Uyuni Natural Atracctions

Home Bolivia Vacations Guide Uyuni Travel Guide

Natural Atracctions in Uyuni

Tours in Uyuni Hotels in Uyuni Bolivia Useful Informations

National Andean Fauna Reserve - Eduardo Avaroa

National Andean Fauna Reserve - Eduardo Avaroa ( REA )

The National Andean Fauna Reserve - “Eduardo Avaroa” (Reserva Nacional) is located towards the South of Potosi with a total surface of 7,147 Kms. It has extraordinary lagoons, a large diversity of flora, geysers and geothermic pockets of amazing beauty.

This Natural Reserve was created in 1973, it has a total surface of 714,745 has. (7,147 km2). To the South there is the Republic of Argentina and to the West there is the Republic of Chile. The climate is cold and dry and it is at an average height of 4,200 and 6,000 meters above the sea level.

The "Eduardo Avaroa" Reserve (REA) is located on the Western Mountain Range, it is known for having extensive flat prairies and volcanic peaks.

In the Sanctuary itself there are 102 species of flora and there is approximately 200 species of large plants. The zone is mostly famous for its wide frozen deserts and for the semi-deserted prairies of the high area of the Andes. Throughout the area there are several lagoons with salty water, most of which were originated by glaciers, bofedales and peat bogs.

Among the 96 species of fauna there are the following: vicuña (Vicugna), cat from the Andes or titi (Felis jacobita), “suri” (Argentian Ostrich: Pterocnemia pennata), “soca” (Ratoon: Fulica cornuta), chocka (Fulica gigantea) and three species of flamingos (Phoenicoparrus andinus, Phoenicoparrus jamesi and Phoenicopterus chilensis). These birds form large nests identified as colonies. There are also several species of small birds, such as: Upucerthia validirostris, Phegornis mitchelli and other species of migratory birds from the Northern hemisphere.

Up Tours in Uyuni

At the reserve there are the following attractions:

Arbol de Piedra ( Stone Tree )

This is a cluster of rock formations, which has a particular evolution and shape caused by the aeolian erosion of the area. This almost surrealistic scenario is surrounded by sand desert; it truly is an uncanny sight for most visitors.

Up Tours in Uyuni

Laguna Colorada ( Red Lagoon )

The Red Lagoon is located at 4,278 meters above the sea level; it has a total surface of 60 km2. It is a lagoon of several colors, which has a predominant array of red shades; this is caused by animal plankton, phytoplankton and other additional elements. The beauty of the landscape that surrounds the area, contrasts with the reddish hue of the lagoon and the pink flamencos, it is just dazzling to see.

This place is also known as the “Nest of the Andes”, it shelters more than 30.000 flamencos of three different species, all of which have made this entire area, their nest. It also has been home to the “Parihuana Chica” (a species of flamingo), the largest of its kind in South America.

The view becomes even more spectacular with the presence of a generally large collection of flamencos that reside all over the red waters of the lake. There are three major species of birds: “parina chica” or “Chururu”, the “Totoko” or “parina grande”, all of these species of birds make a stop here before continuing their journey towards the North.

On the road to the Red Lagoon stands the active volcano Ollagüe. There is also a chain of several small lagoons inhabited mostly by flamingos and the thermal waters of Chalviri most of which contain salty water (30º C of temperature).

Up Tours in Uyuni

Sol de Mañana ( Morning Sunlight )

At about an hour from the Red Lagoon there are several geysers. This endless supply of water is spited out of the ground at a temperature of 90º C, through fumaroles and cracks through which sometimes even volcanic lava erupts. It is recommended for everyone’s personal safety to observe this from a distance, mostly because of the sensitivity and lack of stability of the ground.

Up Tours in Uyuni

Laguna Verde ( Green Lagoon )

This attraction is located on the Southeast of Potosi, at the feet from the Licancabur volcano, at a total height of 4,350 meters above the sea level. It has a total surface of 17 km2 and when seen for the first time, it has often been described as a vision of the end of the world.

It is divided into 2 major bodies of water. The reason for its particular coloring is mostly because of a high content of magnesium that exists in most of the geologic formations of the area. The landscape is truly fascinating especially when the sun sets on the zenith.

On the shores of the lagoon there are several enormous volcanic black-stones and saline rock formations that seem to be coming from the ground.

It has been impossible to determine the exact depth of this lagoon. Also, throughout the area there is a large amount of straw, most of which is curled or bent according to the direction of the wind.

While walking through the shore, an amazing view of the whole lagoon can be seen with the various mountains that surround it on the background; this allows visitors to see a beautiful and abrupt contrast of colors and shapes which are reflected on the lagoons as well.

This is just the most perfect scenario for long peaceful and memorable hikes; it is also a great place for adventure and ecological tourism. Some of the most important dates to go around this area include the months of June, July and August, during these months the soil is fairly dry, which makes it easy to ascend and descend these rocky formation throughout the entire area.

The Licancabur Volcano (5,868 meters above the sea level) has the shape of an almost perfect cone. It is an inactive volcano and it does not have much vegetation (straw and some grass). It is located towards the West end of the Lagoon and it is the landmark that indicates the border line between Chile and Bolivia.

It takes five hours to climb this volcano, it has a very steep and rocky slope, and whoever dares to climb it must face strong currents of wind, which come from the Pacific Ocean. From the summit there are several deep valleys that could be seen and the numerous lagoons that are inside and outside the park.

Up Tours in Uyuni