Overview:

Laguna Turku is a large salt lake located in the Beni Department of Bolivia, near the city of Trinidad. The lake is located approximately 80 km from Trinidad and covers an area of 140 km2. The lake's waters are very salty, with an average salinity of 11%. The lake is a breeding ground for various species of fish, crustaceans, and stingrays, among other animals. Along the lake's edge is a protected area, the Laguna de Turku Environmental Reserve, an important conservation area for several species of birds, including the endangered Giant Coot. In addition, the lake's shores are home to a few small villages inhabited by indigenous people. The lake is also popular with local fishermen and visitors from abroad. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Location: Located in the Bolivian Amazon, the Laguna Turku is known for its pristine beauty and exceptional biodiversity. 2. Fauna: The lagoon is home to many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fishes, such as the electric catfish, long-snouted catfish, giant caiman, black-and-white tiger heron, and common egret. 3. Flora: The lagoon is surrounded by an abundance of plant life that ranges from small insects and strange flowers to palm trees and large stands of tropical hardwoods. 4. Activities: Visitors to Laguna Turku can enjoy various activities such as swimming, boating, and bird watching. It is also a great spot for fishing, as it supports a wide variety of fish species. 5. Accessibility: The lagoon is remote but accessible by boat or plane. There are various services that offer tours and packages for visitors wishing to visit the lagoon. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Laguna Turku is a small village located in the northern part of Bolivia's Amazon Basin. The community was first settled by three families who came from the southeastern Peru town of Curimayo. The families left Peru in search of more land to increase their agricultural output and to be closer to their relatives living in the nearby town of San Ignacio de Moxos. In the year 2000, the families, Elías, Mercedes, and Luis, moved to Laguna Turku, formerly known as Ecuquenelo. They cleared tropical woodland to make room for farms and built mudbrick homes. In 2006, the Bolivian government heard of the families' success and wanted to involve the community in a larger development project. The government created the Integrated Project for the Development of the Northern Amazon, otherwise known as the Proyecto Integral de Desarrollo del Norte de la Amazonia (PRONORA). PRONORA's goal was to improve the quality of life for people living in the northern Amazonian regions of Bolivia. The project provided resources and assistance to improve the area's infrastructure, build health centers, and promote education and other economic activities such as ecotourism, handicrafts, and fish farming. Since then, Laguna Turku has grown and developed, creating a small but vibrant economy. The community now has a health center, several elementary schools, a community hall, and basic services such as electricity, running water, and internet access. The area is also home to various ecotourism ventures and small-scale fishing, agricultural, and craft businesses. Despite the recent development, Laguna Turku has maintained a strong connection to its past and is committed to preserving its traditional culture and customs. The community has managed to keep its cultural identity while adapting to modern changes, creating a unique balance of old and new. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Laguna Turku is the largest and most famous salt flat in Bolivia, stretching over 10,000 square kilometers (3,861 square miles). 2. It is situated at an elevation of 3,656 meters (11,995 feet), making it one of the world’s highest salt flats. 3. The area around the lagoon is covered in salt crust which is up to 20m thick in some places. 4. It is home to the Uyuni Flamingos, a species of Chilean flamingo that is only known to inhabit the area. 5. The wetland is one of the primary breeding grounds for South American flamingos. 6. The bright white layers of salt found along the lagoon create stunning landscapes that can be enjoyed throughout the year. 7. The area is also rich in mineral deposits, such as lithium, potassium, sulfur, and magnesium. This makes it an ideal mining destination for many companies. 8. Despite its harsh landscape, it is home to several archaeological sites that testify to the presence of ancient cultures in this area. 9. The area around the Laguna is also home to several hot springs. These can be visited for a therapeutic dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters. 10. One of the interesting features of the lagoon is the Isla del Pescador or Fisherman's Island. It is so called because its peak is the only dry land for miles. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.