No, these magical and incredible landscapes are hidden among the heights of the Andes Mountains, in the most southwestern corner of Bolivia in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
South of the Salar de Uyuni and north of Chile’s Atacama Desert, at an altitude between 4200 and 6000 meters, in the Andes Mountains, lies Bolivia’s most famous protected area.
The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna Reserve, founded in 1973, is a natural reserve of 714,745 hectares, which protects endemic species, including the vicuña (the smallest type of South American camelids) and nesting areas for flamingos and other birds. This semi-desert region has some of the most beautiful and unusual landscapes in Bolivia. It is home to volcanoes, geysers, deserts, colorful lagoons and hot springs.
Ninety-six species of fauna have been recorded in the reserve, including 69 species of birds. The most notable are three species of Flamingos, a couple of species of Coots, Andean gull and the Suri (Darwin’s rhea). The fauna is best seen during the austral summer, from November to January. Mammals include the Andean fox and the Titi (Andean cat). Flora includes some queñua trees (Polylepis), yareta plants and thola, an aromatic shrub that covers the puna.
White Lagoon
As soon as you enter and just after getting your ticket, you will find this large expanse of white water, the first of a long list of lagoons in the reserve and one of the largest. Its color is due to its mineral components and you can see flamingos.
Laguna Colorada
Although other lagoons can be seen during the itinerary through the reserve (such as the Celeste, Honda, Hedionda, etc.), the most striking and most worthwhile is the famous Laguna Colorada. It is immense in comparison with the previous ones, with its 60 square kilometers, and it is striking how shallow it is, with a height of only 60 to 80 cm. Its bright reddish color, which gives it its name, is due to a species of algae that inhabits its waters and also causes changes in its tone throughout the day. Here it is possible to see hundreds of flamingos, almost mimicking the color of the lagoon. You can go down to the shore and walk around the perimeter seeing them just a few meters away.
Green Lagoon
Its emerald hue is due to the high content of magnesium, arsenic and copper, making it highly toxic. The Licancabur volcano in the background is the other protagonist of the landscape.
Salvador Dalí Desert
It is a group of volcanic rocks located in the middle of a sandy area. The landscape is reminiscent of Dali’s surrealist paintings and hence its nickname.
Siloli Desert
Whose most outstanding feature is a set of volcanic rocks, whose relief has been shaped by the action of the wind. Among all of them stands out the iconic (and photographed) stone tree, although it is possible to climb and walk on the rest of the formations, higher and more imposing.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
It is the highest point you cross in the reserve, at no less than 5,000 meters. It is an area with high geothermal activity that translates into boiling lava wells, fumaroles that release sulfur gases, steam geysers and multicolored cracks in the ground, due to the concentration of different minerals. You have to be careful, both for the feared altitude sickness, as well as for the danger of many pools (and the unpleasant sulfurous smell).
Polques hot springs
They are located in the Laguna Salada and are waters that emerge from the rocky subsoil and reach a temperature of 30° to 35° C, making them very pleasant for bathing. In order to take a dip you have to buy an entrance fee of 6 Bolivian pesos, which also gives access to the toilets. The surrounding landscape is wonderful and it is possible to see vicuñas.
What to take on the trip?
Warm clothing: This is a desert, but its 3,650 to 5,035 meters above sea level. The nights are cold and it is very windy. Dress in layers so you do not sweat or freeze.
Sunglasses: the vast salt flats of Uyuni act like a mirror reflecting the sun.
Sunscreen and moisturizer: this is an extremely arid region and your skin will dry out. Bottled water, you can buy drinks when you arrive, but it is a long drive. The right cell phone: if you are bringing your international cell phone, you should know Bolivia uses a different system than other countries.
Cameras, batteries, battery chargers, mobile charger: electric current converter and if using a digital camera, extra memory cards. Electricity in Uyuni is 220v.
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