Bolivia is a geographically rich country in central South America. Worldwide visitors come to this wonderful place to experience breathtaking natural wonders. From lakes to deserts, from mountains to rainforests, and many more eye-soothing elements are making this beautiful country a great tourist destination.
The diverse geography also causes the existence of numerous wonderful lakes in Bolivia that are netting all across the country. Many of these Bolivia lakes are full to the brim throughout the year, while others can be enjoyed seasonally only. You will discover many of the Bolivian lakes are salt-saturated. Each lake has some particular characteristics.
So, here is the list of most beautiful lakes in Bolivia that are perfect for your next vacation trip. Visit these amazing sacred lakes, excavate the indigenous myths, enjoy the nature and spend incredible moments with your close ones around these natural wonders!
1. Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is Bolivia’s largest permanent freshwater lake. With the elevation of 3,812 meters, it is the highest navigable lake in the world. This beautiful Bolivia lake is sitting in the Andes Mountains on the border of Bolivia and Peru.
Lake Titicaca is very sacred to the Bolivians, as natives think it is the birthplace of the Sun. Also, Lake Titicaca was designated as a Ramsar Site in 1998. There are several archeological sites, you’ll find nearby. But, due to its extreme altitude, reaching to this lake requires lots of effort.
There are some beautiful, picture-perfect hiking trails you can experience here. The lake can be a dream destination for birdwatchers as well. Swimming in the lake is permitted, but visitors are not recommended to swim in the lake as the water is very cold.
Isla del Sol is the highlight of Bolivia. Don’t miss this magical site, and if you want to have a great fishing experience, head to the fishing village of Yampupata.
If you are willing to explore more, you might visit the Peru-side Lake Titicaca. Here you will get another popular destination, the Uros Islands.
2. Coipasa Lake
Coipasa Lake or Salar de Coipasa is best known to the visitors for encountering numerous flamingos that have settled on the shore of this gorgeous lake. With the surface area of 806 km square, Coipasa Lake sits at an elevation of 3657 meter. The river that flows into Salar de Coipasa is the Lauca River.
Due to its remote location, it’s a lesser-known destination among the lakes of Bolivia. But, to be honest, the hidden gem is a worth going place. There are lots of breathtaking views you can photograph from this place. Coipasa Lake is also a year-round and less-crowded destination. So, must go there and enjoy the place all to yourself!
Just like Lake Titicaca, Coipasa Lake is also hard to reach. And it’s almost 200 km away from the town of Uyuni. To start your journey to get to the lake, start from Tupiza. Tupiza tour will also take you to the Tunupa Volcano and Sajama National Park. All these spots are very peaceful and less-crowded always.
Location: Sabaya Province, Oruro Department
3. Sajama Lake
Sajama National Park is home to another beautiful Bolivia lake, Sajama Lake. The national park is located in Bolivia’s southwestern region and shares a border with Lauca National Park. Sajama National Park holds the cultural, historical and natural importance.
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is Bolivia’s oldest national parka, and is a great hub of ecotourism. No one should miss this fantastic destination for a day trip. The park is also nestled in the Andes Mountains.
There are some stunning hikes around the lake. You might explore those adventurous activities and experience the nature. Visitors do also enjoy several cultural and ecological sites. Moreover, wildlife is active in the surrounding area. Trekking up the various mountains is a popular activity among many visitors.
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4. Laguna Colorada
The breathtaking Laguna Colorada, famously known as Red Lagoon, is one of the best lakes in Bolivia. The Red Lagoon is easy to access and it is a part of 3-day long Salar de Uyuni tour. Don’t miss this celestial creation. The lagoon stretches across 6000 hectares. It’s a large lake!
This natural wonder shifts its color between dark red and deep blue and the depth of the lagoon is only one meter. The red color is caused by the existing red sediments and algae. Though natives say it is the blood of Gods, and not just simple water!
Visitors get stunned after reaching to this spectacular lake. Its beauty can’t be expressed even through thousands of words. Only your eyes can give you the sense of the lagoon’s real beauty. Photographers from all around the globe, come to capture this jaw-dropping setting. The entire landscape is very beautiful.
