Plizio Visual Lab
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is located in the far southwestern tip of Bolivia, in the Potosí Department, bordering Chile and Argentina. Established in 1973, the protected area covers approximately 7,147 square kilometers and sits at extreme altitudes between 4,200 and 5,400 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by majestic volcanoes, bizarre rock formations, and vibrantly colored lagoons such as Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde. The region is a vital sanctuary for endangered species, specifically for the three types of flamingos that nest there: the Andean, Chilean, and James's flamingos. Despite the harsh conditions involving extreme temperature fluctuations and high UV radiation, the reserve hosts a specialized range of flora and fauna, including vicuñas, viscachas, and Darwin's rheas. As Bolivia's most visited protected area, it plays a central role in ecological tourism and the preservation of fragile high-Andean ecosystems.
- Location: Bolivia
- Top sights: Cerro Apacheta · Laguna Colorada & mountains · Morning Sun
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best time to visit the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve is the austral summer from November to March. During these months, the lagoons are colorful and flamingos are abundant, although the weather is cool and changeable.
Best time of day
Early morning provides the best light for photographing the colorful lagoons and flamingos. Late afternoon temperatures are often most pleasant and animals are most active.
Etiquette
Stay on marked roads and trails to avoid damaging the sensitive salt crusts and lagoons. It is not allowed to step into the lagoons, and feeding the flamingos is strictly prohibited.
What to bring
Warm layered clothing is essential as temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important due to high UV radiation at altitude.
Getting there
The reserve is accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle from Uyuni via the notorious Ruta de las Lagunas. A multi-day tour with a guide is recommended, as road conditions are challenging and navigation without local knowledge is difficult.
What to expect
Altitude and unpredictable weather can affect observations. Take time for acclimatization and be prepared that animals may hide occasionally or visibility may be limited by fog.
Geography
Facts
- The reserve was officially established on December 13, 1973.
- Laguna Colorada covers an area of approximately 60 square kilometers.
- Three of the world's six flamingo species nest in the park's lagoons.
- The Licancabur volcano on the Chilean border reaches 5,920 meters.
- The reserve receives over 70,000 international visitors annually.
- The vegetation consists mainly of hardy grasses like ichu grass.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the highlights of the reserve?
Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, the Arbol de Piedra, and the Sol de Mañana geysers.
How high is the reserve located?
It is located at an average altitude of over 4,000 meters; watch for signs of altitude sickness.
Are there flamingos there?
Yes, three species of flamingos live in the lagoons, especially in large numbers at Laguna Colorada.
What is the weather like there?
It is extremely windy and very cold at night (often below -15°C); bring very warm clothing.
Do you have to pay an entrance fee?
Yes, foreigners pay about 150 Bolivianos; keep your ticket for checkpoints.
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve: where is it located?
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve is located in Bolivia.
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cerro Apacheta, Laguna Colorada & mountains, Morning Sun.
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is located in the far southwestern tip of Bolivia, in the Potosí Department, bordering Chile and Argentina.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Bolivia →
History & landmarks
Cementerio de Trenes
A surreal open-air museum near Uyuni where dozens of rusted 19th-century British steam locomotives are left to decay.
Torre de la Compañía de Jesús
This ornate stone bell tower is the only remnant of a Jesuit church and one of the most important symbols of the silver city of Potosí.
Catedral de Potosí
An imposing neoclassical cathedral in the historic center of the old mining town of Potosí, whose towers dominate the cityscape.
Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas
One of Potosí's most masterful churches, featuring an incredibly detailed carved stone portal facade in the mestizo baroque style.
Nature
More places
Cerro Guayaques
Cerro Guayaques is a volcanic complex on the border with Chile, whose lava flows shape the rugged desert landscape.
Cerro Zapaleri
Cerro Zapaleri is a volcanic mountain that marks the tripoint between Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Ollagüe Volcano
The active Ollagüe volcano is located in the Andes and is characterized by constant fumarole activity near the summit.
Lípez Quinoa Fields
On the harsh high plateau of southwestern Bolivia, indigenous farmers cultivate royal quinoa, a unique pseudocereal.
Cordillera de Lípez
The Cordillera de Lípez in southwestern Bolivia offers a rugged, extreme volcanic landscape with unique colored lagoons.
Church of San Lorenzo de Carangas
A beautiful church in Potosí, famous for its elaborately carved stone portal in the Mestizo Baroque style.
Casa de la Moneda
The old royal mint in Potosí, where coins were minted for the Spanish Empire from the silver of Cerro Rico during the colonial period.
Cathedral of Potosí
The most important church in the center of Potosí, reflecting the wealth of the silver city with its magnificent neoclassical architecture.