Explore the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve | 2-Day Tour

From flamingo-filled lagoons to steaming geysers, this two-day adventure will take you deep inside the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.

Flexible Booking With Free 48-Hour Cancellation*

“The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is unlike anywhere else on earth. Every stop reveals a new colour and a unique landscape.”

Discover Bolivia’s Wild Southern Frontier

A two-day journey through geysers, lagoons, deserts, and the legendary Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.

The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is the crown jewel of Bolivia’s altiplano. It is a protected wilderness of vibrant lagoons, volcanoes, and surreal desert landscapes that stretch to the Chilean border. Home to flamingos, vicuñas, and other high-altitude wildlife, the reserve offers a breathtaking look at one of South America’s most unique ecosystems.

This two-day adventure from Uyuni immerses you in the heart of the reserve, visiting iconic sites such as Laguna Colorada, the Sol de Mañana geysers, and the otherworldly Salvador Dalí Desert. Spend the night near the Polques Hot Springs, where you can relax beneath a blanket of stars after a day of exploring Bolivia’s most extraordinary natural reserve.

Join us for a journey across the high-Andean wilderness where color, silence, and life meet at the edge of the earth.

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
Tour Highlights

Every moment inside the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve feels like stepping onto another planet. From steaming geysers and colorful lagoons to peaceful nights beneath the stars, this journey captures the wild essence of Bolivia’s altiplano.

Flamingo Lagoons

Discover vivid red and green lagoons where flamingos feed among volcanic reflections and mineral-rich shores.

Natural Hot Springs

End your day soaking in the warm waters of Polques Hot Springs beneath a pristine, starry sky.

Geysers & Deserts

Wander through the Sol de Mañana geysers and the surreal Salvador Dalí Desert landscape.

Stargazing at Altitude

Marvel at the Milky Way like never before from over 4,000 meters, surrounded only by silence and mountain air.

Off Road Adventure

Traverse rugged high-altitude terrain by 4x4, following remote trails through some of Bolivia’s most striking landscapes.

Andean Solitude

Feel the vastness of the altiplano where the only sounds are wind, wildlife, and your own footsteps.

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve Itinerary & Program Overview

This two-day adventure through the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve offers a complete immersion into Bolivia’s wild southern altiplano. Traveling in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle with an experienced local guide, you’ll explore flamingo-filled lagoons, steaming geysers, and otherworldly desert landscapes shaped by time and wind.

The journey departs from Uyuni and takes you deep into the reserve, ending each day surrounded by breathtaking silence and high-altitude beauty. Spend the night near the Polques Hot Springs, where you can relax under a starlit sky after exploring some of the most remote and awe-inspiring corners of Bolivia.

Day 1:
Uyuni to Polques

8 AM: Depart from Uyuni and begin the overland journey toward the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.
Stop at the Train Cemetery for photos.
Continue across the altiplano to visit a series of scenic lagoons, Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiar Khota, home to Andean and James flamingos.
Picnic lunch en route.
Cross the Siloli Desert and stop at the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree).
Arrive at the spectacular Laguna Colorada, where thousands of flamingos feed in the red-tinted waters.
Travel onward to the Polques Hot Springs, arriving before sunset. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing soak in the thermal waters.
Overnight at eco-lodge near Polques hot springs.

Day 2:
Polques to Uyuni

Optional early-morning dip in the Polques Hot Springs as the first light rises over the mountains.
Visit the Sol de Mañana geysers, a geothermal field with fumaroles and bubbling mud pools at nearly 5,000 meters.
Continue south to the Salvador Dalí Desert, a surreal landscape of rock formations and sand plains.
Explore the Laguna Verde and Licancabur Volcano near the Chilean border.
Begin the return to Uyuni, stopping for lunch along the route and passing vast stretches of altiplano scenery.
Short visit to San Cristóbal, a traditional mining village and Colonial Church.
6 PM Return: Drop-off in Uyuni after the tour.

What You'll See On This Tour

The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is a landscape of extremes, which is home to Bolivia’s most striking natural wonders. From red and green lagoons to boiling geysers and silent deserts, every stop reveals a new facet of the altiplano’s wild beauty.

Laguna Colorada

The heart of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, this vast red lagoon owes its color to microscopic algae that thrive in mineral-rich waters. It’s also one of the most important habitats for three species of flamingos, often seen feeding along the crimson shallows framed by wind-sculpted mountains.

Sol de Mañana Geysers

At nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, this geothermal field hisses and bubbles with life from beneath the earth’s crust. The fumaroles and boiling mud pools are most active at sunrise and an unforgettable sight of steam filling the frozen air.

