The lagoon and the reserve
Laguna Colorada lies inside the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, which has been protected since 1973. It sits at roughly 4,200 to 4,300 m, depending on the measurement. Tours reach it on day two of a multi-day jeep trip, so the lagoon is part of the 3-day Uyuni tour and of the route from San Pedro de Atacama.
The reserve fee of BOB 150 per person applies to the reserve, not to the salt flat. Tour offers in 2026 treat it as an extra and ask for payment in cash on site. One 3-day offer puts park entries at BOB 210 in total, paid separately from the tour price. Ask your operator which fees apply to you.
Where the lagoon fits in a 3-day route
An example program from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, with approximate altitudes.
| Day | Stops | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Salt flat, Colchani, Incahuasi Island | Atullcha, about 3,700 m |
| Day 2 | Chiguana, a view of Ollagüe, highland lagoons, Siloli with the Árbol de Piedra, Laguna Colorada | Huayllajara, about 4,300 m |
| Day 3 | Sol de Mañana (about 4,900 m), Polques, the Dalí desert, Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca | Ends in San Pedro de Atacama at about 1 p.m. in the plan |
Times are planning times of one tour, not fixed schedules. The day tours in the examples on this site do not include the lagoon. For most visitors, a 3-day tour is the way to see Laguna Colorada, and it can be done in either direction.
Our pick: four days to the lagoons
This four-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama includes accommodation and all meals on the way to the reserve, with the Eduardo Avaroa fees extra.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours that reach Laguna Colorada
3-day jeep tours between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama and round trips through the reserve, with current prices and availability.
Flamingos on the lagoon
The lagoon is home to Chilean, Andean and James's flamingos. How many you see depends on the day, so a sighting is never promised. Keep your distance, stay behind the guide and avoid sudden movements that send the birds up.
The same stretch of the route offers llamas, geothermal fields and rock formations. Sol de Mañana, at about 4,900 m, has mud pots and steam. Give yourself a moment to adjust to the cold and the thin air before you walk around.
Visiting well
Money, height and cold.
Cash for fees
Park entries are paid in bolivianos on site, and there are no cash machines after you leave Uyuni. Hot-spring baths at Polques may carry a separate fee that differs by offer, so ask whether it is included and bring a towel.
Altitude
The overnight stop is at about 4,300 m. Mild symptoms such as headache and nausea after a climb should be taken seriously, and you should not sleep higher with symptoms. Read the altitude page and speak to a doctor before the trip.
Cold nights
Nights are cold, especially in winter. A sleeping bag is advised in winter, and one 3-day offer does not include room heating. See what to pack and the best time to visit.
Choosing an operator
Travel advice suggests a registered operator with first-aid skills, working equipment and, for high routes, oxygen. Ask how many guests share a vehicle: one example takes a maximum of 5 guests, another 6.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with the lagoon route.
Laguna Colorada: frequently asked questions
How much is the entry fee for Laguna Colorada?
The Eduardo Avaroa reserve fee is BOB 150 per person in 2026. It applies to the reserve, not to the salt flat, and is usually paid in cash on site, outside the tour price.
How high is Laguna Colorada?
Roughly 4,200 to 4,300 m, depending on the measurement. Operators often round to 4,300 m, and the overnight stop nearby is at about 4,300 m.
Will I see flamingos?
The lagoon is home to Chilean, Andean and James's flamingos. The number varies from day to day, so a sighting cannot be promised.
Can I visit Laguna Colorada on a day tour?
The day tours in the examples go to the salt flat and Incahuasi Island, not to the lagoon. The lagoon belongs to multi-day trips.
Is bathing at Polques included?
That depends on the offer. A fee may apply, and the amount differs between offers. Ask before you book and bring a towel.
Is this the official site for visiting Uyuni?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by a tourism authority, the reserve service, a hotel or a tour operator.