5 Days - White Deserts and Colored Lagoons
White Deserts and Colored Lagoons
An Immersion into the Bolivian Altiplano (5D/4N) Dry Puna
A Tour Focused on Landscape Interpretation and Wildlife Observation
The Bolivian Altiplano of this side of the Andes is a High-Elevation Ecosystem of Global Significance, and it represents one of the most exceptional high-elevation landscapes on Earth. Characterized by extreme aridity, intense solar radiation, and vast diurnal temperature variation, this region harbors a surprising diversity of ecosystems and species that have adapted to its harsh conditions. From hypersaline salt flats and dormant volcanoes to nutrient-rich wetlands and polychromatic lagoons, the Altiplano is both ecologically and geologically remarkable.
Despite its apparent desolation, the region supports a wide array of specialized flora and fauna. Biodiversity is concentrated in microhabitats such as bofedales (high Andean bogs), where endemic and threatened species like the James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina), and Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) find refuge. These oases function as keystone habitats, sustaining life across this high-elevation desert.
This tour emphasizes both landscape interpretation and wildlife observation. Rather than a purely scenic approach, we aim to provide ecological context—exploring the evolutionary, geological, and climatic processes that have shaped the Altiplano. Through guided field observation, participants will gain insight into high-altitude ecology, altiplanic endemism, and conservation challenges in the face of increasing climate stress and tourism pressure.
Key highlights include the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on Earth, which provides crucial seasonal feeding grounds for migratory birds; and the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot containing high-altitude lagoons such as Colorada and Verde, each with distinct physicochemical characteristics supporting unique biological assemblages.
This is an immersive exploration of one of the world’s most striking and scientifically important montane ecosystems—an opportunity to witness how life persists and evolves under some of the planet’s most extreme conditions.
Hugo Santa Cruz
CEO of Bolivia Birding Expeditions
Detailed day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Early morning flight from La Paz to Uyuni.
The Andean Altiplano is a mosaic of unique landscapes, offering surreal scenery of extraordinary beauty. In southern Bolivia, the Puna region is notably drier and more arid, which explains the extensive presence of salt flats. Despite this harsh environment, high-Andean bogs (bofedales) and lagoons are also found, and these habitats form an important part of today’s route.
Today we will visit the Villa Alota bogs and the lagoons of Turquiri and Pastos Grandes, all of which are of high interest for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Overnight at Laguna Hedionda.
Targets: Lesser Rhea, Giant Coot, Puna and Andean Tinamous, Andean Avocet, Puna Plover, Andean Flamingo, James’s Flamingo, Puna and Rufous-banded Miner, Andean Negrito, Plumbeous and Red-backed Sierra Finches, White-winged Cinclodes, Rufous-naped, Cinereous, and Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrants, Gray-breasted Seedsnipe, Streak-backed and Cordilleran Canasteros, Puna Pipit, Black Siskin, Greenish Yellow-Finch, Golden-spotted Ground Dove.
Day 2
We begin the day at one of the most beautiful lagoons along the circuit, Laguna Hedionda, a mineral-rich lake with high sulfur content, which explains both its distinctive smell and its name.
This lagoon lies within the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, a protected area of outstanding scenic beauty, renowned not only for its lagoons and deserts but also for its numerous mountains and volcanoes.
Throughout the day, we explore several lagoons, including Cachi and Kara, each with unique characteristics and striking colors. We also visit the Siloli Desert, famous for its wind-carved rock formations, whose unusual shapes add drama to the landscape.
We end the day at Laguna Colorada, the most important birding hotspot in this region of the country.
Overnight at Laguna Colorada.
Targets: Lesser Rhea, Andean Condor, Puna Miner, Andean Avocet, Andean Swallow, Cinereous and Spot-billed Ground-Tyrants, Mourning Sierra Finch, Cordilleran Canastero, Brown-backed Mockingbird, Rock Earthcreeper.
Day 3
Laguna Colorada is one of Bolivia’s most astonishing natural wonders, famous for its intense red coloration and once believed to be the blood of the gods. It lies at an elevation of approximately 14,100 ft and covers nearly 14,500 acres, within the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
The vivid red color of the lake is caused by red sediments and microorganisms, including algae, which produce pigments that intensify under sunlight and in shallow waters.
One of the lagoon’s main attractions is the large concentration of flamingos. The lake supports three of the world’s six flamingo species, thanks to its abundant plankton resources.
We will spend the day making the most of this exceptional hotspot before returning to Uyuni. Along the way, we will stop at additional lagoons, bogs, and canyons in search of more bird species and other wildlife.
Overnight in Uyuni.
Targets: Chilean, Andean, and James’s Flamingos; Andean Negrito; Rufous-banded and Common Miners; Puna Tinamou; Greenish Yellow-Finch; Red-backed Sierra Finch; White-winged Cinclodes; Dark-winged Canasteros; Gray-breasted, Rufous-bellied, and Least Seedsnipes; Puna, White-fronted, and Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrants; Giant and Horned Coots; Collared and Semipalmated Plovers; Golden-spotted and Black-winged Ground Doves; Silvery Grebe; Straight-billed Earthcreeper; Tawny-throated Dotterel.
Day 4
To conclude the journey on a high note, we visit Bolivia’s most iconic natural attraction: the Salar de Uyuni. This vast salt flat is one of the most spectacular landscapes in South America. Its brilliant white expanse covers 10,582 km² of the Altiplano and is even visible from space. Layers of salt alternate with deep sedimentary deposits, reaching depths of up to 10 m at the center of the plain.
It is estimated that the Salar contains around 10 billion tons of salt and holds approximately 25% of the world’s lithium reserves.
The landscape is completely flat, creating an endless horizon that becomes even more striking during the rainy season, when the surface reflects the sky like a giant mirror. The Salar contains 11 islands, the largest being Inca Huasi, which can only be visited during the dry season.
Nights on the salt flat are truly spectacular. Millions of stars fill the sky, and due to the extremely low precipitation, the skies are usually clear, allowing exceptional views of the night sky. Few places in the world offer such pristine conditions for stargazing.
We head to the western sector of the Salar, where we enjoy lunch in the middle of this endless white desert. At sunset, we share a glass of wine while waiting for the stars to emerge.
Overnight in Uyuni.
Day 5
After an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s top destinations, we return to the “City of the Sky,” La Paz. Depending on flight schedules and the pace of the group, we may enjoy an additional afternoon birding outing.
Overnight in La Paz.