The Bolivian altiplano has a shallow salt lake called Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), within Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The Uyuni Salt Flats are just a few hours’ drives away and are a mesmerizing sight to behold.
James’s flamingos live in the area. There are also Chilean and Andean flamingos here, but they are less common. Observing flocks of flamingos at Laguna Colorada is one of the most popular attractions.
Because of the abundance of plankton in the lake, three of the six species of flamingos in the world are found here. There are only one species of James’s Flamingo in the world, and it is only found on high Andean plateaus. After being declared extinct, it was rediscovered in 1956. The Laguna Colorada was voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for a good reason.
In contrast to the white borax islands, the lake’s waters appear reddish due to red sediments and algae pigmentation. Formerly known as Laguna Colorada, this Ramsar wetland is now a Ramsar site. Internationally Important Wetlands have been designated since 1990 by Ramsar. By July 13, 2009, the site’s area had been expanded to 14,277.17 km2 to include nearby endorheic, hypersaline, and brackish lakes and associated wetlands.
It is a short distance from the Uyuni Salt Flats and is a mesmerizing sight that you won’t soon forget. Laguna Colorada Bolivia is renowned for its miraculous red-tinted water. Many pink flamingos pose for incredible, postcard-like photos here. Plankton is plentiful here, so flamingos flock here to feed.
Although flamingos are naturally white, their feathers appear pink due to red algae staining. Taking off is fun: they’re so heavy that they have to sprint like crazy while flapping their wings to get up to speed. It’s awesome to see a flamboyance of flamingos flying overhead with their spindly legs and majestic wing spans.
Laguna Colorado’s magical red water is caused by red sediments found in the lake. People travel from all over the world to see it because of the blood-like appearance it has thanks to the pigments in some microorganisms and the red algae.
Borax deposits on the lake’s surface create the dramatic contrast of the white pools. The Uyuni Salt Flats and one of the most impressive colored lakes on the planet are just a few of Bolivia’s strange and unique landscapes. Early in the morning, a mist rises from the volcanic warm water, making the water look particularly red.
The lake covers some 15000 acres and only has a depth of one meter, making it a large and shallow body of water. Small islands dot the surface of the lake, indicating substantial deposits of borax. The lake’s composition is very saline, meaning it is very salty. The lake is packed with flamingos during the summer, so if you wish to see them, come during this time.
During Winter, the few survivors who cannot migrate are the ones who do not have the strength to do so. Laguna Colorada Simple Mountain Lodge is the only hotel nearby.
