avaroa national reserve

This is a unique place that is more than worth visiting if you have the chance. Here you find erupting volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, lakes, fumaroles, mountains and three endemic species of flamingos (out of six species in the world). The landscapes are dramatic with the colorful lagoons shinning in the day light, the gracious flamingos sticking out of the water, the orange volcanoes around, the ghostly mountain in the distance.. It's a place of extreme beauty. The drive along is not easy, the terrain is very arid and rugged. In some parts, the winds can blow you off the ground. At night, it is extremely cold, due to the high altitude. But if we had the chance, we we repeat this experience without a second thought. We highly recommended this place.

We were there for one day, which is by far too short to see everything. The bird, animal life and geology is unususal and deserves a couple of days, to enjoy it all. The area is very large and can't be seen in one or 2 days.

let's start off with facts:the entrance fee in the national park cost 150. bs. what do you get for that money? just a chance to see beautiful nature around with your own vehicle (or with tour operator's jeep). what facilities are included/provided for this money? NOTHING!bolivian authorities have just built couple of entrance/exits posts to make sure they will charge $ 20 anyone who enters the park. within the park there are no asphalt roads. after a trip you need to subject yourself to kidney transplantation because the ride through the park is extremely bumpy and unpleasant. there are few toilets and for each you must pay:thermal pool 6 bs.other toilets 2-5 bs.GIVE ME A BREAK!!!there were at least 30 jeeps on my tour with average 6 people in the vehicle and it was not the high season. tours are run every day.for all this money they make they should have provided proper facilities - this way I just felt RIPPED-OFF.there's no money invested in conservation what's so ever. there are few signs along the "road" and that's it.yes, nature around is beautiful: volcano, laguna colorada, lakes, flamingos, landscape... is all this worth $ 20 per person with no visible signs you get anything in return - NO WAY!TO THE AUTHORITIES IN CHARGE OF THE PARK: BUILD UP THE ROADS, PROPER ACCOMMODATION (NOT THAT WRETCHED FREEZING SHACK WITH GENERATOR), PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE MONEY WE PAY!

Vicunas and other camelids, pink flamingoes on the toxic lagoons, volcanoes in most directions, brilliant blue skies, greenish-gold grasses... an awe inspiring place which you just can't do justice to in words alone. This part of southern Bolivia is probably the most amazing place I have ever visited. A must see for all lovers of natural wonders.

Different, exotic and wonderful places! You have to pay to get in, but worth each minute, you'll see animals, mountains, lakes. The weather changes a lot during the day, go prepared.

The region of the Laguna Colorada, a lake with hundreds of flamingos. This place is magic! The pink flamingos are shy but you can take terrific pictures! A place to stay for hours in silence just feeling the wind and observing the flamingos...

High Altitude, approximately 5,000 meters above sea level! But they have beautiful places to visit: geysers, thermal water, etc.

It's amazing views everywhere, and I really mean EVERYWHERE.The Big mountains, the colorful peaceful lake with flamingos, the sand desert...Even when the car drives passing by, it's looks like a scence. Beautiful!

We came through here our way from San Pedro de Atalanta to the Salar de Uyuni, and it is just beautiful.

Beautiful landscape!!Great place to take a lot of pictures!! Lots of colors and midtones troughout the day... Must have a GPS though, or a local guide....

We did the tour with from Tupiza with La Torre Tours after many days of research, and they didn’t disappoint. Before coming here we had no idea about this place, and yes, it is truly amazing. An experience not to be missed if you are up to it. I find it incredible (but lucky) that tourism in this area is not more developed. I put it on par with Petra in Jordan and Machupichu in Peru, and even above the Pyramids in Egypt.Rather than describe the spectacular scenery to be seen here, I will let my pictures do the talking (see below)Make sure you bring spare batteries for your camera and an adaptor to plug in your charger.Other things to bring – A towel, as they are not provided.Swimming costume for the geysers (stripping down is not approved of)Warm clothesAsprin or Saroji Pills for Altitude sicknessIf you are going on to the Salar take rubber thongs or flip flops so you don’t ruin your shoes.Skin cream for your face, as the air is very dry.Accommodation is basic but it’s OK

This area is incredible. Such a diverse landscape. A photographers paradise. Simple stunning. It does cost 150bs to enter. But well worth the price.

The national reserve is quite diverse with different kinds of lakes (lagunas), different kinds of flamingos, volcanic mountains and desert. Even the sun smiles here.

Having stayed at the Desert Tayka hotel the night before we drove down through the bleak rocky valleys to the Laguna Colorada where we saw the flamingos dance around in the shallows. Unfortunately when we arrived at one of the gates to the reserve we were blocked and refused entry due to the locals being in dispute with the government. So we will never see the Laguna Verde or the geysers, still the guide did the best he could to make up for it and took us to a pretty valley and then back to Uyuni.

Beautifull landscapes, unforgettable, the lagunes with 1000den flamingo's are just a dream. The geysers are impressive. We made a 4 days trip with Hidalgo Tours and it was just perfect. Recommended!! Take warm clothes, because there is always a very cold wind, even when the sky is blue and sunny. Take it easy, you have to sleep at 4500 m high and the highest point you have to cross is just 4980 m high. Slept in the Tayka hotels, recommended, good food, warm and cosy and friendly!