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Bolivia🇧🇴 | national parksEduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National ReserveRed lagoon, flamingos, geyser field, Licancabur, Siloli Desert | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The 4x4 lurched off the track near Laguna Colorada, and our driver killed the engine so a dozen James’s flamingos could finish wading past the bumper, their stilt legs clicking against the brine crust. That was the moment the long jeep ride from Uyuni stopped feeling like transport. Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve sits in the far southwest of Bolivia, pressed against the Chilean and Argentine borders, and you cover it by rattling across salt flats, volcanic desert and gravel passes. Rewards come fast: red and white lagoons, steaming geysers, a hot spring you can soak in with a view of volcanoes, and vicuñas bolting across the plains. Hiking is limited to short walks and summit attempts, roads are rough, and rooms are basic. Most travelers arrive in the same few jeeps, so viewpoints get busy at midday. Bring cash in bolivianos, since the reserve entry is paid on the spot.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 national park in BoliviaWhat makes it a must-see national park

Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve suits backpackers who want a wild landscape without a heavy price tag, because the standard three-day jeep run from Uyuni packs in more scenery than almost anywhere on the continent. The draw is the sheer density of sights: Laguna Colorada with its rust-red water and flamingo flocks, the Sol de Mañana geyser field at roughly 4,900 meters, and the pale-green edge of Laguna Verde under Licancabur volcano. You sit in a shared vehicle, so company is built in, and fellow travelers become your dinner table at the basic refugios. Independent exploring is possible for the strong-willed, but distances are huge, fuel is scarce and there is no public transport inside the reserve, so most people book a tour and use stops as launch points for short walks. Strong … read more 👉
Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve suits backpackers who want a wild landscape without a heavy price tag, because the standard three-day jeep run from Uyuni packs in more scenery than almost anywhere on the continent. The draw is the sheer density of sights: Laguna Colorada with its rust-red water and flamingo flocks, the Sol de Mañana geyser field at roughly 4,900 meters, and the pale-green edge of Laguna Verde under Licancabur volcano. You sit in a shared vehicle, so company is built in, and fellow travelers become your dinner table at the basic refugios. Independent exploring is possible for the strong-willed, but distances are huge, fuel is scarce and there is no public transport inside the reserve, so most people book a tour and use stops as launch points for short walks. Strong legs help for the Polques hot springs and for the climbs near the lagoons. If you want to cross into Chile at the end, the border post at Hito Cajón makes the route a genuine overland link rather than a loop.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Laguna Colorada: A shallow lagoon whose red algae and white borax islands make a patchwork of color, with Andean, Chilean and James’s flamingos feeding in the shallows. It is the signature image of the reserve.
  2. Sol de Mañana Geyser Field: Bubbling mud pots and hissing fumaroles at around 4,900 meters, sulfur thick in the air. Stay on the marked paths, because the crust is thin.
  3. Polques Hot Springs: An open-air thermal pool beside a cold lake, where you can warm up before dawn or late afternoon. A small extra fee is usually charged at the door.
  4. Laguna Verde: A mineral-laced lake at the foot of Licancabur volcano that turns emerald when the afternoon wind stirs up the sediment.
  5. Laguna Blanca: A milky lake near the start of the reserve, mirrored with surrounding peaks on calm mornings and a gentle
… read more 👉
  1. Laguna Colorada: A shallow lagoon whose red algae and white borax islands make a patchwork of color, with Andean, Chilean and James’s flamingos feeding in the shallows. It is the signature image of the reserve.
  2. Sol de Mañana Geyser Field: Bubbling mud pots and hissing fumaroles at around 4,900 meters, sulfur thick in the air. Stay on the marked paths, because the crust is thin.
  3. Polques Hot Springs: An open-air thermal pool beside a cold lake, where you can warm up before dawn or late afternoon. A small extra fee is usually charged at the door.
  4. Laguna Verde: A mineral-laced lake at the foot of Licancabur volcano that turns emerald when the afternoon wind stirs up the sediment.
  5. Laguna Blanca: A milky lake near the start of the reserve, mirrored with surrounding peaks on calm mornings and a gentle spot to stretch your legs.
  6. Árbol de Piedra: A wind-sculpted rock standing alone in the Siloli Desert, about seven meters tall, and a great scrambling spot for photos.
  7. Licancabur Volcano: A near-perfect cone of about 5,900 meters on the Chilean border, climbed by experienced, acclimatized trekkers with a guide.
  8. Lagunas Chiar Khota and Hedionda: Quieter lagoons along the route, where vicuñas graze on the shore and flamingos gather without the midday crowds.
The lagoons north of Laguna Colorada, especially Hedionda, are often passed with a quick photo stop, yet they hold some of the calmest flamingo watching in the reserve.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (May to October): Days are sunny at 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F), but nights at 4,300 to 4,900 m drop to -10 to -20°C (14 to -4°F), and Laguna Colorada can freeze over. Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours. Jeeps fill up, especially July and August.
  • Shoulder Months (April and November): Mostly dry, with nights a little milder at around -5 to -12°C (23 to 10°F). Crowds thin out and 4x4 tour operators in Uyuni and Tupiza negotiate more readily.
  • Wet Season (December to March): Afternoon storms raise daytime highs to 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Tracks turn to mud, some routes close, and flooded Salar de Uyuni changes tour plans. Flamingos are fewer, but prices drop and the reserve is quiet.
  • Flamingos: James’s, Andean and Chilean flamingos feed in the lagoons mostly from the dry months into spring,
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (May to October): Days are sunny at 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F), but nights at 4,300 to 4,900 m drop to -10 to -20°C (14 to -4°F), and Laguna Colorada can freeze over. Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours. Jeeps fill up, especially July and August.
  • Shoulder Months (April and November): Mostly dry, with nights a little milder at around -5 to -12°C (23 to 10°F). Crowds thin out and 4x4 tour operators in Uyuni and Tupiza negotiate more readily.
  • Wet Season (December to March): Afternoon storms raise daytime highs to 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Tracks turn to mud, some routes close, and flooded Salar de Uyuni changes tour plans. Flamingos are fewer, but prices drop and the reserve is quiet.
  • Flamingos: James’s, Andean and Chilean flamingos feed in the lagoons mostly from the dry months into spring, when water stays open.
Book your jeep tour for September or early November if you want clear skies without the peak-season price bump and the coldest nights.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Inside Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve you sleep in basic refugios, and most backpackers arrive on a 3-day jeep tour that includes them. Typical stops are near Laguna Colorada (around 4,300 m), at Huayllajara, and at Villa Alota or villages near the salt flat on the first night. Expect shared dorm rooms with thick blankets, little or no heating, cold shared bathrooms, and electricity for a few evening hours only. Sleeping bags rent for roughly US$3 to 6 and are worth it. Beds cost about US$7 to 15 a night, usually bundled into the tour price.
Outside the reserve, most people base themselves … read more 👉
Inside Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve you sleep in basic refugios, and most backpackers arrive on a 3-day jeep tour that includes them. Typical stops are near Laguna Colorada (around 4,300 m), at Huayllajara, and at Villa Alota or villages near the salt flat on the first night. Expect shared dorm rooms with thick blankets, little or no heating, cold shared bathrooms, and electricity for a few evening hours only. Sleeping bags rent for roughly US$3 to 6 and are worth it. Beds cost about US$7 to 15 a night, usually bundled into the tour price.
Outside the reserve, most people base themselves in Uyuni, the usual start for tours, with hostels at US$8 to 25 a night and plenty of tour agencies. Tupiza is a calmer alternative for the reverse route, with guesthouses at US$10 to 30 and good horseback riding. Across the border, San Pedro de Atacama in Chile is where many travelers finish via the Hito Cajón crossing. Near the Laguna Verde side there are a few hot-spring lodgings by Polques, and Laguna Colorada has the best-known refugios. Reserve your first and last night in town ahead during July and August.
Best hostels in Bolivia


