causing it to take on a richer green color. ⸻ 🚗 Transportation guide: How to get there? 📍 Location: Green Lake is located in southwestern Bolivia, close to the Chilean border, about 350 kilometers from the town of Uyuni. 🚙 Common ways to get there: ✅ Three-day/four-day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats - Most tourists choose multi-day expeditions, and the itinerary generally includes Uyuni Salt Flats, Red Lake, Green Lake, Stone Trees, Hot Springs, etc.; ✅ Entering from Chile - Entering Bolivia by four-wheel drive from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, the Green Lake is usually the first stop on the route into Uyuni; ✅ Charter or self-drive - You can rent a 4WD from Uyuni, but the road conditions here are poor, so experienced drivers are recommended. ⸻ 🏨 Accommodation recommendation: A night in the highland wilderness Since there are not many accommodations around the Green Lake, most tourists will choose to stay in Uyuni town or in hotels in the national park. Recommended: 🏨 Tayka del Desierto - a high desert hotel near Red Lake, perfect for wilderness adventure lovers; 🏨 Hotel de Sal Luna Salada - A salt brick hotel in Uyuni, unique and comfortable. ⸻ 🍽 Food recommendation: Uyuni Town specialties Since Green Lake is surrounded by wilderness, catering mainly relies on simple meals provided by tour groups. Once back in Uyuni, we recommend: 🥩 Llama Steak - a specialty of the Bolivian highlands, with a taste similar to beef; 🍲 Quinoa Soup - A local staple food in Bolivia, rich in nutrients and suitable for the plateau climate; 🌮 Bolivian Salteñas - similar to fried dumplings, with a crispy crust and juicy and delicious filling; 🍵 Coca Tea - can relieve altitude sickness and is suitable for drinking in high altitude areas. ⸻ 💗 Other Tips ✔️ Altitude sickness: Green Lake is 4,300 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance and avoid strenuous exercise; ✔️ Clothing guide: The temperature difference between day and night is very large, reaching 20℃ during the day and dropping to below zero at night. It is recommended to wear a jacket + warm inner layer + sun hat + hiking shoes; ✔️ Photography Tips: • Wide-angle lens is suitable for taking panoramic views of lakes and volcanoes; •Telephoto lens is suitable for capturing the color details of the lake; ✔️ Environmental awareness: Green Lake is a national protected area and swimming, throwing garbage or damaging the environment is prohibited. 🌟 Uyuni Green Lake, a emerald dream hidden on the plateau, waiting for your exploration! 💚

| Uyuni Red Lake - a bloody miracle on the plateau. 👍 Recommended reason: The dreamlike red lake on the plateau Laguna Colorada is one of the most amazing natural wonders in Bolivia and is known as "the most unlike-Earth place on Earth". This plateau lake is rich in algae and minerals, and it presents a dreamy red, orange and pink gradient under the sunlight, forming a breathtaking beauty with the white borax islands and volcanoes in the distance. This is not only a paradise for photographers, but also the largest Andean flamingo habitat in South America. The pink flamingos dancing on the blood-red lake are so beautiful! ✅ Unique red lake water: a fantastic color due to algae and minerals, rarely seen in the world; ✅ Flamingo Paradise - You can enjoy three species of Andean flamingos up close (Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, James flamingo); ✅ Wonderful scenery of plateau salt lake: the lake surface is divided into fantastic color blocks by white borax, deep red lake water and blue sky, which has a strong visual impact; ✅ Wilderness Adventure Sense - The remote Eduardo Avaroa National Park in Bolivia is one of the most magnificent natural landscapes in South America. ⸻ 📅 Game guide: How to play the game in the most shocking way? 🌟 Must-try items 📸 Red Lake + Flamingo Photography - The pink feathers of the flamingo against the backdrop of the Red Lake are absolutely beautiful; 🦩 Watch three species of flamingos - this is the largest habitat for Andean flamingos. If you are lucky, you can see thousands of flamingos foraging at the same time; 🛤 Hiking by the lake - Walking by the lake, you can observe the color changes of the lake water up close and feel the wonders of nature; 🌅 Sunset - When the setting sun shines on the lake, the volcano, lake and flamingos form a surreal picture; 🔭 Look up at the pure starry sky - Red Lake is far away from light pollution, and the starry sky at night is extremely stunning. It is one of the best stargazing spots in South America. 🕰 Recommended play time 📌 1-2 hours. If you are a photography enthusiast or nature lover, you can stay longer to observe the flamingos and the changing colors of the lake. 🌞 Best time to view ✔ 10:00am-3:00pm – The sun is strong and the lake is the brightest red; ✔ Sunset (5:00-6:00 pm) – The setting sun shines on the lake, which is dreamy. ⸻ 🚗 Transportation guide: How to get there? 📍 Location: Red Lake is located in southwestern Bolivia, belonging to Eduardo Avaroa National Park, at an altitude of about 4,278 meters, about 250 kilometers from the town of Uyuni. 🚙 Common ways to get there: ✅ Uyuni Salt Flats 3-Day/4-Day Tour - Most tourists will join the multi-day expedition of Uyuni Salt Flats + Red Lake + Green Lake + Stone Trees + Hot Springs. The Red Lake is usually the highlight of the third day; ✅ Off-road vehicle self-driving - You can rent a 4WD from Uyuni, but professional driving experience is required because the road conditions are complicated; ✅ Entering from Chile - If you enter Bolivia from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, the Red Lake will be an important stop on the route into Uyuni. ⸻ 🏨 Accommodation recommendation: Experience a mysterious night in the wilderness Accommodation is limited near Red Lake, and most visitors choose to stay in basic hotels in Uyuni town or along the border. If you want to experience the wilderness night view + starry sky, you can choose: 🏨 Tayka del Desierto - the best hotel in the national park, with simple facilities but unbeatable views; 🏨 Hotel de Sal Luna Salada - A unique salt brick hotel in Uyuni town, offering a comfortable accommodation experience. ⸻ 🍽 Food recommendation: Uyuni Town specialties Due to the desolate Red Lake area, meals mostly rely on the simple meals provided by the tour group. It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water. Once you are back in Uyuni, you can try: 🥩 Llama Steak - A Bolivian specialty, it tastes similar to beef but is leaner; 🍲 Quinoa Soup - a specialty food from the Bolivian highlands, rich in nutrients and a must-try for warming the stomach; 🌮 Bolivian Salteñas - South American version of "fried dumplings", with crispy crust and juicy and delicious filling; 🍵 Coca Tea - can relieve altitude sickness and is suitable for drinking in high altitude areas. ⸻ 💗 Other Tips ✔️ Altitude sickness: Red Lake is 4,278 meters above sea level, and it is easy to have altitude sickness. It is recommended to take anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance, slowly adapt, and avoid strenuous exercise; ✔️ Clothing guide: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so it is recommended to wear a windproof jacket + a warm inner layer + a sun hat, and non-slip hiking shoes are best; ✔️ Photography tips: •The wide-angle lens can capture the panoramic view of the lake + the stunning picture of the dancing flamingos; •Telephoto lens is suitable for capturing close-up of flamingos; ✔️ Environmental awareness: Red Lake is a precious ecological reserve. Please do not feed or disturb the flamingos, and do not discard garbage at will. 🌟 Uyuni Red Lake, a bloody miracle hidden in the South American plateau, waiting for your adventure! 🔴

