Exploring Bolivia's Laguna Verde: Travel Guide

Bolivia's Laguna Verde is a striking sight, an emerald-green lake set against the backdrop of the Licancabur Volcano. Located in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in the southwestern Altiplano region of Bolivia, it is a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The best way to get to Laguna Verde is by joining a multi-day tour that covers other highlights of the Bolivian Altiplano, such as the Laguna Verde, Laguna Blanca, Laguna Colorada, and the Salar de Uyuni. These tours usually start from Uyuni or Tupiza in Bolivia, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Alternatively, you can hire a car and travel independently, but this is less common due to the challenging high-altitude terrains. Remember to prepare for the high altitude by spending a day or two in a higher-altitude town before heading to Laguna Verde, and bring warm clothes as it can get very windy.

Tours from Uyuni, Tupiza or San Pedro de Atacama

Laguna Verde is a spectacular sight, with its emerald green waters. It is located in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in the southwestern region of Altiplano in Bolivia, near the Chilean and Argentinian borders. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to September.

There are no specific Laguna Verde tours; instead, there are multi-day tours that cover the highlights of the Bolivian Altiplano. These tours usually start in Uyuni, Tupiza, or San Pedro de Atacama. Here is some information about these tours:

Tours from Uyuni

Uyuni is one of the most common starting points for tours to Laguna Verde. The tours typically last several days and cover various natural wonders in the region. The first day of the tour usually includes a visit to the Quebrada de Palala, a spectacular jagged rock formation, followed by a visit to El Sillar, a site of impressive eroded rock formations. The second day often includes a visit to the Uyuni salt flats and the third day might involve visiting the Stone Tree and the Red Lagoon in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. The fourth day is when you will finally arrive at Laguna Verde, after visiting the hot springs of Polques and the Geysers of Sol de Mañana.

Tours from Tupiza

Tupiza is another popular starting point for tours to Laguna Verde. The itinerary is similar to the Uyuni tours, with a few variations. The first day includes a visit to Quebrada de Palala and El Sillar, followed by a trip to the small gold mining community of Nazarenito. The second day might include a visit to the train graveyard in San Cristobal village and the salt factory in Colchani. The third day could involve visiting the small lagoons of Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda, and Ramaditas, where you can spot flamingos and other birds. The fourth day is when you will arrive at Laguna Verde, after visiting the Geysers of Sol de Mañana and the Red Lagoon.

Tours from San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama in Chile is also a common starting point for tours to Laguna Verde. The first day of the tour usually includes a visit to the Green Lagoon and the Valley of the Ladies desert, followed by a dip in the hot springs of Polques and a visit to the Geysers of Sol de Mañana. The second day might involve visiting the small lagoons of Chiarkota, Hedionda, and Cañapa, where you can spot flamingos. The third day could be spent exploring the Uyuni salt flats, including a visit to Incahuasi Island and the Salt Museum. The fourth day is when you will arrive at Laguna Verde, after crossing the border into Bolivia and visiting the Red Lagoon.

Hire a car and travel independently

Hiring a car and travelling independently to Laguna Verde is possible but challenging, and not many people choose to do so. If you decide to go it alone, be sure to speak to local tour companies and visitors to get as much information and as many tips as possible before you embark on your trip. You will need to hire a car that can handle high altitudes.

If you are coming from a lower altitude, it is recommended that you spend a day or two acclimatising in a higher-altitude town, such as Uyuni, before heading to the lagoon. This will give your body time to adjust to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

You can reach Laguna Verde by driving from Copiapo in Chile. The journey takes around five hours each way. Be aware that you will need to pass through immigration control, so don't forget your identification. The gravel road is well-maintained, but drive carefully and take your time. Make sure you have enough fuel for the round trip, and consider bringing extra fuel in a proper canister.

Alternatively, you can drive from Catamarca Province in Argentina, over the San Francisco Pass to Copiapó in Chile. The road up the pass from Argentina is paved, but the Chilean side is not. Again, the gravel road is well-maintained, and you can take a normal sedan car, but drive with caution.

Once you arrive at Laguna Verde, you can hike to the Inca ruins at the top of the Licancabur Volcano. This 6km hike from La Cabaña is relatively short but challenging due to the high altitude. Allow about five hours for the round trip.

Hike from La Cabaña

The hike to Laguna Verde from La Cabaña is 6km long. While the distance is not challenging, the high altitude makes this hike difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to allow about 5 hours for the round trip.

The hike to Laguna Verde is not an easy stroll, but the reward for your efforts is unparalleled views of the lake. The lake is known for its striking emerald green colour, which is caused by its high mineral content, including arsenic. The colour of the lake can vary from turquoise to dark emerald, depending on the force of the winds disturbing the sediments at the bottom of the lake.

Laguna Verde is located in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in the southwestern region of Bolivia, near the Chilean and Argentinian borders. The reserve covers 7,147 square kilometres and is home to some of Bolivia's most beautiful natural attractions, including the world's largest salt flat. The lake itself is relatively small, measuring 1.7 square kilometres, and sits at an altitude of 4,300m above sea level.

The best time to hike to Laguna Verde is between April and September, during the dry season. It is important to remember to bring warm clothes, as it can be very windy and chilly near the lake, even when the sun is shining. Don't forget your sunscreen, as it is easy to get burnt.

Best time to visit is between April and September

The best time to visit Laguna Verde is between April and September, during the dry season. The dry season offers clearer skies and a more predictable climate. The wind stirs the arsenic-rich waters of the lagoon, accentuating its vibrant green hue. The chill of the high-altitude desert is also somewhat mitigated during the day, though nights can still be cold, so pack accordingly.

During the dry season, it is very windy up near the lake, so remember to bring warm clothes. It is also easy to get sunburnt, so don't forget your suncream!

What to pack for the trip

Laguna Verde is located in the southwestern region of Bolivia, near the Chilean and Argentinian borders. The best time to visit is between April and September, so make sure to pack accordingly. The weather during these months can be very windy, sunny, and chilly, so here is a list of what to pack for your trip:

• Warm clothes – it can get very windy and chilly near the lake, even when the sun is shining.
• Sun protection – don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the intense midday sun.
• Hiking gear – if you plan to hike to the Inca ruins at the top of Licancabur, make sure to bring sturdy hiking boots, comfortable socks, and layers that you can add or remove as needed.
• Water – staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes, so bring a water bottle or a hydration bladder.
• Snacks – there aren't many eateries around Laguna Verde, so pack energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits to keep your energy up.
• Basic first aid kit – include any prescription medications you need, altitude sickness medication, band-aids, pain killers, anti-inflammatory pills, and mosquito repellent.
• Cash – ATMs are rare in Bolivia, so make sure to bring enough cash, especially if you're not on a prepaid tour.
• Camera – the picturesque landscapes and vibrant colours of Laguna Verde will be a photographer's dream, so don't forget to pack your camera or smartphone to capture those Instagram-worthy shots.
• Voltage adapter – Bolivia uses 220-volt outlets, so bring a voltage adapter to charge your electronic devices.
• Toiletries – pack your toiletries, including a microfiber towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and sanitary products.
• Cross-body bag – it's good to be hands-free when exploring, so a lightweight, cross-body bag is ideal for carrying your essentials.
• Daypack – a small daypack is perfect for hikes, sightseeing, and storing any souvenirs you may purchase.

Remember to pack light and only bring the essentials to make your travels easier and more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions