Plizio Visual Lab

Laguna Verde

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Laguna Verde is a high-altitude salt lake located in the Sur Lípez Province of the Potosí Department in southwestern Bolivia. Situated at the foot of the Licancabur volcano at an elevation of approximately 4,300 meters above sea level, it is famous for its striking emerald-green color. This distinctive hue is caused by a high concentration of minerals, including arsenic, magnesium, carbonates, and lead. The intensity of the color fluctuates throughout the day as strong winds disturb the mineral sediments on the lakebed. Despite the water's toxicity, the area is part of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve and serves as a significant destination for scientific research and tourism. The surrounding environment is characterized by an arid climate and extreme temperature fluctuations, often dropping well below freezing at night. The lake covers an area of about 1,700 hectares and is separated from the neighboring Laguna Blanca by a narrow land bridge, creating a unique geological formation.

Location: Bolivia
Top sights: Mirador de la Laguna Verde · Mirador Noroeste Laguna Blanca · Mirador Laguna Blanca y los volcanes

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	17	17	16	14	11	9	9	10	12	14	16	17
Rain mm	7	8	4	1	2	0	1	0	0	1	1	4

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This strikingly turquoise salt lake is situated in the remote southwestern corner of Bolivia and is almost exclusively accessed via specialized 4x4 tours that traverse the rugged altiplano routes.

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Best season

The dry season, from May to October, provides the most reliable access roads and clear conditions, though travelers must be prepared for bitterly cold, freezing winds characteristic of the Andean winter.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape surrounding the lake is a barren, high-altitude desert composed of volcanic rock, gravel tracks, and mineral-rich soils lying directly at the imposing foot of the Licancabur volcano.

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What to bring

Visitors must equip themselves with heavy winter clothing to withstand the freezing winds, as well as high-quality sunglasses to protect their eyes from the intense glare of the high-altitude sun.

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Parking

Tour groups usually park their all-terrain vehicles at informal, stony viewpoints near the shoreline, allowing passengers to step out briefly and admire the contrasting colors of the water and volcano.

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Safety

The combination of extreme altitude, high winds, and freezing temperatures requires caution; visitors should minimize physical exertion to prevent altitude sickness and stay close to their vehicles.

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Time needed

Stops at this location are typically brief, generally lasting around twenty to forty minutes, serving as a dramatic photographic highlight on the long overland journey toward the Chilean border.