Lyla Lindsey
The Lagunas Route in Bolivia is a challenging journey that takes travellers through a surreal landscape of colourful lagoons, volcanoes, and flamingos. The route is characterised by deep sand, washboard roads, high altitudes, and remote stretches, requiring careful preparation and ample supplies. While the scenery is breathtaking, the roads are notoriously poor, with sandy and rocky sections that demand technical driving skills and high vehicle clearance. The route is situated entirely above 4000m, resulting in freezing temperatures at night and toothaches due to the high altitude. Strong winds and extreme sun during the day further add to the challenge. Nevertheless, the Lagunas Route is a rewarding adventure for those seeking breathtaking views and a true off-road experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Above 4000m |
| Temperature | Below freezing at night |
| Roads | Dirt roads, gravel roads, steep rocky sections, sandy sections, washboard roads |
| Fuel | Higher consumption due to road conditions and elevation |
| Entrance Fee | 150 BOB pp |
What You'll Learn
The route is above 4,000m with freezing temperatures at night
The Lagunas Route in Bolivia is a challenging journey, with the entire route sitting above 4,000m, where freezing temperatures can be expected at night all year round. The route is not for the faint-hearted, with washboard roads, steep rocky sections, and deep sand.
The route can be completed in a 4x4 vehicle, but even then, it is a bumpy ride. The roads are mostly gravel, with some sections of deep sand and sharp rocks. The route is known for its washboard roads, which can be extremely uncomfortable and cause vehicles to shake. It is recommended that vehicles have strong or reliable suspension to handle these conditions.
The high altitude also affects fuel consumption, with travellers reporting up to double the normal amount of fuel used. It is important to plan fuel stops carefully, as there are long distances between fuel stations. The cold temperatures at night can also cause issues with diesel engines and heaters.
The route passes through a desert landscape, with sand dunes and rock formations. The conditions can be harsh, with strong winds and extreme sun. It is important to bring adequate sun protection and warm clothing for the cold nights.
Despite the challenges, the Lagunas Route offers stunning scenery, including colourful mountains, lagoons, and flamingos. It is a remote and wild area, providing a true off-road adventure.
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The roads are poor quality, often sandy and rocky
The roads on the Laguna Route in Bolivia are often sandy and rocky, making for a challenging journey. The route typically begins in Uyuni, Bolivia, and ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, covering a distance of around 474km. The roads are mostly gravel, sand, and rocks, with sections of deep sand and washboard that can make for a bumpy and slow ride.
The quality of the roads can vary along the route, with some sections being more maintained than others. The stretch from Uyuni to San Cristobal is a flat gravel road, providing a faster journey. However, once you turn off the main road to begin the Laguna Route, the roads become more challenging. The roads can be extremely sandy and rocky, with many washboard sections that can be hard to navigate. The deep sand can be particularly difficult to cycle or drive through, often requiring vehicles to be pushed or driven slowly to find firmer ground.
The roads can also be affected by the weather. In dry conditions, the sand may be more compacted, making it easier to drive through. However, in wet weather, the clay shelf roads can become treacherous, and some parts of the route may be blocked by snow. The wind can also be a factor, with strong headwinds making it difficult to cycle or drive, especially when coupled with the sandy and rocky terrain.
Despite the poor road conditions, the Laguna Route is known for its stunning scenery. The route passes by colourful lagoons, volcanoes, and unique rock formations, such as the Salvador Dali Desert. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, vicuñas, and llamas. While the roads can be challenging, many travellers find the experience rewarding and worth the effort.
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The route is remote, requiring lots of food to be carried
The Laguna Route in Bolivia is a challenging journey, with cyclists and drivers alike reporting that it is one of the toughest rides they have ever experienced. The route is remote, requiring lots of food to be carried, and the conditions can be harsh, with washboard roads, deep sand, strong winds, high altitudes, and freezing temperatures.
The Laguna Route is located in the southwest of Bolivia and is known for its stunning scenery, including colourful lagoons, flamingos, volcanoes, and surreal landscapes. However, the roads are notoriously bad, with deep sand, rocky sections, and washboard roads that can make for a bumpy and slow ride. The route is also very remote, with few towns or villages along the way to restock supplies. As a result, it is essential to carry enough food to last the entire journey.
The route typically begins in Uyuni, Bolivia, and ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, although some travellers choose to continue on to Tupiza, Bolivia. The entire route is above 4,000 metres in elevation, and temperatures can drop below freezing at night year-round. The high altitude can also affect fuel consumption, with some travellers reporting up to double the normal fuel consumption. It is crucial to plan accordingly and ensure you have enough fuel to complete the journey.
