What is Laguna Colorada and why is it red?

Laguna Colorada is, more or less, a shallow salt lake in the Bolivian Andes, and it is known for its really striking blood-red waters, plus huge populations of James’s flamingos. The whole intense red hue comes from the pigment of particular algae, and also other microorganisms, that basically flourish in its mineral-rich waters.

In fact, the colour can change, like, from a deep crimson to softer orange tones depending on the time of day, the sunlight, and even the wind conditions. It sits at an altitude higher than 4,200 metres, so this unreal landscape becomes one of the main highlights in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.