Driving to Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde in the Dalí Desert
The drive to Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde is one of the most demanding high-altitude journeys in the Bolivian Altiplano. Located within the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, these two salt lakes sit at the foot of the Licancabur volcano, connected by a narrow strip of land. You are driving at more than 4,300 meters above sea level, where the air is thin and the terrain is a brutal mix of deep sand and washboard tracks that will rattle every bolt in your vehicle. This is remote territory where a mechanical failure is a serious problem.
| Road facts: Laguna Blanca & Laguna Verde | |
|---|---|
| Location | Potosí Department, Bolivia |
| Max Elevation | 4.350m (14,270ft) |
| Distance | 71.4 km (44.3 miles) |
| Surface | Sand / Corrugated dirt |
What is the road like to Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde?
The route through the Salvador Dalí Desert is completely unpaved and changes constantly with the wind. You will be driving on tracks that are often invisible, following the ruts left by previous trucks. The ground is a nightmare for suspension systems; the corrugated sections are so deep that you have to find the right speed to skim over them without shaking the dashboard loose. A high-clearance 4x4 is not optional here. In the sandy patches, you need to keep a steady momentum or you will find your wheels digging in until the chassis is resting on the ground.
How challenging is the drive from Sol de la Mañana?
Starting the journey from the Sol de la Mañana geyser field, the road runs south for over 70 kilometers towards the Chilean border. The altitude is a constant battle for the engine. At over 4,300 meters, your motor loses a lot of power, and you will feel it struggling on even the slightest inclines. You need to keep an eye on your fuel levels and the state of your tires, as the sharp volcanic rocks hidden in the sand can easily cause a puncture. It is a slow, grinding trip that tests the cooling system and the driver’s patience.
When is the best time to drive to these high-altitude lakes?
Weather is the boss in this part of Bolivia. During the winter, temperatures drop far below freezing, and the wind can reach speeds that make driving dangerous due to blowing sand and zero visibility. If there is any snow, the tracks disappear entirely, and the mud around the lakes becomes a trap that will swallow a heavy vehicle. Always carry extra water, warm gear, and enough tools to handle basic repairs. You are far away from any mechanic, and the only traffic you might see are furgonetes carrying tourists, so you need to be self-sufficient and ready for the harsh reality of the desert.
Pic: Arroz Marisco