Along the way

This unique trip allows us to rally Uyuni to Paz, by the desolated roads of the Urus country on the Chilean border.
This 4WD expedition caters to wide open space lovers and to those of immense scenery: Salar de Uyuni, Salar de Coipasa, burials of Río Lauca and finally Sajama National Park; perfect mix of volcanoes, hot springs and geysers as well as of an abundant and varied wildlife.
Take your cameras and let’s go!

 

Daily program

Day 1: LA PAZ – CURAHUARA DE CARANGAS - TOMARAPI

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in a private vehicle. We traverse the altiplano until we reach the entrance of Sajama national park (about 4h) via the small village of Curahuara de Carangas and its well-adorned colonial church (the frescoes are perfectly preserved). On the way, we stop by chullpas (Carangas burials) empty today after their systematic pillaging.
We enter the park by a dirt road that takes us to the village of Tomarapi. The wildlife is abundant and varied: alpacas, vicuñas and ñandus (a close cousin of the ostrich) if we are lucky.
Cold lunch. All included.
Night at Tomarapi’s new “Albergue” (comfort of a Hotel).

Day 2: TOMARAPI – GEYSERS –TREK TO THE LAGUNAS – HOT SPRINGS

In the morning, we head to the geysers in our 4WD. This particularly active area offers a unique display of bubbling baths spread over hundreds of square meters.
From there we follow the valley upriver until we reach, 2½-hour later, Laguna Khasiri Kota (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.). There, we are able to observe different aquatic bird species, notably the Andean geese (Huallata in Aymara) that never go very far from their characteristic nest (large floating platforms made out of algae and grass.)
One more hour is necessary to reach the plateau where is nestled the beautiful Laguna Sorapata (el. 4960 m.a.s.l.). This magical place, surrounded by impressive copper colored mountains, suitable for our lunch break. We then descent to the geysers while enjoying the magnificent view of volcano Pomerape (el. 6280 m.a.s.l.).
We return to our 4WD and head for the natural hot springs located at the base of volcano Sajama to enjoy a relaxing bath.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Teodora’s near the hot springs (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 6/7h; Elevation gain/loss: +600m/-600m

Day 3: SSAJAMA - CHULLPAS OF RÍO LAUCA - SABAYA

We head south through the country of Urus following sandy and treacherous dirt roads. After crossing Río Lauca, appear some polychromatic chullpas, the most beautiful of Bolivia (chullpas were tombs of the Aymara lords; pre-Inca time).
We reach the village of Sabaya at the end of the day, after a 4 to 5-hour drive and a strong sensation to be alone in the world the place is so remote. Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (basic comfort).

Day 4: SABAYA – SALAR DE COIPASA – JIRIRA / visit of the site of Alcaya

We leave Sabaya following deserted roads and soon enter the Salar de Coipasa often difficult to cross due to the swampy and treacherous terrain.
We find ourselves at the heart of the wild altiplano, in the middle of an arid landscape, surrounded by volcanoes punctuating the nearby Chilean border...
After circumnavigating volcano Tunupa, we arrive at the village of Jirira, on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni (around 5-hour) at the end of the day.
Cold lunch. All included.
Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ (basic comfort).

 

Option extra day

Day 5: ASCENT OF VOLCANO TUNUPA (PARTIAL / el. 4700 m.a.s.l.)

With guide – No technical difficulty – Good physical condition required

Early departure for the ascent of the volcano dominating the entire Salar (our 4WD drops us off at the end of the dirt road above the village). In about 4 hours, we reach the viewpoint (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) offering an exceptional panorama. The summit (el. 5400 m.a.s.l.) cannot be attempted because of the potential danger due to the the presence of rock bands obstructing the way.
Return to Jirira in the afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ (basic comfort).
Ascent time: 7 h; Elevation gain/loss: +850m/-850m

Day 5 or 6: JIRIRA –SALAR D’UYUNI – UYUNI

In the morning we visit Coquesa, little village on the shores of the Salar, famous for its Chipayas mummies. Then we enter the Salar of Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l), the biggest salt desert in the world. The sensation is unique: the eyes cannot find the horizon anymore and the immensity of the scenery invites us to silence.
We stop in the heart of the Salar on Incahuasi Island. This island, of volcanic origin, is covered with stromatolites (fossilized bacteria representing the first traces of life on earth) and giant cacti.
In the afternoon, we head east in the directing of Uyuni. On the way we visit the Salt Hotels (closed since November 2001) and the salt mine of Colchani.
Cold lunch. Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel.

 

Included

- Spanish speaking guide/driver
- Entrance to parks and cultural places mentioned in program
- Transportation (equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser)
- 3-stars hotels in twin room including breakfast
- Night with local hosts and/or shelter
- Meals mentioned
- Trekkingb guide for Sajama Park

Not included

- Individual equipment (for camping we provide the sleeping pads)
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Drinks
- Tips
- Open meals mentioned, (from 5 to 10 € per person/meal)

General sales conditions

Your trip will be confirmed once we receive a deposit of 30% of the total amount on our Bolivian account or on our web site (Visa card icon on the top right; enter your name as the reference). The balance must be paid upon arrival in Bolivia in American dollars or Euros.

Prepare for your trip

Travel advice Bolivia
General Sales Conditions
Equipment

Emergencies

In case of major problem during your stay (delay, strike, traffic accident…), an emergency contact will be at your disposal to reach a member of our team:
(010) 712 57 378

Important

- As a security measure, each traveler needs to provide photocopies of passport and individual insurance documentation.
- If you are planning to travel to Brazil, please note that the Brazilian authorities request the yellow fever vaccine certificate to all travelers coming from Bolivia. If you do not leave the transit zone at the airport, it is not required.

Contact us to get the fares