Laguna Verde

Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) is a greenish-blue colored lake that sits at an altitude of 4,400 m (14,435 ft) above sea level. It is located in the southwest part of the altiplano region of Bolivia, in the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Wildlife Preserve, on the Chilean border at the foot of the Volcano Licancabur.

Its water color is caused by sediments, containing lead, sulfur, arsenic, cooper and calcium carbonates. The water temperature must drop well below freezing before ice can form and has been seen still liquid at -20° Celsius (-4°F).

Behind the lagoon rises the cone of Volcan Licancabur that reaches about 6000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level. The summit is said to have once sheltered an ancient Inca crypt and where Inca's climbed up it for sacrifices. Some tours include a climb up Licancabur, and although it presents no technical difficulties, the wind, temperature, altitude and volcanic pumice underfoot may be too much for most travelers.

Getting There

Other Related Pages:

• Uyuni main page
• About Salar de Uyuni
• Getting To and Around the Uyuni region
• Hotels in Uyuni
• Restaurants in Uyuni
• Map of Uyuni