Spotting flamingos is another attraction of Laguna Colorado. If you visit Red Lagoon for spotting flamingos, visit in summer months. During summer season, the lake is packed with lots of these pink birds.
For night staying, you might pop into a small village nearby. It is a nice place. And good foods are also available at cheaper price.
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5. Huaytunas Lake
Huaytunas Lake is located in Yacuma Province, Beni Department. This lake is another freshwater lake in Bolivia with the surface area of 330 km square.
If you are a wildlife explorer, must visit the lake. You will encounter a variety of animals. Plus, there are many popular fishing spots nearby where visitors love to spend their leisure time. On the east coast of this reservoir, there are two beautiful islands. Definitely go & build lots of sweet memories along with numbers of Instagram-worthy photos.
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6. Corani Lake
With the surface area of 18 km square, the alluring Corani Lake is located in the Chapare Province. To get this stunning Bolivia lake, visitors need to climb higher. Corani Lake is also popular for birdwatching. The best thing is the surrounding area is always picture-perfect and peaceful.
You will see a flowing river nearby. In nearby area, there’s fish firm too. All together, it is a nice spot to relax yourself. While exploring the land, you will see this highland lake is surrounded by lots of pine trees.
7. Alalay Lake
Alalay Lake is very significant to the Bolivians as this reservoir has flood control dam and regulates floods of Rocha River. Quite popular among the visitors, the lake is nestled inside the Cochabamba Department and its surface area is 2.4 km square. From the central plaza, the lake is only 20 minutes-walk.
Get ready to enjoy nice cycling and jogging track around the lake. Visitors can also enjoy the surrounding area and take a stroll or they can have a nice picnic on the bank of this small lake. The lake is also a nice spot among birders. The eastern shore is the spot where you will encounter the maximum number of bird species.
It is unfortunate that because of the Pistia Straites (a type of weedy plant), the lake’s surface area is being shrouded slowly. And it causes the decrement of bird species in the area. Furthermore, some visitors also claim Alalay Lake is polluted.
8. Laguna Verde
To visualize the real beauty of Bolivia Lakes, must get to Laguna Verde. It is a salt water lake in the southwest of Bolivia. The color of the lake is green, and the entire surrounding is really awful!
The lake is accessible on day trips from Chile. Many visitors cover this lake in their Salar de Uyuni tours. Take a guided tour and relish the beauty of this gorgeous lake. As the lake is at the foot of the Volcano Licancabur, visitors can enjoy nice views of the volcanos, as they reach very close to the volcano.
Unlike Lake Colorada, no flamingos are spotted here because of the poisonous arsenic that’s mixed in the lake water. In fact, no aquatic animals can survive in this Laguna Verde.
The best time to visit the lake is from April to September.
Location: Altiplano, Sur Lípez Province, Potosí Department
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9. La Angostura Lake
La Angostura Lake is another beautiful lake located very close to the city. It is only 10 miles from the city. This artificial lake sits at an elevation of 2700 meters. This beautiful Bolivia lake is most popular among the locals.
The lake is not that much attractive for the outside visitors, but the mountain views and the nearby village food, make this lake a nice spot for a day trip. And the lake gets more crowded specially on weekends.
Rental options are available on weekends only. And the rental stuffs include paddleboats and kayaks. In nearby area, you’ll get amazing foods. So, for a family day trip, you can surely choose this nice getaway destination.
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10. Laguna Celeste
Laguna Celeste is a hidden gem. It is a gorgeous lake with blue color. At an elevation of 4529 meters, its surface area is 2.3 km². And because of its remote location, this celestial water body does not attract so many visitors.
Laguna Celeste is in the Sur Lípez Province, Potosí Department. For adventure lovers and nature explorers, it’s a great spot to visit.
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11. Laguna Blanca
Laguna Blanca is a large salt water lake located in the Sur Lípez Province of the Potosí Department, Bolivia. This milk-white color lake is within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The color of the lake is white because of the mineral composition.
