Sacred Earth Travel - Sustainable Nature and Adventure Travel

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The trip from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile is a truly magical experience. Beyond San Pedro it is only a short journey to the most amazing salt desert landscape of all - the Salar de Uyuni, across the border in Bolivia. In this itinerary we wxplore the strange, enigmatic scenery of southern Bolivia, the endless expanse of the Salar De Uyuni (3.653 m / 12.000 ft.) with its surreal landscape and surprising diversity of wildlife.

Highlights:
Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve, Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorado, Laguna Blanca, Polques hot springs, geyser Sol de Mañana, flamingos, Salt Lake of Uyuni, Tunupa volcano, Chilguilla, ruins of Pukara, Chiquini, Canaña Island, cave of the Galaxies, San Pedro de Quemez, volcano Ollagüe, Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiakota, Honda and Cachi lagoon, desert of Siloli, Pampa de Dali, volcano Licancabut

Season:
This itinerary can be operated all year round, however, there may be heavy rains between January and April, which can significantly affect road conditions, forcing us to alter the itinerary if necessary.

Weather:
Weather conditions are much like in the altiplano, due to the high elevations it is cooler than in the Atacama. In the 'Bolivian winter' between January and April heavy rains can make roads impassable, fircing us to change itineraries without notice.

Difficulty:
Easy - There is nothing particularly demanding or difficult about this itinerary, except that some places are at high altitude making it generally harder to move around. Not recommended for people with respiratory conditions or heart disease.
Uyuni itinerary

Day 1: San Pedro de Atacama – Laguna Colorada (Bolivia) – Villamar

In the morning we depart San Pedro to drive towards the Bolivian border located at 60 km from San Pedro. We will enter the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve to visit the Laguna Verde, a lagoon with wonderful emerald colors. En route to Laguna Colorada, we visit Laguna Blanca, Polques hot springs and geyser Sol de Mañana. Arrive at Laguna Colorada. Situated in the Occidental Mountain Range of the Andes, one finds at an average altitude of (4600 m. / 15.000 ft.), a series of lagoons of impressive beauty,populated by hundreds of flamingoes. Continue to the village of Villamar. Overnight (L, D)

Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats

Today you will start your trip to the amazing Salt Lake of Uyuni, passing mountain areas with marked erosion and further to the north, San Augustín. Salar de Uyuni, with its 10,582 square km (4,085 square miles) is the world's largest salt flat. The most abundant minerals found in the salar are halite and gypsum. We will arrival at Tahua, a village situated in the foothills of the Tunupa Volcano. Enjoy the sunset, overnight in Tahua. (B, L, D)

Uyuni, Bolivia

Day 3: Chilguilla – Ojo de Perdiz

Today we spend exploring the area by driving to different viewpoints vand taking short hikes, depending on your physical condition. We will visit the natural viewpoint of Chilguilla and the ruins of Pucara, then hike down to the salt flats, where you will have lunch. Afterwards we continue to Laguna Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda, Cachi until reaching the desert of Siloli. Overnight in hotel in Ojo de Perdνz (B, L, D)

Day 4: Eduardo Abaroa Reserve – San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)

We will visit the ancient stone villages of Quemado and Refugio, and later, the volcano Ollagüe and the lagoons Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda and Cachi until we reach the desert of Siloli. Afterwards we will enter the Eduarda Abaroa National Reserve to visit "Laguna Colorada" and the geyser "Sol de la mañana". You will also see the Pampa of Dali and the "Laguna Verde" at the foot of the volcano Licancabur. After that we will cross the border to Chile and arrive back at San Pedro de Atacama. (B,L)

Please note:
Due to weather conditions (especially during January and February – the "Bolivian Winter") the itinerary might be modified. High altitudes between 2.000 m / 8.000 ft. – 5.000 m /16.000 ft.!

Rates for 2010/2011 - per person

Prices Valid From:1 May 10 - 30 Apr 11
Double occupancy US$1713
Single US$2788
Includes:
3 overnights in simple accommodations with breakfast, 3 dinner, 3 lunch or lunch boxes, transfers and excursions with bilingual guide, entrance fees.
Not Included:
International or domestic air fares, meals not specified in the itinerary, personal expenses, tips or gratuities, travel insurance of any kind
Recommendations:
Both light and warm clothes; trekking shoes; sun hat, woolly hat, windbreak, lip balm, strong sun-block; sun glasses;

Please note: Due to weather conditions, especially during the highland winter (December to March), this program can be modified without previous notice. Accommodations in Bolivia are not of the same standards as in Chile. This is an adventure itinerary - don't expect luxury.

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

HOTELS USED FOR THIS ITINERARY:

Jardines de Mallku (Villamar)

This Hotel is an imitation of the ""Jardines de Uyuni". The hotel was built on an ancient wall made of regional rocks, which gives the hotel a earthy ambience. It is decorated with sheepskins; the beds are made of clay and there are some fireplaces which are used for heating. Passive heat is also derived from the corrugated iron roof, so that the hotel is during the day much warmer than in the afternoon, when the sun sets. This hotel is located in a remote and inhospitable region where modern conveniences are scarce.

  • Warm Water: only in the afternoon
  • Electricity: From 19:00 hrs – 21:30 hrs
  • Private Bathroom: in almost every room

Tayka de Piedra, Bolivia

Tayka de Piedra (San Pedro de Quelmez)

This simple hotel is completely built of stones. Even its extraordinary bar is constructed from two beautiful rocks which look like two tons. It is basic and rustic, but comfortable and an provides an unusual experience as everything is made of stone.

  • Warm Water: in the afternoon and in the night, not in the morning
  • Electricity: From 07:00 hrs – 21:30 hrs
  • Private Bathroom: in almost every room

Tayka de Sal, Uyuni, Bolivia

Tayka de Sal (Tawa)

This Hotel is located in the town of Tawa and is made of salt blocks. The dining-room has a big fireplace which heats the whole room and creates a nice and comfortable atmosphere. Furthermore, the hotel also has an ecologically friendly solar heating system.

  • Warm Water: in the afternoon and at night, not in the morning
  • Electricity: From 07:00 hrs – 21:30 hrs
  • Private Bathroom: in almost every room