Laguna Verde
A jade-green salt lake at the foot of the Licancabur volcano, right on the Chilean border. It marks the southernmost stop on the southern circuit.
Laguna Verde sits at the southern tip of the reserve, at an altitude of about 4,300 meters. Its water contains arsenic, magnesium, lead and other minerals. When the wind stirs the water and lifts sediment, the lake turns from turquoise to emerald. Behind it rises the perfectly conical Licancabur volcano (5,916 meters), and beside it lies the connected Laguna Blanca. This is usually the stop at dawn on day three of the southern circuit. Travelers continuing to the Chilean border (Hito Cajón crossing) switch vehicles here for transport to Atacama. Those returning to Uyuni turn north and reach Uyuni town that same evening. The water is toxic and must not be drunk or touched. Nearby, the Termas de Polques hot springs are good for an early-morning soak. Entry costs about BOB 6–10, so bring a swimsuit and towel. Note: temperatures often drop below freezing in the early morning, so keep camera batteries warm.
Opening hours
All day (included in reserve entrance ticket)