Destinations-Uyuni

Driving through the high and empty South West corner of Bolivia is a spectacular experience. It is one of the world's harshest wildlife regions and loaded with volcanic and geothermal activity. We would like to make it clear that accommodation on this tour is rather basic. The area is literally empty; there are neither real villages nor luxury hotels. However, the overwhelming beauty of the landscape definitively compensates for the lack of comfort.

Day 1: Uyuni - San Juan

We start the trip at approximately 9 o'clock in the morning, leaving Uyuni in direction of Colchani, a small village on the shore of the Salar de Uyuni, where salt blocks are cut with picks and shovels. We will visit the Cooperative Rosario Workshop south-west from Colchari and the 'ojos de agua', a spring of cold underground water reaching the surface creating unusual looking eruptions on the salt. From here you will enter the Salt Lake . At an altitude of 3,650 meters and a surface of 12,000 square Km the Salar de Uyuni is the highest and largest salt lake in the world. We will continue our journey on the Salar, driving over the endless white plain till we reach the 'hotel de sal', a unusual hotel constructed entirely of salt blocks. After a short break we continue to the 'Isla de Pescadores', an extraordinary island with huge cactuses and a large population of viscachas (South American rabbit). A visit to this Island surrounded by never ending horizons of salt is an absolute surreal experience. Depending on the hour of arrival we will have lunch at the Isla de Pescadores. After visiting the island you will continue to San Juan, a little settlement high in the Andes where we will have dinner and spend the night. Before reaching San Juan we cross a military post, Villa Martín, where in most cases passports will be checked. Accommodation in San Juan is basic.

Day 2: San Juan - Laguna Colorada

After breakfast we will continue our way southwards towards the volcano of Ollague. At lunchtime we will arrive at the Laguna Cañada, where a basic lunch will be served while watching flamencos feeding in the lake. Continuing our way south on the deserted altiplano we will pass 4 small lakes where an enormous variety of birds can be observed. Besides the different species of flamingos (Chilean, Andean and the rare James flamingos) that can be seen in the area, we would like to mention the horned coot, Andean goose and the Andean Hillstar. Driving through the 'Pampa Siloli' and 'Arbola de piedra', both taken straight from a surrealistic painting of Dali, we arrive at the end of the day at Laguna Colorado. A huge, shallow, red colored lake. The red algae in its waters are responsible for the pink color of its most notable inhabitants, the different species of flamingos. Dinner and overnight in basic accommodation on the shore of the lake. At an altitude of over 4,250 m, nights can be very cold. Please keep a towel and bathing suite in your hand luggage for the next day.

Day 3: Laguna Colorada - Laguna Verde - Alota

After an early breakfast we leave Laguna Colorada and head Southwards, to the geysers ´Sol de Mañana´, a 50m high steam geyser and many boiling mud-holes. Please be aware of the high altitude (4,800m). After visiting the geyser we continue to thermal waters at the edge of Laguna Chalviri. Those who would like to try a bath in the natural warm (approximately 30ºC) springs can take a bath. After a relaxing bath in the surreal ambiance of the altiplano we continue through the barren landscape of the Pampa de Chalviri and via a pass at 5,000 m we arrive at the Laguna Verde. This remote greenish lake on the foot of the 5,960 m volcano Licancábur is the most South Eastern point of the country, from here we will return northwards, passing through the Valle de las Rocas to the little village of Alota, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 4: Alota - Uyuni

After breakfast we will continue to Uyuni, on the way to our final destination we will receive a lunch box. Arrival in Uyuni at approximately 15.00 hours

• Included: transport, professional bilingual guides, visitor tickets, and all entrance fees.
• Time: 3days/2nights.
• Type: this excursion can be booked as a private or as a group service.

Day 1: Uyuni - San Juan

Same as the 4-day tour.

Day 2: San Juan - Laguna Colorada

Same as the 4-day tour.

Day 3: Laguna Colorada - Laguna Verde - Chile

After an early breakfast we leave Laguna Colorada and head south towards the geysers of 'Sol de Mañana' - 50m high steam geyser and many boiling mud-holes. These geysers are located at a very high altitude, (4,800m) and those who suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to partake in any strenuous activity. After visiting the geyser we continue to the thermal waters at the edge of Laguna Chalviri. Those who would like to try a bath in the natural warm springs (approximately 30ºC) can take a swim. After a relaxing bath in the surreal ambiance of the altiplano we continue through the barren landscape of the Pampa de Chalviri and over a pass at 5,000 m, where we will arrive at the Laguna Verde. This greenish lake on the foot of the 5,960 m volcano Licancábur is the end of the tour for passengers crossing into Chile. The border with Chile is about 7 km from Laguna Colorado. At the border Hito Cajón, there are no facilities for immigration and customs, just a landmark indicating that you're entering Chile. Our Chilean partner will pick us up on the border and transport us to the desert village of San Pedro de Atacama, some 2,5 km lower. Bolivian exit stamps will already have been obtained in Uyuni. Chilean customs are downhill, on the entrance of the city of San Pedro de Atacama. Being one of the worlds major drug producing countries, baggage of passengers coming from Bolivia is generally checked thoroughly by Chilean customs.

• Included: Meals, Transport (4x4 jeep and driver), All visits as above mentioned, Accommodation (basic).
• Time: 3 days / 2 nights.
• Type: this excursion can be booked as a private only.