Laguna Colorada, Salt lake in Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Bolivia
Laguna Colorada is a salt lake located in the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve near Uyuni at approximately 4,270 meters elevation. The water is dotted with white mineral islands and colored red by algae that thrives in these high-altitude conditions.
The reserve was established in 1973 to protect the region's diverse ecosystems, including this lake and the surrounding geothermal features. This designation was part of Bolivia's efforts to safeguard its natural and biological diversity in the Andean highlands.
The Quechua communities living in nearby settlements maintain a deep connection to this water source and have shaped their daily routines around it for generations. Their presence here reflects how local people have adapted to life in one of the world's highest inhabited regions.
The best time to visit is from November through March when lighting conditions are ideal and flamingos are most active in the area. Visitors should prepare for extreme weather, intense sun exposure, and cold temperatures that are typical at this high elevation.
The red color comes from millions of microscopic organisms and a specific algae type that thrive under the intense UV light at this elevation. These tiny creatures create one of the world's most unusual lakes with its distinctive red hue.
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