Mallku Cueva Hotel, Reserva Avaroa, Bolivia

Description

Mallku Cueva is located in one of the most impressive places on the famous lagoon route in south-west Bolivia and nestles against a huge natural rock. The lodge is an architectural blend where living nature - the rock - is an integral part of the experience. A place full of mystical meanings that offers refuge for the mind, body and soul.
Mallku Cueva offers the necessary comfort for a pleasant stay. With 12 rooms, each with its own bathroom and central and / or electric heating, cozy common rooms and dining room, plus Wi-Fi, which also makes the difference to the accommodations in the region.
As a refuge in the middle of the desert and at an impressive height, the lodge focuses on the actual needs of its visitors. Caring, friendly and familiar: warmth and home-made local food, unobtrusive restraint.

Sights of the region

With its brightly coloured lagoons, volcano and the highest mountains on the Bolivian border with Chile and Argentina, it's unsurprising that Eduardo Avaroa Nature Reserve is the most visited national park in the country. The largest of the three coloured lagoons is the 6km wide Laguna Colorado. Algae growing in the water dye it a vivid blood red, which is contrasted with bone white islands made of the mineral borax. Owing to the Laguna Colorado's height above sea level (4,278m) and the surrounding landscape of salt, very little wildlife can be found here for most of the year. In Novemeber, however, flocks of three different species of flamingo make it their home for the breeding season. Amongst the smaller lagoons are the green Laguna Verde and sky blue Laguna Celeste. Both derive their colour from various copper mineral deposits in the water, which makes them beautiful but not ideal for swimming in. The Laguna Verde is situated at the foot of the spectacularly symmetrical Licancabur volcano and a short distance from natural hot springs. The park itself attracts some 40,000 visitors a year. Its non-human population includes 23 species of mammal, a range that covers the rabbt-like vizcacha, Andean foxes and pumas. Look out for Andean condors, yareta and keñua too, just some of the many endangered species which enjoy protected status in the park.
For the best chance of seeing rare wildlife, head to the Laguna Colorado National Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of the park established in 2001, following the expansion of the park's borders. This area boasts over 80 species of bird and more than 190 species of plant and tree.

For information about tours to Bolivia and to the Salar de Uyuni and the Reserva Eduardo Avaroa with an overnight stay at the Mallku Cueva Hotel, please visit our tours section.