The 4 Most Stunning Lagoons of the Bolivian Andes

Bolivia is home to some of the most stunning and surreal lagoons in South America, renowned for their landscapes, vibrant colors, and unique biodiversity. They are located in the Bolivian Altiplano at elevations above 4,000 meters above sea level, and most have a high concentration of minerals.

Believe us when we say that visiting them is an experience you’ll never forget—just imagine a landscape where colorful lakes contrast with the desert, surrounded by the mountains and volcanoes of the Altiplano.

Laguna Verde

At the foot of the Licancabur volcano, within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in the department of Potosí, lies Laguna Verde—one of Bolivia’s most fascinating natural landscapes, named for its characteristic emerald-green color, which is due to its unique chemical composition.

Its waters contain a high concentration of minerals such as magnesium, lead, arsenic, and calcium carbonate, which not only give it its distinctive hue but also create extreme conditions that prevent any form of aquatic life from developing.

Laguna Verde

Laguna Colorada

Also located within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Laguna Colorada stands out for its intense red waters, which can range from pinkish hues to deep reds depending on the light and the time of year.

What truly makes it a must-visit spot is the large number of flamingos that inhabit it, creating a unique photographic experience where the color of the waters and the flamingos blend in perfect harmony.

Laguna Colorada

Laguna Hedionda

Although its name might sound unappealing, Laguna Hedionda is an unmissable spot to visit when exploring the Bolivian Altiplano. Also located within the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve at over 4,000 meters above sea level, its name comes from the distinctive smell of its waters, caused by the high concentration of sulfur and other minerals.

Despite this, you’ll be captivated by the stunning mountain scenery that surrounds it and the presence of Andean flamingos, which make it well worth the visit.

Laguna Hedionda

Laguna Cañapa

Located in the department of Potosí, in the province of Sud Lípez, at an altitude of approximately 4,140 meters above sea level, Laguna Cañapa is a unique landscape as it is surrounded by the Caquena, Tapaquillcha and Cañapa volcanoes, but also by its blue-green waters that will amaze you not only for its visual beauty, but also for its importance as a refuge for various Andean species, such as flamingos that feed in its waters while vicuñas and occasionally vizcachas surround it.

Laguna Cañapa

For those seeking unique experiences and landscapes, these Andean lagoons are one of a kind in South America due to their exceptional characteristics — the colors, the ecosystem, the extraordinary biodiversity that surrounds them, and the cultural and environmental significance of the Andes.