Reserva Eduardo Avaroa — Laguna Colorada Southern Shore Dispersed Camp

Laguna Colorada sits at roughly 4,278 m (14,035 ft) in the heart of Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, and the flat ground along its southern shore has been used by overlanders and tour convoys as a staging point for years. The lake’s blood-red algae, chalky borax flats, and resident James’s flamingo flocks make this one of the most visually violent campsites on the planet. Nights are brutally cold — sub-zero temps are normal even in summer — and wind off the altiplano is relentless. No facilities, no shade, no windbreak. Bring everything.

Access is via well-tracked dirt roads inside the reserve — manageable in a capable 4WD, though sandy sections and soft volcanic soil near the shore demand aired-down tires. A park entry fee is charged at the reserve boundary (verify current rates with SERNAP Bolivia). The reserve sees significant tour traffic November through March; shoulder months are quieter. Altitude acclimatization is serious business here — don’t underestimate it.

Blood-red lake, 14,000 ft, zero shelter.