Lagunas Route — Tupiza to Uyuni via the Bolivian Southwest Altiplano Volcano Circuit

The Lagunas Route through Bolivia’s Sud Lípez region is one of the most visually savage overland circuits on the planet. Starting from Tupiza in the south, the route climbs through the Reserva Eduardo Avaroa past Laguna Colorada — the blood-red lake at 4,278 metres where tens of thousands of flamingos feed on algae — then grinds higher to Laguna Verde and the sulphurous fumaroles of Volcán Licancabur on the Chilean border at 4,945 metres. Sol de Mañana geothermal field at 4,850 metres is a raw thermal wasteland of mud geysers and steam vents, crossed before dawn when geothermal activity peaks. The route ends by dropping north across the Salar de Uyuni — the world’s largest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometres — and closing at the town of Uyuni.

This is a serious expedition. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk above 4,500 metres and acclimatisation days in Uyuni or Tupiza beforehand are not optional. A lifted, purpose-built expedition 4×4 with long-range fuel capacity is mandatory — there is no fuel between Tupiza and Uyuni. Carry minimum 200 litres of water. Navigation requires GPS and printed topos; tracks split constantly and signage is non-existent. Best season is May to October (dry). Permits are required to enter Reserva Eduardo Avaroa — purchased at the gate near Laguna Colorada. Cold nights year-round; temperatures below -20°C are possible at altitude in winter.