Camino a Laguna Colorada – Cordillera de Lipez
Desert crossing to Bolivia's flamingo paradise
The washboard gravel road to Laguna Colorada cuts through some of the most alien terrain in South America, where mineral-stained mountains rise from salt-crusted plains and vicuñas watch your dust cloud from ridge lines. This route through Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve connects Uyuni to the red-tinted lake that anchors Bolivia’s most remote protected area, passing steaming geysers at Sol de Mañana and the surreal Árbol de Piedra rock formation that stands like a sentinel in the desert.
The route demands respect for altitude and weather – sudden storms can turn the track into a muddy nightmare above 14,000 feet. A high-clearance 4WD is mandatory for the rocky sections and river crossings, plus extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear even in summer. Best tackled May through September when roads are most reliable. What you get is access to one of the planet’s most concentrated displays of high-altitude desert wildlife and geology, where three species of flamingos feed in mineral lakes that mirror the Andes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14035 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Uyuni, Potosí |
| Land manager | Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but the rocky quebradas and soft volcanic sand sections will test your skid plates. A lift helps but isn't mandatory — lockers or a solid LSD are more important than extra inches of clearance.
When is this trail actually passable and what closes it down?
May through September is the dry season window — go then. October through April brings altiplano rain that turns crossings impassable and soft sections into axle-deep mud. Snow can hit any month at this elevation, so check conditions locally before you leave Uyuni.
Do I need a permit to drive through Eduardo Avaroa Reserve?
Yes — there's an entry fee for the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve, currently around 150 BOB per person for foreigners (roughly $22 USD, but verify current rates). Pay at the reserve entrance checkpoint; they don't take cards, so carry cash in bolivianos.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The volcanic rock fields south of Quetena Chico are the worst of it — sharp basalt tears tires and the lines aren't obvious. Compound that with 13,000–14,000 foot altitude where your engine loses serious power, and recovery or technical driving becomes genuinely exhausting for both you and the vehicle.
How much fuel do I need and where can I top off between Uyuni and Laguna Colorada?
Fill completely in Uyuni before you leave — there are no reliable fuel stops on the route. At altitude your engine drinks more, so carry a minimum of 20–30 liters in jerry cans on top of a full tank for a 68-mile route with this terrain.
Trail track
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