Bolivia | Uyuni Green Lake - Emerald Plateau Secret
| Uyuni Green Lake—an emerald plateau secret.
👍 Recommended reason: A emerald lake that changes color
Uyuni Laguna Verde, located in southwestern Bolivia, is located in Eduardo Avaroa National Park. It is famous for its dreamy emerald green lake water and the surrounding desolate volcanic landscape. Its color changes with sunlight and wind, from light blue to rich emerald, as if it were a natural gem embedded in the Andes Mountains.
✅ Magical color changes - Due to the high content of copper, minerals and arsenic, the lake water changes into emerald green, emerald and even blue-green under different light conditions;
✅ Charming wilderness landscape - Behind the lake stands the Licancabur Volcano (5,960 meters), and the lake reflects the volcano, which is a very stunning view;
✅ A plateau wonderland far away from the world - Green Lake is located in an uninhabited area at an altitude of about 4,300 meters, like an alien star outside the earth;
✅ Part of the South American "Sky Realm" route - usually combined with Uyuni Salt Flats, Red Lake, Stone Trees, Hot Springs and other attractions to form a beautiful adventure route.
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📅 Game guide: How to play the game in the most shocking way?
🌟 Must-try items
📸 Green Lake + Volcano Reflection Photography - In the early morning or at noon, the Green Lake is as clear as emerald, and the volcano is reflected on the lake surface, the picture is amazing;
💨 Watch the lake change color - under the action of sunlight and wind, the lake water slowly changes from light blue to dark green, which is a spectacle;
🌋 Volcano Landscape Hiking - Behind the lake is the Licancabur Volcano. You can take a walk by the lake and feel the extreme contrast between the desert and the oasis;
🌅 The beauty of the wilderness at dusk - the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the lake, the color of the lake changes unpredictably, and it forms a shocking picture with the desolate mountains;
🔭 Stargazing at night - Far away from urban light pollution, this place is one of the best stargazing spots in South America, and the Milky Way is clearly visible.
🕰 Recommended play time
📌 1-2 hours. If you like photography or nature, you can stay a little longer to capture the subtle changes in the color of the lake.
🌞 Best time to view
✔ 10:00am-3:00pm – plenty of sunshine, the lake is at its brightest color;
✔ When the wind picks up – the minerals in the lake water are agitated, causing it to take on a richer green color.
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🚗 Transportation guide: How to get there?
📍 Location: Green Lake is located in southwestern Bolivia, close to the Chilean border, about 350 kilometers from the town of Uyuni.
🚙 Common ways to get there:
✅ Three-day/four-day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats - Most tourists choose multi-day expeditions, and the itinerary generally includes Uyuni Salt Flats, Red Lake, Green Lake, Stone Trees, Hot Springs, etc.;
✅ Entering from Chile - Entering Bolivia by four-wheel drive from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, the Green Lake is usually the first stop on the route into Uyuni;
✅ Charter or self-drive - You can rent a 4WD from Uyuni, but the road conditions here are poor, so experienced drivers are recommended.
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🏨 Accommodation recommendation: A night in the highland wilderness
Since there are not many accommodations around the Green Lake, most tourists will choose to stay in Uyuni town or in hotels in the national park. Recommended:
🏨 Tayka del Desierto - a high desert hotel near Red Lake, perfect for wilderness adventure lovers;
🏨 Hotel de Sal Luna Salada - A salt brick hotel in Uyuni, unique and comfortable.
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🍽 Food recommendation: Uyuni Town specialties
Since Green Lake is surrounded by wilderness, catering mainly relies on simple meals provided by tour groups. Once back in Uyuni, we recommend:
🥩 Llama Steak - a specialty of the Bolivian highlands, with a taste similar to beef;
🍲 Quinoa Soup - A local staple food in Bolivia, rich in nutrients and suitable for the plateau climate;
🌮 Bolivian Salteñas - similar to fried dumplings, with a crispy crust and juicy and delicious filling;
🍵 Coca Tea - can relieve altitude sickness and is suitable for drinking in high altitude areas.
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💗 Other Tips
✔️ Altitude sickness: Green Lake is 4,300 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance and avoid strenuous exercise;
✔️ Clothing guide: The temperature difference between day and night is very large, reaching 20℃ during the day and dropping to below zero at night. It is recommended to wear a jacket + warm inner layer + sun hat + hiking shoes;
✔️ Photography Tips:
• Wide-angle lens is suitable for taking panoramic views of lakes and volcanoes;
•Telephoto lens is suitable for capturing the color details of the lake;
✔️ Environmental awareness: Green Lake is a national protected area and swimming, throwing garbage or damaging the environment is prohibited.
🌟 Uyuni Green Lake, a emerald dream hidden on the plateau, waiting for your exploration! 💚
Penelope Rodriguez Ivy-83