Salt Lake:
At 3600 m. above sea level and surrounded by the Bolivian Altiplano (High Plateau), this shallow (inches deep) glimmering salt lake covers more than 12,000 Km2 and is the largest in the world. Uyuni Salt Lake is a paradise for photographers with its magnificent sunrises and sunsets and surreal landscapes. One of the most important salt reserves worldwide, its history chronicles human occupation by prehistoric cultures, the Incas, Spanish, and the indigenous communities living there now, who breed alpacas, llamas and fine vicunas.
This and many other salt flats nearby originated around 10,000 years ago. They are the last geological stage of a huge lake that once covered 20,000 Km2. The Uyuni Salt Lake is part of an ancient drainage of the Titicaca and Poopo lakes in southwest Bolivia. The surreal scenery and unforgettable wildlife form one of the natural wonders of Bolivia.
Eduardo Avaroa Wildlife Reserve:
Eduardo Avaroa Wildlife Reserve was created in 1973 to protect the wildlife that lives in this region. High peaks, volcanoes, and deserts have created a favorable habitat for Andean rheas, Vicunas, three species of flamingos, pumas, and Andean foxes; as well as unique flora.
Day 1: Uyuni - Colchani - Isla Incahuasi - San Juan
You will depart from Uyuni for Colchani to see how locals extract and process the salt. Also you will observe the "ojos de sal", where ice cold healing water bubbles through the salt. This water originates in an underground river from the Tunupa Volcano. On the way to Isla Incahuasi you will see two hotels made entirely from salt blocks. At the Isle, have lunch among huge cacti and the wildlife of this rare habitat. In the afternoon arrive at San Juan. Visit an historical church and cemetery if you like. Dinner and overnight at Chuvica/San Juan. (L,D)
Day 2: San Juan - Paso León- Laguna Colorada
After breakfast, our journey begins with stop at the military post at Chiguana, where you need to show your passport. Continuing, we will stop at Paso de Leon to observe the Ollagua Volcano, which is currently mildly active. You will stop at several lagoons, such as Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda and Ramiditas. Have lunch. These lagoons are an observation area for 3 flamingo species: the James, Andean and Chilean. In the afternoon you will arrive at the beautiful Laguna Colorada, in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. We have dinner and stay overnight here. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Laguna Colorada - Laguna Verde - Uyuni
Start with an early breakfast around 05:00 am, and then visit other natural attractions of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, such as the impressive shooting geysers. We come to a natural hot springs with safe bathing temperatures, where you are welcome to soak for awhile, we will also visit the Salvador Dali desert and then we stop at Laguna Verde at the base of the Licancabur Volcano and have lunch. Later we make our return trip to Uyuni. (B, L)
" Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama from Hito Cajones at 09:00 am. (shared service)
Departures: All year
2019 Prices per person in US$:
Prices are available upon request.
- Luggage:
- backpack small day pack
- Clothes:
- long-sleeved shirts
- pairs of long cotton pants
- T- shirts sweater or fleece/polar Tec
- Down jacket or extra sweater
- wind breaker
- pair of hiking boots
- pair of sneakers
- pair of sandals or Tevas
- swimsuit
- socks including thick wool socks
- underwear
- sleepwear
- casual clothes
- hat
- gloves
- Others items:
- binoculars, best 8x or 10x
- camera film (ASA 100 and 200 are recommended)
- sun block
- flashlight
- sunglasses (essential on Salt Lake)
- pocket knife
- bandannas
- plastic bags (for dirty clothes)
- a photocopy of your passport
- water bottle
