Laguna Colorada, Bolivia is a shallow, red-colored salt lake located in the southwest of Bolivia's Altiplano. Sitting at an altitude of 14,000 feet, it forms part of the Andean Mountain Range.

Conveniently located just a few hours’ drive from the famous Uyuni Salt Flats, this striking natural wonder is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Laguna Colorada stands out not only for its stunning red water but also as a haven for hundreds of pink flamingos that gracefully pose for spectacular photos. These flamingos are drawn to the area by the abundance of plankton that thrives in the lake.

Traveling luxuriously through South America offers an ideal way to comfortably explore Laguna Colorada, Bolivia, and at Kuoda, we specialize in creating tailored travel experiences. Below are some essential tips for planning your trip to this incredible destination.

Why is the water red?

The reddish hue of Laguna Colorada is caused by red sediments found in the lake, coupled with the presence of microorganisms and red algae in the water. These combine to give the lake its unique, blood-like color, which attracts travelers from across the globe.

The contrast of white patches seen across the lake’s surface is due to borax deposits, which add another surreal touch to this already exceptional landscape. Laguna Colorada is just one of Bolivia’s many awe-inspiring locations, alongside the famous Uyuni Salt Flats, and it ranks among the most visually captivating colored lakes worldwide.

How to get there

Laguna Colorada is located in Bolivia’s southwestern Altiplano region, within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, near the Chilean border. Accessing the lake is straightforward and should definitely be on your travel itinerary!

The easiest way to reach Laguna Colorada is from Uyuni, near the iconic Salar de Uyuni. From there, a private vehicle drive to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is relatively simple, and this can be a day trip or part of a longer journey.

Best time to see flamingos

While Laguna Colorada is not teeming with wildlife, the few species that inhabit the area are crucial to maintaining the delicate ecosystem. The lake's nutrient-rich waters, which are rich in plankton, support a range of bird species, particularly flamingos.

The most common flamingo species here is the James's flamingo, which is native to the Altiplano region and thrives in the plankton-filled waters. Expect to see a number of these stunning pink birds during your visit. Other animals, like alpacas, foxes, and other plankton-eating birds, might also make an appearance.

The best time to visit Bolivia is during the winter months (from May to October), when the weather is dry, skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal. However, if your goal is to see more flamingos, the rainy season (from December to April) offers better chances, as more flamingos flock to the lake. During the rainy season, you may also catch a glimpse of Salar de Uyuni transformed into a giant mirror when it floods, creating one of the world's most spectacular sights.

Combine with a visit to Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni is one of the most mesmerizing and extraordinary places to visit in South America. Covering over 4,085 square miles of the Altiplano, it is the largest salt flat in the world, formed from ancient, evaporated lakes.

At certain times of the year, the nearby lakes overflow, and a thin layer of water covers the salt flats, creating a perfect reflective surface that mirrors the sky above — an awe-inspiring spectacle often described as the world’s largest mirror.

One of the great advantages of visiting Laguna Colorada is its proximity to Salar de Uyuni. Both attractions can be explored year-round, and even during the rainy season. It is highly recommended to visit them together as part of a single, immersive trip. Laguna Colorada is a major highlight of the Eduardo Avaroa National Park, and most visitors opt for multi-day tours that include both the salt flats and the lake.

Travel with Kuoda

At Kuoda, it specialize in creating “once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” ensuring your trip is comfortable, luxurious, and truly unforgettable. South America offers a vast array of breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unforgettable adventures, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

At Kuoda, we design custom itineraries that cater to all your personal needs and desires. Contact us today to speak with one of our trip designers and start planning your dream South American adventure.

Laguna Colorada Bolivia| Lagoon Tour | Day 1 of 3 @UYUNI

Video by Misstaking Tours