Laguna Brava
A high-altitude salt lake at about 4,300 meters, where pink flamingos, vicuñas and guanacos appear against snowy peaks. It is a classic full-day off-road trip from Villa Unión.
Laguna Brava Provincial Nature Reserve lies in the northwest of La Rioja Province. The lake sits at about 4,300 meters, surrounded by Andean snowcapped peaks and colorful mountains, and it is home to Andean flamingos, vicuñas and guanacos. Along the way you can see 19th-century stone shelters (refugios), the wreckage of a small aircraft from a 1981 Uruguayan flight accident, and volcanic landforms. It is about 150 km one way from Villa Unión, and the second half is a gravel road. Most visitors join a four-wheel-drive tour, which takes about 10 to 12 hours, and registration and payment are required at the reserve entrance. Altitude sickness is common, so bring plenty of water, sun protection and warm clothing, and spend the night before in Villa Unión to acclimatize.
Opening hours
Reserve entry about 08:00–14:00 (adjusted seasonally)
Nearby sights
- Villa Unión
- Cuesta de Miranda
- Talampaya Canyon & Botanical Garden
- Talampaya Petroglyphs
- La Catedral & El Monje
- Talampaya National Park
- Cañón del Arco Iris & Ciudad Perdida
- El Hongo