| A Pink Date with Flamingos Bolivia Uyuni | A Pink Date with Flamingos Hey guys, I must share my amazing three-day trip to Uyuni, Bolivia, especially the dreamlike flamingo habitat at Laguna Colorada! During this trip, I was eager to see flamingos. There are many lakes in Bolivia where you can see flamingos, but Laguna Colorada is definitely the most popular one! It is located in southwestern Bolivia, close to the Chilean border, and is part of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. When I arrived, I found that it is about 4,278 meters above sea level, a typical plateau salt lake. Standing by the lake, the thin air carries a unique plateau scent. Laguna Colorada is called the Red Lake because the color of the lake is so stunning! Its red color comes from the rich minerals in the lake and the tiny red algae. These algae reflect a charming red color under the sunlight. Amazingly, the color of the lake changes from light red to dark red with the light and weather, and every moment is like a new painting. This place is simply a paradise for flamingos! Especially the rare Andean flamingos (Flamingo Andino), which flock to the lake to rest and forage. In addition to flamingos, the large salt flats and boron deposits in the lake add to the charm of the lake area, and the unique landscape makes people stop and admire it. I also learned that the pink or red feathers of flamingos hide an interesting "diet secret." There are a lot of tiny red algae and plankton in the Red Lake, which are rich in carotenoids. Flamingos eat them as their main food, and after ingestion, the carotenoids are broken down in the body, metabolized, and stored in the feathers, beaks, and skin, giving flamingos their iconic bright colors. Moreover, the more carotenoids they ingest, the brighter their feathers become; if there is not enough food, their feathers will become pale. The red water and mineral-rich saline environment of the Red Lake are simply a "happy home" for red algae and plankton, and the abundance of food allows flamingos to keep their beautiful feathers. In the world of flamingos, these bright colors are not just for show. During courtship, the brighter the flamingo, the more attractive it is to a mate; in the group, it is also a symbol of health and status! On this trip to Uyuni, the moment I saw the flamingos at the Red Lake, I felt it was all worth it! If you want to experience this dreamlike scene, be sure to put the Red Lake on your travel list!