Polques Hot Spring

A natural spa at the edge of the reserve. Here, visitors can soak in warm thermal waters while gazing at snowcapped peaks and endless skies. At night, the stars above Polques create one of Bolivia’s most magical atmospheres.

Salvador Dalí Desert

Named after the surrealist painter, this desert mirrors his dreamlike visions lke an expanse of ochre sand scattered with oddly shaped volcanic rocks. The landscape is stark, silent, and hauntingly beautiful.

Laguna Verde & Licancabur Volcano

At the southern edge of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve lies the jade-green Laguna Verde, whose color shifts with the wind. Behind it towers the perfectly conical Licancabur Volcano, marking the border with Chile.

Altiplano Lagoons & Flamingos

Beyond the famous sites, you’ll pass a series of smaller lagoons, Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiar Khota. Each is a sanctuary for flamingos and highland wildlife. These quiet moments are where the vastness of the altiplano truly sinks in.

Customize Your Eduardo Avaroa Experience!

We can tailor your Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve tour to include extra nights, private transport, or additional stops such as the Salar de Uyuni or Laguna Celeste

Tell us what kind of experience you’re dreaming of, and we’ll make it happen.

What's Included?

Not Included

Testimonials

Know Before You Go

Traveling through the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is one of Bolivia’s most unforgettable adventures, but it’s also one of its most remote. The route ranges between 4,200 and 5,000 meters above sea level, so travelers should be prepared for the effects of altitude, strong sunlight, and cold nights. It’s best to spend time acclimatizing in Uyuni or La Paz before joining the tour.

Accommodations inside the reserve are basic but warm and welcoming, designed for rest and comfort after long days of exploration. The focus here is on connection with nature, not luxury, and that’s part of the beauty. You’ll stay near the Polques Hot Springs, where unlike most tours that visit only briefly at sunrise, you’ll have the rare chance to enjoy the thermal pools under a star-filled sky and soak again in the quiet hours of the night.

Expect long stretches of off-road driving as you cross the vast altiplano in a 4×4 vehicle. The distances are great, but every hour brings new colors, wildlife, and volcanic scenery. It’s the kind of landscapes that remind you just how wild and extraordinary Bolivia truly is.

What to Bring?

The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve lies at high altitude and in one of Bolivia’s most extreme environments. Being prepared ensures you can enjoy the journey comfortably and safely. Warm, layered clothing is essential, as temperatures can drop below freezing at night and rise sharply during the day.

Clothing & Gear:

Other Essentials:

FAQs About
Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

What is the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve?

The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is Bolivia’s most visited protected area, known for its surreal high-altitude landscapes, flamingo-filled lagoons, and geothermal activity. It lies in the country’s far southwest, bordering Chile, and covers more than 700,000 hectares of desert, salt plains, and volcanoes.

How high is the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve?

The reserve ranges between 4,200 and 5,000 meters above sea level. Visitors should spend at least one night in Uyuni or another high-altitude location beforehand to acclimatize. It’s important to stay hydrated, eat lightly, and avoid alcohol the day before your trip.

What kind of accommodations are available for this tour?

Lodging is simple but comfortable, typically small eco-lodges or family-run refuges with shared facilities. The focus is on warmth and hospitality rather than luxury. Our itinerary includes an overnight stay near the Polques Hot Springs, where you can enjoy the rare experience of soaking under the stars. If you are interested in upgraded accommodations, then please let us know in advance.

Why is it special to stay near Polques hot springs?

Most tours stop at Polques only briefly in the morning before continuing south. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the hot springs in complete tranquility, long after the day’s crowds have gone. It’s a peaceful and truly unforgettable experience beneath the night sky.

Is it safe to visit Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve?

Yes, the reserve is safe to visit with a licensed guide and experienced driver. Roads are rugged and remote, but your guide will handle navigation and safety throughout the trip. The biggest risks are related to altitude and weather, so it’s important to dress appropriately and follow your guide’s advice.

What kind of wildlife can be seen in the reserve?

The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is home to three species of flamingos, as well as vicuñas, foxes, and Andean birds such as the puna ibis and Andean goose. Wildlife spotting depends on the season, but you’ll almost always see flamingos and vicuñas in the lagoons.

Can I combine this tour with Salar de Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama?

Absolutely. Many travellers start in Uyuni and continue through the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve into Chile’s Atacama Desert, or combine it with a Salar de Uyuni tour for a complete altiplano experience. We can help design the perfect route for your travel plans.

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve
2-Day Tour:

Questions?

Ready to Experience the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve?

Where red lagoons meet white deserts, and silence stretches for miles... Whether you want a private adventure, a small-group trip, or a customized route, we’ll help you make the most of your time in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.

Fill out the form below to start planning your trip and discover Bolivia’s wild southern frontier with Yapa Bolivia Tours.