Laguna Route Bolivian Altiplano Circuit
Seven colored lakes in Bolivia's alien highlands
The Laguna Route connects a chain of seven high-altitude lakes across Bolivia’s Eduard Avaroa National Reserve, starting from Uyuni and ending at the Chilean border near San Pedro de Atacama. The classic circuit hits Laguna Colorada (blood-red from algae), Laguna Verde (emerald green beneath Volcán Licancabur), and five other impossibly colored lakes scattered across the altiplano at elevations between 14,100 and 15,700 feet. The track threads between active geysers at Sol de Mañana, natural hot springs, and the Salvador Dalí Desert — a surreal landscape of rock formations that inspired the artist’s name. Navigation follows ancient llama caravan routes marked only by stone cairns and GPS coordinates.
This is a difficult high-altitude expedition requiring experienced 4WD drivers and proper acclimatization — altitude sickness hits hard above 14,000 feet. Essential gear includes spare tires, tire repair kit, extra fuel, and cold-weather camping equipment for temperatures that drop below freezing year-round. Best attempted during dry season (April-November) with a minimum 3-day itinerary. The reward is camping beside some of the most alien landscapes on Earth, watching three species of flamingos feed in caustic lakes, and crossing into Chile through one of the world’s most remote border crossings.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 217 mi / 349 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15748 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Uyuni, Bolivia |
| Land manager | SERNAP Bolivia |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to run this route?
High-clearance 4WD is mandatory — not negotiable. The soft volcanic sand, rocky creek crossings, and eroded sections at altitude will strand a 2WD or low-clearance vehicle. A locking differential and extra ground clearance beyond stock are strongly advisable.
When is the route closed or impassable?
December through March is the rainy season — river crossings swell, salt flats flood, and sections become genuinely impassable mud. April through November is the window; May through October is the most reliable.
Do you need a permit and who issues it?
Yes, you need an entry permit for Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, managed by SERNAP Bolivia. The fee is around $30 USD per person for foreigners and is paid at the park entrance near Hito Cajón or Ojo de Perdiz — carry exact cash in USD or bolivianos.
What's the hardest section and what makes it serious?
The stretch through the sillar fields and soft sand tracks near the southwestern corner approaching the Chilean border is the most technical — deep sand, no defined track, and zero assistance for potentially 100+ miles. At 15,000+ feet, overheating engines and driver fatigue hit harder than at sea level.
Is there any fuel or water available along the 217-mile route?
No fuel exists on the route — top off completely in Uyuni before departure and carry reserve jerry cans. Water sources are present near some lagoons but are often alkaline or mineral-contaminated; bring all drinking water from Uyuni and plan for a minimum of 4 days.
Trail track
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