🌌Uyuni: Meet the stars and the sea at the mirror of the sky🌊 Uyuni, a name that seems to have its own magic, attracts countless travelers to this mysterious place in Bolivia. It is one of the most spectacular salt marshes in the world, a place where time stands still and dreams come true. 1️⃣Salar de Uyuni How can you miss this magical salt marsh when you come to Uyuni? During the rainy season, the salt marsh is covered with a thin layer of water, forming a huge mirror that reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if the boundary between heaven and earth has disappeared. Walking in it, you will have the illusion of floating in the clouds. This shock can only be truly felt by personal experience. 2️⃣Train Cemetery This was once the end of Bolivia's rail transport, but now it has become an abandoned train cemetery. Rusty locomotives and carriages lie quietly in the desert, telling the story of their former glory. Walking among them, you can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the vicissitudes of time. 3️⃣Laguna Colorada This is a colorful lake, with bright red water contrasting sharply with the white salt edges. Rare flamingos live in the lake, dancing on the surface of the water, adding a touch of vitality to this mysterious body of water. 4️⃣Uyuni Town Uyuni Town is the gateway to the salt marsh, full of South American style. You can taste authentic Bolivian cuisine here and feel the hospitality of the locals. There are also many unique buildings made of salt bricks in the town, don't forget to check them out! 5️⃣Stargazing Uyuni's night sky is one of the purest in the world, with no light pollution and stars seemingly within reach. Find a quiet place to lie down, look up at the stars, and feel the vastness of the universe. At that moment, you will feel as if you are one with the entire universe. Uyuni is a magical place that heals the hearts of every traveler with its unparalleled natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere. It is not only a spectacular salt marsh, but also a place with traces of history, colorful lakes, and a brilliant starry sky. Next time you come to South America, consider adding Uyuni to your travel list, and it will surely surprise you!

Laguna Colorada is a lake in the sky at an altitude of 4,200m, located in southern Bolivia, near the border with Chile. According to the guide, the white color is caused by borax, and the red color is caused by minerals such as iron, magnesium, and gypsum, as well as red algae. There are red lakes in Japan caused by red tides, red pine and coral grass, but this was the first time I had seen such a large, deep red lake. The flamingos that live in this red lake are endemic to Bolivia, and there are three types of them. For this reason, it has been designated a nature reserve. Flamingo habitats are often so smelly that they make your nose twist, but strangely enough, this place didn't smell at all and was relatively clean. It was a breathtaking view. photo on 28th Feb 20223 Laguna Colorada, located at 4,278 m above sea level near the border between Chile and Bolivia, is like a shallow reddish-colored salt lake which is caused by red mineral Sediments like iron, magunesium and pigmentation of some algae. This is also the habitat of the three species of flamingos. I actually wonder that it doesn't really smell bad. Anyway it's such an amazing view! #tripoverseastravel #Bolivia #amazingview #secretplace

Aguas Termales Polques, a hidden gem in Bolivia, is a natural hot spring spot located at an altitude of 4,400m. Here, you can enjoy the luxurious experience of bathing in mineral-rich hot springs while overlooking the majestic Andes. The scenery of the blue sky and mountains reflected in the lake is breathtakingly beautiful. This hot spring, where you can relax while looking at the spectacular view, is the best healing spot to relieve the fatigue of a long journey to the Uyuni Salt Flats. It is a place that is irresistible for both hot spring lovers and nature lovers. Location: Aguas Termales Polques, Bolivia Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 Admission fee: 6 Bolivianos #Overseas travel #Bolivia #0 yen travel autumn #Hot springs

Laguna Colorada in Bolivia is a magnificent lake that is dyed a vivid red color! Located at an altitude of about 4,200m, the unique red color is created by iron and algae! The contrast with the blue sky is amazing✨ Thousands of flamingos live here, and their appearance matches the red lake perfectly, creating a fantastic landscape🦩 There are also wild llamas🦙 in the area! Among the spectacular spots in Bolivia, this place has a particularly mysterious atmosphere☝🏽 📍 Location: Laguna Colorada, Bolivia 🕰 Opening hours: Accessible 24 hours a day 🎫 Entrance fee: Approximately 150 Bolivianos *Included in the entrance fee to Eduardo Avaroa National Park #0 yen autumn travel #Pink Lake #Bolivia #Overseas travel

Laguna Verde is a spectacular lake in southern Bolivia that shines emerald green🌊✨ The surface of the lake is dyed a vivid green by minerals and algae, and when the wind blows, the color of the water changes, which is almost magical🏞️💫. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains at an altitude of about 4,300m, with the Licancabur volcano towering behind it, a spectacular view that is just like a postcard spreads out⛰️ The contrast with the blue sky on a sunny day is especially breathtaking! This fantastical landscape woven by nature is also very popular as a photogenic spot🥹 📍 Location: Laguna Verde Eduardo Avaroa National Park, Bolivia #0 yen travel autumn #South America trip #Bolivia

Laguna Blanca is a beautiful lake located near the border between Bolivia and Chile. It is a spectacular spot with a pure white salt lake and emerald green water surface. The name of the lake, "Blanca", comes from the white mineral crystals that surround it. Located at an altitude of about 4,350m, the colors created by the reflection of the blue sky and the surrounding desolate mountains are like a painting. In the midst of the quiet nature, you can enjoy the scenery that is integrated with the Andes mountains reflected on the lake surface, which is truly a spectacular view! 📍 Location: Laguna Blanca Eduardo Avaroa National Park, Bolivia #0 yen travel autumn #Bolivia #spectacular view #South America trip

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