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- Laguna Colorada — A shallow, blood-red lake rimmed with white borax deposits and packed with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of James’s and Andean flamingos. The colour is otherworldly at sunrise; this is my personal favorite because the contrast between the red water, pale crust, and pink birds is impossible to forget.
- Laguna Verde — An intense emerald-green lake sitting at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. The mineral-rich water and wind-scoured shoreline make for dramatic photos, and on clear days the volcano’s cone reflects right in the lake.
- Sol de Mañana geyser field — A steaming, sulfur-stunk geothermal playground of bubbling mud pots and fumaroles. It’s loud, smelly, and raw — perfect if you like landscapes that look like another planet. Go early for the best light and the most
- Laguna Colorada — A shallow, blood-red lake rimmed with white borax deposits and packed with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of James’s and Andean flamingos. The colour is otherworldly at sunrise; this is my personal favorite because the contrast between the red water, pale crust, and pink birds is impossible to forget.
- Laguna Verde — An intense emerald-green lake sitting at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. The mineral-rich water and wind-scoured shoreline make for dramatic photos, and on clear days the volcano’s cone reflects right in the lake.
- Sol de Mañana geyser field — A steaming, sulfur-stunk geothermal playground of bubbling mud pots and fumaroles. It’s loud, smelly, and raw — perfect if you like landscapes that look like another planet. Go early for the best light and the most activity.
- Siloli Desert & Arbol de Piedra — A windswept plateau of lava sand with bizarre rock sculptures carved by the wind; the Arbol de Piedra (“stone tree”) is the iconic, lonely rock that photographers love. Short walks around here feel like walking in a lunar painting.
- Laguna Blanca — A pale, almost milky lake sitting close to Laguna Verde with great views and fewer crowds. It’s a quieter spot to scan for birds and take in the scale of the altiplano, especially with the Andes as a backdrop.
- Polques (hot springs) — Natural thermal pools near the Chalviri area where you can warm up after long, cold drives. They’re basic but glorious at altitude — just don’t expect spa-level facilities, expect hot water and a spectacular desert setting.
- Wildlife viewing (vicuñas, viscachas, Andean foxes) — Beyond flamingos you’ll spot semi-tame herds of vicuñas, rabbit-like viscachas on rocky outcrops, and the occasional Andean fox. Animals are adapted to the harsh high-altitude environment, so sightings feel a bit like a reward for getting this far.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.