Best quality hotels in Bolivia

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Expect to spend about US$75 to 100 a day on the standard 3-day tour from Uyuni, with a total daily budget of US$80 (including high-season lodging). Most costs come bundled in the tour price, and you pay extras on the side.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$22Paid in cash in bolivianos at the reserve gate, not included in most tours. Charged per foreigner.
Tour (jeep, driver, cook)US$40 to 55 per dayA 3-day shared 4x4 from Uyuni costs roughly US$120 to 170 per person, with six passengers per jeep.
AccommodationUS$7 to 15Basic shared refugio rooms, usually included in the tour. Sleeping bag rental adds US$3 to 6.
Food and suppliesUS$3 to 8Meals are included on tours. Bring your own snacks, water and coca leaves from Uyuni.
ExtrasUS$3 to 7Hot springs at Polques cost about US$1.50 to
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$75 to 100 a day on the standard 3-day tour from Uyuni, with a total daily budget of US$80 (including high-season lodging). Most costs come bundled in the tour price, and you pay extras on the side.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$22Paid in cash in bolivianos at the reserve gate, not included in most tours. Charged per foreigner.
Tour (jeep, driver, cook)US$40 to 55 per dayA 3-day shared 4x4 from Uyuni costs roughly US$120 to 170 per person, with six passengers per jeep.
AccommodationUS$7 to 15Basic shared refugio rooms, usually included in the tour. Sleeping bag rental adds US$3 to 6.
Food and suppliesUS$3 to 8Meals are included on tours. Bring your own snacks, water and coca leaves from Uyuni.
ExtrasUS$3 to 7Hot springs at Polques cost about US$1.50 to 3, and showers about US$2 to 3 at refugios.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Border transfer to San Pedro de Atacama is about US$10 to 25 if the tour ends in Chile.
Total Daily BudgetUS$80Based on tour share, entry fee averaged over the days, high-season refugio, and extras.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsBest hikes in Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve national park

Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is mostly a short-walk destination, with high altitude between roughly 4,200 and 5,000 meters making even easy strolls tiring. Most travelers explore on foot from jeep stops, and the one serious ascent is the volcano climb. Terrain is open desert, gravel, loose volcanic sand and rocky shorelines, with wildlife that includes flamingos, vicuñas, viscachas and the occasional Andean fox.
  • Laguna Colorada shoreline walk: Roughly 2 to 3 kilometers, 1 to 1.5 hours, easy but windy. Flat tracks along the lagoon edge give close views of flamingos feeding on the
… read more 👉
Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is mostly a short-walk destination, with high altitude between roughly 4,200 and 5,000 meters making even easy strolls tiring. Most travelers explore on foot from jeep stops, and the one serious ascent is the volcano climb. Terrain is open desert, gravel, loose volcanic sand and rocky shorelines, with wildlife that includes flamingos, vicuñas, viscachas and the occasional Andean fox.
  • Laguna Colorada shoreline walk: Roughly 2 to 3 kilometers, 1 to 1.5 hours, easy but windy. Flat tracks along the lagoon edge give close views of flamingos feeding on the red water.
  • Sol de Mañana boardwalk loop: About 1 kilometer, 30 minutes, easy. Marked paths wind between steaming vents and mud pools at very high altitude, so go slowly.
  • Árbol de Piedra area scramble: Short wandering among wind-carved boulders, 30 to 45 minutes, easy to moderate, with plenty of rocks to climb for views over the Siloli Desert.
  • Laguna Verde and Licancabur approach: A steady uphill walk of 1 to 2 hours, moderate, over gravel toward the base of the volcano. A full summit climb takes 6 to 9 hours return, is hard and needs a guide plus acclimatization.
  • Laguna Hedionda lakeshore: About 1 hour, easy, flat paths for watching flamingos and vicuñas.
Getting to Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is simple by jeep tour from Uyuni, Tupiza or the Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama. No public buses enter the reserve. Entry is charged at the gate (about US$20 to 25), usually not included in tour prices, and payment is in bolivianos. Midday stops at Laguna Colorada and the geysers get busy, while early mornings are quiet and clear.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

The main concern here is altitude, not crime or wildlife. Most of the reserve sits between 4,200 and 5,000 m, so headaches, poor sleep and nausea are common. Spend two or three days acclimatizing in Uyuni, Tupiza or Sucre first, drink plenty of water, and skip alcohol on the first night. Sunburn and wind chill are strong, so pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a down jacket. Nights are brutally cold, so a rated sleeping bag helps.
Tracks are rough and drivers cover long distances; pick an operator with a reliable vehicle, a spare tire and a cook. Sulfurous gases at Sol de Mañana geysers can be dangerous, so stay on marked paths away from boiling mud. Wildlife such as vicuñas, flamingos and foxes is harmless if you keep your distance. Carry cash for park fees, as there are no ATMs inside.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

Plan on 3 days for Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The standard jeep route runs Uyuni to Laguna Colorada, Sol de Mañana geysers and Laguna Verde, with the Salar de Uyuni included on day one or three. A 2-day trip covers the main lagoons but feels rushed, and 4 days lets you add Tupiza or Chilean border stops.
Yes, but only with a tour, since no public transport runs inside Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Shared 4x4 trips leave from Uyuni, Tupiza or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, typically with six travelers per vehicle. Prices run about US$120 to 170 for three days, and hitchhiking is not realistic given sparse traffic.
Yes, Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve charges a foreigner entrance fee of roughly US$22, paid in cash in bolivianos at the gate. Most tour operators do not include it, so carry cash. No separate permit is needed for jeep tours, while independent trekking or private vehicles should confirm rules with the reserve office in Uyuni or Villa Alota.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bolivian national parks near Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

Many travelers rush the loop in a blur of jeep windows and photo stops, then wonder why it felt thin. Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve pays off when you walk a little at each stop, away from the vehicles. I would ask your driver for an extra half hour at Laguna Colorada, and bring cash plus a warm hat.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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