Laguna de los Pozos

A high-altitude lagoon on the remote puna plateau featuring flamingos and pristine mountain scenery, accessible as part of multi-day expeditions into the Andes. The remote location offers an intimate connection with pristine wilderness and Andean wildlife.

Things to do

• Flamingo Spotting — Observe Andean flamingos, James's flamingos, and Andean avocets in their natural habitat around the lagoon's shallow waters during early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
• High-Altitude Photography — Capture the dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks reflected in the pristine lagoon waters, with the puna plateau stretching endlessly under intense Andean sunlight.
• Geological Exploration — Examine the mineral-rich volcanic formations and salt deposits around the lagoon shore, remnants of ancient geological activity on the puna plateau.
• Alpine Hiking — Trek across the surrounding puna grasslands to access multiple vantage points and discover hidden microlagoons and mineral springs fed by glacial snowmelt.
• Sunset Viewing — Experience the dramatic shift in light as the sun sets behind the western cordillera, painting the lagoon and surrounding peaks in shades of pink and gold.
• Wildlife Observation — Search for high-altitude Andean mammals including vicuñas, Andean foxes, and occasionally guanacos grazing on the sparse puna vegetation.

Food to try

• Charqui de Llama — Dried and salted llama meat prepared traditionally by local Andean herders, providing essential protein and calories for high-altitude trekking.
• Quinoa and Potato Stew — A hearty regional dish combining native Andean quinoa and freeze-dried potatoes (chuño) that sustains visitors in the thin mountain air.
• Mate Cocido — Hot mate tea served with bread, a traditional ritual shared among guides and travelers that aids altitude acclimatization and provides warmth at 4000+ meters.
• Empanadas Salteñas — Regional pastries filled with meat, potatoes, and spices, commonly prepared by local communities and brought on multi-day expeditions as portable provisions.
• Huevos Rancheros with Local Vegetables — Eggs prepared with root vegetables and native herbs at expedition camp, offering sustenance adapted to high-altitude cooking conditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Altitude Acclimatization Protocol — Allow at least one full day at intermediate elevations before visiting the lagoon at 4000+ meters to prevent acute mountain sickness, a practice respected by local guides.
• Respectful Wildlife Distance — Maintain significant distance from flamingo flocks and other wildlife to avoid disrupting breeding and feeding patterns that sustain these vulnerable high-altitude species.
• Guide Dependence and Local Knowledge — Hire experienced local guides familiar with changing weather conditions and terrain, as sudden storms and navigational challenges make independent exploration dangerous.
• Seasonal Travel Window — Visit between November and March during the Andean summer when weather is most stable; winter conditions from May to September make the lagoon inaccessible to most travelers.