Laguna Verde sits in the far southwest of Bolivie, in the Sud Lípez province, at the foot of the Licancabúr volcano which rises to 5,960 m. This saline body of water takes its name from the green tint it acquires when wind stirs its mineral sediments. It forms part of the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve and was incorporated into the Ramsar Convention on July 13, 2009, under the name Los Lípez.

Why visit Laguna Verde

The site combines several rarely seen interests together: a high-altitude lake with shifting tones, a perfectly conical volcano in the background, distinctive Andean wildlife, and an active geothermal environment nearby. It stands as one of the defining stages of the South Lipez circuit, typically traversed over 3 or 4 days by 4x4 between Uyuni and the Chilean border.

The altitude (around 4,400 m) and the site's isolation contribute to its mineral atmosphere. The contrast between Licancabúr's silhouette, the white borax shores, and the lake water forms the primary visual appeal of the visit.

History and designation

Laguna Verde resulted from the merger of two distinct basins, dating back approximately thirteen thousand years, which came together during the last glacial period. The site lies today at the far southwestern edge of the national park, bordering Chile.

Its designation under the Ramsar Convention in 2009, named Los Lípez, covers an Andean wetland complex spanning approximately one million hectares. This ensemble brings together endorheic high-altitude salt flats, brackish and hypersaline lakes, as well as several geothermal wetland zones. Site protection is managed under the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve framework.

What to see here

The lake's color

The green tint stems from a high concentration of mineral sediments: copper, lead carbonate, sulfur, arsenic and calcium. The water appears rather turquoise at rest, then turns pronounced green when wind churns the sediments. The phenomenon is most marked mid-day, when the sun is high. The lake floor is carpeted with stromatolites, and the water harbors extremophile diatoms adapted to this chemical environment.

Andean wildlife

Three species of flamingos share the South Lipez lagoons:

• the Andean flamingo;
• the Chilean flamingo;
• James's flamingo.

The surroundings also shelter vicuñas and viscachas, the latter readily hiding among the rocks.

Sol de Mañana

Nearby, the geothermal field of Sol de Mañana ranks among the most active sites on the altiplano. Here you observe:

• hot water basins around 40 °C;
• geysers projecting steam jets several tens of meters high;
• fumaroles and boiling mud pools;
• deposits of volcanic clay, iron oxide and sulfur.

Access to the edges is unrestricted. Stay on areas trampled by guides: the surface crust can be unstable around active vents.

Laguna Blanca

Laguna Blanca lies separated from Laguna Verde by a narrow tongue of land. Allow roughly 5 minutes by 4x4 or about twenty minutes on foot between the two bodies of water.

Practical information

The site sits at high altitude, in a desert environment. A visit is systematically organized with an English-speaking driver-guide in a 4x4, as part of an organized circuit. Plan 1 to 2 hours on-site depending on conditions and your program.

Bring warm clothing, windbreaker, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a water supply. Entrance to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve is fee-based (moderate rate, payable in cash bolivianos).

When to go

The dry season, April through October, offers the most stable conditions: clear skies, good visibility of Licancabúr and passable tracks. Nights are, however, extremely cold, with marked frosts in June-July and temperatures dropping well below freezing.

From November to March, the rainy season makes certain circuit sections more challenging, but wildlife is more active and landscape colors more striking. Wind, which reveals the lake's green tint, typically blows stronger in the afternoon: visiting mid or late morning often combines early calm with the onset of water agitation.

How to get there

Laguna Verde is accessible only by 4x4, as part of an organized tour. Three main departure points:

• Uyuni: the most common option, as part of a 3-day/2-night circuit including the Salar d'Uyuni and the South Lipez lagoons;
• Tupiza: a 4-day itinerary in reverse, ending at the Salar d'Uyuni;
• San Pedro de Atacama (Chile): day transfers or combined circuits crossing the border at Hito Cajón, immediately near the lagoon.

What to see nearby

• Laguna Blanca, just minutes away;
• Sol de Mañana and its geysers;
• The Laguna Colorada, further north, celebrated for its red hue and flamingo colonies;
• The stone tree in the Siloli desert;
• The Salar d'Uyuni, the usual highlight of the circuit.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Laguna Verde naturally fits into a broader circuit through Bolivie's high-altitude landscapes. To build your itinerary and combine South Lipez, Salar d'Uyuni and colonial cities, consult our Bolivie travel suggestions.