Article Around Lagoon Colorada

After about 30 km away through the barren landscape of fumaroles Sol de Maňana comes the next surprise of Southwest Bolivian Altiplano – Laguna Colorada. Those who started Salar Tour in chilean San Pedro usually spend the very cold first night in a very simple dwelling on the western shore of the lake. It is also a nice starting point for walks to the lagoon and watching amazing night sky without light pollution.

Right from the shore of the lagoon rises more than 5,500 meters high volcano.

Borax islands scattered across the lagoon are also interesting – the source of boron.

It is not bad to walk to some of the borax islands at sunset and have a look around the lake.

During bolivian summer (December to February) there is significantly less stable weather than in winter (June to August) in Altiplano. But on the other hand, there are huge flocks of flamingos and the lagoon has significantly redder color.

It's a little paradox that it is practically snowing here just in the summer when severe storms pass through Altiplano.

There is no problem to see flamingos on altiplano lagoons. But in such quantities they are only here.Many people always ask here how it is possible that the Laguna Colorada is so red. The explanation is simple – the reason are no minerals and chemicals, but the huge number of red-colored plankton and bacteria – the perfect food for the flamingos. They fly here to have a feast.

Here live flamingo James, Andean and Chilean … educational signs at the lagoon can help you distinguish them. The simplest way to recognize them is by the color of the feet – Andean is a yellow, Chilean has red knee and James has red whole legs.

Waters of the lagoon have the most beautiful color around lunchtime. As well as at the sea there is an exception from the classic photographic precepts that you should take photos in the morning and evening. Perpendicular midday sun makes it here always nicely colorful.

The wind fans uncomfortably borax powder.

A typical view of the lagoon.