Laguna Verde and Vulcan Licancabur – A Heavenly Pair on Earth

Looking at Laguna Verde and Vulcan Licancabur, one couldn’t wonder that these two natural wonders are a heavenly pair on earth. You could say that the beauty of one couldn’t stand without the other. The might of the volcano and the serene demeanor of Laguna Verde can be likened to that of a man and a woman. A perfect match, I’d say! And by the look of it, both seemed to be happily in love. 🥰

Laguna Verde

Laguna Verde is in the southwestern region of Bolivia, and it is a breathtakingly beautiful and serene lake destination. Nestled at the foot of the Licancabur volcano, the lagoon’s deep green waters result from the high concentration of minerals and sediments. However, the day we visited it, we couldn’t see why it was called Laguna Verde (Green Lake) as the blue sky reflected on its water surface was clearly visible.

In addition to its natural beauty, Laguna Verde is also a historical site. It was once a sacred site for the Incas, who believed the lagoon had medicinal properties. Today, you can still see the remnants of an ancient Inca temple on the shores of the lagoon.

Vulcan Licancabur

Licancabur Volcano is a stratovolcano behind Laguna Verde. It stands at 19,409ft (5,916m) with a cone-shaped summit that hosts a crater with one of the highest lakes in the world.

The volcano was formed after the Ice Ages. Studies show that the last time Licancabur erupted was in 13,240 100BP, thanks to the lava that flowed to Laguna Verde. The area can be harsh and arid during the dry season due to ultraviolet radiation. As you may notice, glaciers do not exist in the surrounding area.

The Atacameno (people who live in the Atacama desert) considered this volcano a holy mountain. Researchers found archaeological ruins of a watchtower on the summit and a few on its slopes.

How to Visit the Green Lake and Licancabur Volcano

The easy way is to rent a car and drive it independently. But the easiest way is to join a small-group tour.

If you decide to go on a tour, many companies offer both day trips and multi-day excursions. These tours typically include stops at nearby attractions, such as Laguna Colorada (a red lake with flamingos), the Valley of the Rocks (lined with strange rock formations), and many more destinations. Click the thumbnails below for the type of tour or excursion you want.