Sol de Mañana,
Bolivia.

Sol de Mañana is an active geothermal field at 4,850m altitude in the Eduardo Avaroa National Fauna Reserve, southwest Bolivia. It is the highest and most active geothermal site in South America, featuring steam geysers (water/mud temperature 80–130°C), bubbling mud pools and sulphurous fumaroles. It is visited on the morning of Day 3 of the standard 3-day 4×4 tour from Uyuni, typically at 5:30–7am.

Dawn is the optimal time because the cold air (-5°C to -15°C) maximises the visual spectacle of the steam columns. When cold air meets 130°C steam, the columns can reach 15 metres high and create dramatic photographic conditions. As the sun warms the day, the temperature differential decreases and the columns become shorter and less visible. The name "Sol de Mañana" (Morning Sun) reflects this dawn timing.

Sol de Mañana carries real risks. Water and mud temperatures exceed 80–130°C. Ground crust around the pools can be thin over geothermal voids. Pool edges can collapse inward. In 2007, a tourist died after leaving the marked path and falling into a geothermal pool. The site is safe if you strictly follow the marked paths and your guide's instructions. Never leave the marked paths, run near the pools, or touch any wet or steaming surface.

Sol de Mañana is only accessible by 4×4 as part of the 3-day tour from Uyuni (Day 3 morning). No independent transport exists. Distance from Uyuni: ~175km (accumulated driving over 3 days). The tour costs $60–120 USD/person and includes driver-guide, shared 4×4, basic accommodation and some meals. The reverse circuit from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) also passes through Sol de Mañana.

Air temperature at dawn (5:30–7am): -5°C to -15°C depending on season, coldest June–July. Wind chill can make it feel -20°C. Steam/mud temperature: 80–130°C. Sol de Mañana is the coldest moment of the entire 3-day circuit. Wear your warmest clothing: down parka, waterproof gloves, wool hat, thermal base layers and insulated boots. The cold is part of what makes the geothermal spectacle so extraordinary.

Sol de Mañana is at 4,850 metres above sea level — the highest point of the 3-day Uyuni circuit, and one of the highest accessible geothermal sites on Earth. For reference: Uyuni is at 3,656m, Laguna Colorada at 4,278m, and Sol de Mañana at 4,850m. Most travellers who have spent 2+ nights in Uyuni acclimatise adequately, but the additional 572m above Laguna Colorada can trigger symptoms. Move slowly, breathe deeply, and do not push your pace.