Bolivia truly has many amazing and breathtaking landscapes every enthusiast tourist will love to see. All through the year, people troop into the country to see the rare natural wonders nature has gifted the region. One of the most visited natural wonders in Bolivia asides from Salar de Uyuni is the Laguna Colorada, which is popularly known as the Red Lagoon. 

Even the thought of going to see a bright red lake with borax surrounded by volcanoes with lots of flamingos around is thrilling. You don’t get to see that everywhere. If you have been thinking of visiting the Red Lagoon in Bolivia and wondering what to expect during your visit, here are some interesting facts about the lake to further whet your desire to visit the region. 

5 Curious Facts Every Tourist Should Know About Red Lagoon

#1: The Red Lagoon is truly RED

There is a reason the Laguna Colorada is called the Red Lagoon; it is actually a red shallow lake most people only get to see in their dreams. The Red Lagoon is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet in the Southwest of Bolivia, very close to the border with Chile. It is a massive salt lake that is completely tinted red. 

The lake got its distinctive red color from the variety of red algae living right inside the saltwater. Rich in planktons, the Laguna Colorada draws a large number of endangered James flamingo, which again adds to the beauty of the area. 

#2: The Red Lagoon is not the only colored lagoon around

The Red Lagoon is located within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in the southwest of the altiplano of Bolivia. Despite having heard so much about the magical scenery of the lagoon, you will be surprised it is not the only colored lagoon in the area. 

Yes, the altiplano houses a couple of other large lagoons which are also known for their uniquely brilliant colors due to the small lives and minerals found in the waters. The Laguna Verde, for instance, is popular for its remarkable emerald-green waters. However, among the many colored lagoons in the area, the Laguna Colorada remains the only large red lagoon in the Reserve. 

The lagoons are somewhat close to each other, so it’s going to be a double dose of fascinating experience for you when you visit the area. 

#3: There are so many flamingos around to see – even the endangered ones

This is another thing that adds to the height of the beauty of Laguna Colorada. The lake has so many flamingos around – they were drawn by the abundant supply of plankton in the waters. Here, you will get to see about three different species of this bird, including the rare James’ Flamingo. 

The James’ Flamingos are one of the endangered species today. In fact, they were once thought to be extinct until a small population was rediscovered in 1956. Watching the flamingos take off on the shore of the Red Lagoon is so much fun. Because of their weight, they often have to speed like a plane on a runway before taking off. Curious to see how it feels to have a flamboyance of flamingo fly over your head with their spindly little legs and majestic wings? The Red Lagoon has everything it takes to gift you that experience. 

#4: Visiting during the rainy season means more fun

The climate in southwest Bolivia is generally divided into a rainy and a dry season. The rainy season spans from December through April while the dry season is from May to October. Visiting during the rainy season could mean more fun for you. During this time, you get to see large groups of flamingos around because of the increased supply of fauna spreading around the lake at this time. 

Rain also increases your chance of getting to see the Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt plain – flooded and transformed into the largest mirror you have ever seen.

If you visit during the dry season too, you are sure to have a wonderful time around. During the dry season, chances are that you will get to see the beautiful huge contrast between a shiny red lagoon and a bright blue sky with mountains covered in snow booming from the background. Plus, you will still get to see some flamingos, just not as much as you would if you had visited during the rainy season. 

#5: Picture freak? The Red Lagoon is definitely a great place for pictures

Of course, you can’t visit such a magical landscape like this and won’t want to take some pictures home. Taking pictures just before sunset when the water looks most red is great but you can also have a special moment early in the morning when the mists are just rising from the volcanic warm water. 

You may also be lucky enough to get pictures of the flamingos as they take off and when they are in flight as their reflections imprint on the surface.