Laguna Verde to Laguna Blanca Circuit
High-altitude lake circuit through volcanic badlands
At 14,100 feet, Laguna Verde’s emerald waters shimmer beneath Volcán Licancabur while mineral-rich winds whip across the altiplano. This challenging circuit connects Bolivia’s most photographed colored lakes through the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, threading between geysers at Sol de Mañana and the blood-red waters of Laguna Colorada. The route follows rough 4×4 tracks across volcanic terrain, with the notorious river crossing at Río Grande separating casual tourists from serious overlanders.
Expert-level difficulty demands modified 4WD with rock protection, spare fuel for 200+ miles, and altitude sickness preparation. October through March offers the best conditions, though afternoon storms can trap vehicles in flash floods. No permits required, but fuel availability ends at Quetena Chico. The payoff: witnessing flamingo colonies against otherworldly backdrops that’ll redefine your understanding of Bolivia’s raw beauty. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 145 mi / 233.4 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14100 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Uyuni, Potosí |
| Land manager | SERNAP - Eduardo Avaroa Reserve |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does the vehicle need mods?
A stock rig won't cut it here. You need a modified high-clearance 4WD with a snorkel or at minimum a high air intake — the water crossings and silty terrain at altitude will punish anything less. Suspension lift, skid plates, and a recovery kit are non-negotiable.
Is the trail accessible year-round, or does it close seasonally?
Best window is October through March (Southern Hemisphere summer). Outside that window, brutal cold and ice at 14,000+ ft make crossings and soft volcanic terrain significantly more dangerous, and some access routes become impassable.
Do you need a permit to run this circuit, and is there an entrance fee?
Yes — the route passes through Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, managed by SERNAP. Foreign visitors pay a $30 USD entrance fee; Bolivian nationals pay less. Have cash on hand; there's no card processing out there.
What's the hardest section of the circuit and what makes it technical?
The volcanic badlands sections southwest of Laguna Verde are the worst — loose pumice, no defined track, and zero margin for a breakdown at altitude. Altitude itself is a serious factor; engine power drops noticeably above 13,000 ft and tire pressure management becomes critical on the soft terrain.
How far is the nearest fuel, and can you resupply water along the route?
Uyuni is your last reliable fuel stop before heading south — top off there and carry extra; 145 miles of hard, fuel-burning terrain with no stations in between. Water from the lakes is not safe to drink untreated; carry all your potable water or bring a quality filter and purification tablets for meltwater sources.
Trail track
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