Somewhere in South America, high up in the south west of Bolivia’s altiplano (high plateau) lies one of nature’s extraordinary wonders. The intense geological activity beneath this altiplano has not only blessed Bolivia with mineral wealth but also some of the world’s most unique lakes. One of them is Laguna Colorada, a shallow salt lake famous for its impressive red color. Yes, red.
© Paulo Lucciola / Getty Images
Spanning across 60 square kilometers, this lake has a rare deep orangish-red hue, dotted with large white islands of borax deposits surrounded by yellow rings of Sulphur. What gives this lake its peculiar color? It’s the result of red sediments and pigmentation of some algae and microorganisms residing in the lake. The lake’s brick red color contrasted by white pools of borax and surrounded by desert rocks and hills gives it an ethereal otherworldly beauty.
© Byelikova Oksana
It’s not just tourists who flock to this lake. This plankton rich lake attracts hundreds of flamingos who love feeding on its algae. In fact, the lake is home to three of the six species of flamingoes – Chilean, Andean, and the endangered James. The wetlands around the lake are an important breeding and nesting ground for a variety of resident and migratory birds. As for animals, keep an eye out for pumas, Andean foxes, cats, llamas, and alpacas. In 1990, the ecological importance of Laguna Colorada was recognized by Ramsar and protected as part of the Los Lipiz.
How to get there?
The best and easiest way to access Laguna Colorada is from Uyuni, a town near the famous salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. You can visit the lake on a day trip or plan a longer camping trip and explore the natural highlights near the lake. While you are here, it’s worthwhile to explore other colorful lakes in the region particularly Laguna Amarilla, Laguna Celeste, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Blanca, and of course Salar de Uyuni.
Mind you, as beautiful as the altiplano landscape is, it is extremely harsh. Temperatures can drop down to as low as minus 20 degree Celsius and altitude sickness can be a buzz killer. Naturally, the best time to visit is during summer and early autumn.
Here are some wanderlusty photos of the lake that’ll make you want to book a flight to Bolivia right now!
© George Steinmetz
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Tags: Bolivia Lakes Nature Wildlife