Visitors do also enjoy Laguna Verde while exploring Laguna Blanca. Both the lakes are separated through a narrow corridor. Furthermore, visitors can also catch the nearby Licancabur Volcano that looks just stunning! Laguna Blanca supports aquatic life and flamingos.
FAQs
1. What is the largest lake in Bolivia?
Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America. It is located Bolivia to the east and Peru to the west. Lake Titicaca is considered three million years old and among the twenty ancient lakes in the world. The lake is also among the world’s largest lakes.
2. Which lake should you visit in Bolivia?
Lake Titicaca is world’s one of the most visited and navigable lakes. Though, Bolivia is home to many beautiful lakes, the beauty of Lake Titicaca is hard to surpass! Standing at a staggering 3,812m, Lake Titicaca is a must to go destination when you’re in Bolivia.
3. Why is Lake Titicaca so important?
First, Lake Titicaca is the source of drinking water of the surrounding area. Second, the lake creates a great microclimate that helps cultivation of grains. For the existence of living beings, Lake Titicaca plays a crucial role.
4. What are the two lakes in Bolivia?
The best two lakes in Bolivia include Bolivia Lake, elevation= 166 meter, stretching 4.2 sq. mile areas, and Bravo Lake, elevation= 167 meter, stretching 9.9 sq. mile area.
5. Is Lake Titicaca the biggest lake?
Lake Titicaca is the second largest lake of South America just after Lake Maracaibo. Lake Titicaca covers 3,200 square miles of area.
6. Can you swim in Lake Titicaca?
Not many but few visitors enjoy safe swimming in Lake Titicaca. The only problem is the water is too chilly. And the temperature fluctuates very frequently. The average temperate of Lake Titicaca is 14° Celsius. So, it’s not recommended to swim in this lake. Rather, you might choose other popular lakes in Bolivia that offer really pleasant swimming experiences to lots of visitors.
7. Does Bolivia have a red lake?
Laguna Colorada, also known as Red Lagoon, is Bolivia’s one of the most stunning red lake. This lake is Bolivia’s one of the biggest attractions, and the reason is the red water and the abundance of flamingos. Must visit Laguna Colorada to enjoy one of the most fascinating lakes in Bolivia.
8. Why is the lake in Bolivia red?
The Laguna Colorada is a shallow salt lake in Bolivia. The lake is less than one meter deep. And the presence of rich minerals and unique algae, make the water color of Laguna Colorada red. You must know the interesting folk lore regarding the lake’ red water. Folk lore suggests the water is the blood of Gods.
9. What is the White Lake in Bolivia?
Laguna Blanca, located in an endorheic basin, is known as the White Lake in Bolivia. Laguna Blanca is a salt water lake and lies at the elevation of 4,350 meters. The lake doesn’t outflow water to other water bodies.
10. Where is red Lagoon?
Red Lagoon or Laguna Colorada, the shallow salt water lake, is located within Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, in the northwest of Bolivia.
11. Can you see flamingos in Bolivia?
The Laguna Colorada in Bolivia is the world’s one of the best places to spot countless flamingos. Three out of six species of flamingos are found in the Red Lagoon. The abundance of plankton in the red lake not only offers visitors to watch flocks of flamingos but visitors also encounter the rare James’ Flamingo here.
12. What is the second largest lake in Bolivia?
Lake Poopo used to be the second largest lake in Bolivia after Lake Titicaca. But in today’s time, the lake has almost disappeared, and now it is just a flat and salty mud. The main reason after the dryness of this vast lake is climate factors and limitless irrigation process.
13. Which is the largest saltwater lake in Bolivia?
Salar de Uyuni, in Bolivia, is the largest salt flat in the country and in the world as well. The saltwater lake is covering 10,000 square km.
14. Is Salar de Uyuni a desert?
Once, it was a salt lake located in southwestern Bolivia, but now, Salar de Uyuni has turned into a 9,000-km-long salt desert. Also, it is the largest salt flat in the world.
15. What is the largest mirror in Bolivia?
Salar de Uyuni is considered as world’s the largest mirror. The exceptional flat surface and large area and the thin layer of calm water make the desert the largest mirror both in Bolivia and in the world.