In addition to the challenging roads and remote location, the Laguna Route can also be quite windy, with strong headwinds that can make cycling or driving even more difficult. The extreme sun and cold temperatures at high altitudes can also take a toll, and it is important to bring adequate sun protection and warm clothing.
Despite the challenges, many travellers report that the Laguna Route is a rewarding and unforgettable experience. The stunning scenery, sense of adventure, and opportunity to camp under the stars make it well worth the effort for those who are well-prepared and up for the challenge.
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The wind and sun at high altitudes can be challenging
The Laguna Route in Bolivia is a challenging journey due to several factors, including sand, washboard roads, wind, altitude, and remoteness. The route passes through the Andean mountains and alongside colorful lagoons and volcanoes, with the landscape becoming increasingly surreal. The wind and sun at high altitudes can be particularly challenging.
The high-altitude winds in this region can be strong and persistent, making it difficult for travellers to remain outdoors for extended periods. The lack of windshields along the route means that travellers are often forced to seek shelter indoors. The wind can also cause dust and sand to be blown into the air, reducing visibility and potentially leading to respiratory issues for those travelling through the area.
The intense sunlight at high altitudes can be another challenge for travellers on the Laguna Route. The thin atmosphere and low air density at these altitudes allow for greater exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and other health issues. The combination of strong winds and intense sunlight can also lead to dust storms, reducing visibility and potentially causing respiratory problems.
Additionally, the high altitude can result in lower air temperatures, particularly at night, with temperatures dropping below freezing. This can affect travellers' ability to rest and recover during their journey. The cold temperatures can also impact vehicle performance, with frozen radiators and other mechanical issues occurring.
Furthermore, the thin air and low air density at high altitudes can cause altitude sickness, including symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Travellers may need to acclimatise to the high altitudes gradually to reduce the risk of these symptoms.
Overall, the wind and sun at high altitudes along the Laguna Route in Bolivia present significant challenges that travellers need to be prepared for. These challenges include strong winds, intense sunlight, cold temperatures, and the potential for altitude sickness. By being aware of these challenges and taking the necessary precautions, travellers can increase their chances of a safe and enjoyable journey through this unique and surreal landscape.
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The route is very scenic, with colourful mountains and lagoons
The Laguna Route in Bolivia is a tough ride, with sand, washboard, wind, altitude, and remoteness all presenting challenges. However, it is also a very scenic route, offering stunning views of colourful mountains and lagoons.
The route passes through the Andean Fauna National Reserva Eduardo Avaora, where travellers can enjoy the surreal landscapes of the Salvador Dali Desert. The desert is characterised by volcanic rocks, golden and white sand, and azure water. The nearby lagoons reflect the sky, and on clear days, the water shines with an intense blue colour.
One of the most famous lagoons along the route is the Laguna Colorada, or Red Lagoon. This shallow salt lake is filled with hundreds of pink flamingos and is surrounded by white borax islands. The crimson lake creates a stark contrast with the clear blue sky and white snow-capped mountains in the distance, making it a popular spot for photographers. The colour of the lake is believed to come from the algae and rich minerals in the water, giving it a blood-like appearance.
In addition to the colourful mountains and lagoons, travellers along the Laguna Route can also expect to see volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and unique rock formations. The landscapes are otherworldly, with towering Andes and smoking volcanoes dominating the horizon.
While the Laguna Route is known for its stunning scenery, it is important to note that the roads can be challenging. The route is characterised by deep sand, washboard roads, and rocky sections, making it a difficult journey for even the most experienced travellers. However, the opportunity to witness the colourful mountains and lagoons up close makes it a rewarding adventure for those who are well-prepared and up for the challenge.
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Frequently asked questions
The Laguna Route is one of the toughest rides due to sand, washboard, wind, altitude, and remoteness. The entire route is above 4000m, with below-freezing temperatures at night. The roads are often sandy or rocky, or both, and there is a lot of pushing through deep sand.
Make sure you have enough fuel, food, and water. The fuel consumption will be higher than normal due to road conditions and elevation. Also, be prepared for the extreme cold, sun, and wind at high altitudes.
There are some hotels and ecolodges along the route, such as Hotel del Desierto and Ecolodge de los Flamingos. However, it is also possible to wild camp along the route.
The highlights include the beautiful scenery, especially the volcanoes and lagunas, as well as the wildlife such as flamingos, vicuñas, and viscachas. The lowlights include the terrible roads, strong winds, and extreme weather conditions.
The dry season, which lasts from April to October, is the most accessible time to travel on the Laguna Route. However, even during the dry season, there may be temporary closures due to snowfalls.
