Along the way

From the small Atacama salt desert to the biggest salar in the world, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, a 4WD expedition following the “Road of the Jewels”, judiciously named for its array of beautiful lagunas ponctuating the stark landscapes of the Altiplano.

Please note that this inhospitable region only offers the traveler the most rustic living conditions: dust, rarified water and cool nights... But remember, the best things have to be earned!

Daily program

Day 1: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – BOLIVIA – LAGUNA VERDE – LAGUNA COLORADA

A steep ascent to the Altiplano takes us to the border post of Hito Cajón, entry point into the region of Lipez. We reach Laguna Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) before noon, to witness a curious phenomenon: the wind picks up and the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color.
Then we cross the Dali Desert (named after its scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings) before skirting Laguna Salada and stopping at the thermal baths of Polques.
Finally we arrive at the Sol de Mañana Geysers (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.) a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. At the end of the day we reach Laguna Colorada. This laguna owes its intense red-brick color to the light sensitive phytoplancton present in its water.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a shelter (basic comfort).

Day 2: LAGUNA COLORADA – “ROUTE OF THE JEWELS” - SAN JUAN

We head north through the magnificent landscapes of the Siloli desert and its famous “Arbol de Piedra” (Stone Tree) where we may be able to spot some viscachas. We then skirt the Chilean border following the “Route of the Jewels”: lagunas Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda and Canapa, a sanctuary to 3 different types of flamingoes. We stop at the viewpoint of volcano Ollague. This active volcano hosts the world’s highest sulfur mine.
The track then drops from around 4200 meters above sea level to 3600. We cross the small Salar de Chiguana at the foot of volcano Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) before arriving in the village of San Juan where are located the spectacular mummies of the “Lipez Lords” (1200 A.D.).
Cold lunch. All included. Hotel.

Day 3: SAN JUAN – SALAR – UYUNI

A 2-hour trip from San Juan will take us to the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.). The atmosphere is special: the horizon seems to not have any limits and the immensity is overwhelming. . We head north to the island of Incahuasi. 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 towards Uyuni.
On the way we visit the Salt Hotels (Closed since November 2001), the salt exploitation of Colchani and ultimately, the train cemetery on the outskirt of the town of Uyuni.
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 Toyota land Cruiser)
- 2-star hotels in twin room including breakfast
- Night with in shelters
- Meals mentioned

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