Flamingos Living High At 4,278 m

Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada) is a shallow salt lake in the southwestern Bolivian sector of the Altiplano at 4,278 meters altitude (14,000 feet), within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The lake contains borax (bright-white) islands that contrast with the red color of its waters, which is caused by red sediments and pigmentation of some algae.

This vivid contrast offers one of the most beautiful and unique views in the world. At first glance you’d think that nothing could live in these waters, but you can spot hordes of the near-threatened James's Flamingo (Puna Flamingo), and sometimes Andean and Chilean flamingos, feeding on the nutrient-rich algae.