OVERVIEW
TRIP LENGTH
3 days and 2 nights
SEASON
January/December
ADVENTURE TYPE
Nature, Treckking, Culture
DESTINATION
UYUNI SALT FLATS / EDUARDO AVAROA NATIONAL PARK
MIN.AGE
12 years old (children under 12 must be accompanied by a tutor or parent).
TRIP BEGINS/ENDS
Uyuni
The Uyuni Salt Flats –or Salar de Uyuni- is the highlight of any trip to Bolivia, as it represents a unique experience, impossible to equal anywhere else in the world. This legendary prehistoric lake, called Lago Minchín, went dry between 30,000 to 42,000 years ago, leaving behind the most dazzling desert-like landscape of glistening bright-white salt flats, cacti-studded islands and rock formations.
Located in the southwest of Bolivia, the Salt Flats is the largest salt desert in the world. With an altitude of 3653 meters above the sea level, denoting a cold desert climate, the area goes through two distinct seasons: the dry season (between May and October) and the rainy season (between November and April), during which the desert floods creating a natural mirror and a one-of-a-kind scenery.
However, the Salt Flats are not the only treasure this area offers its visitors. This Altiplanic region is also home to Andean lagoons inhabited by pink flamingoes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient coral lands, mythical caves used as sacred burial grounds by pre-Inca civilizations, and active geysers reaching an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level.
ITINERARY
"The tour Will start in the town of Uyuni at approximately 10AM. We can pick you up depending on you preferences, from the bus terminal or your accommodation in Uyukni.
We will then start the day by visiting the Train Cemetery -an immense train graveyard eroded by the salt winds located in the shores of the Salt Flats- continuing towards the indigenous community of Colchani to observe the elaboration of iodized salt in its rustic form.
We then enter to the white deserts in their fullness, driving straight in the middle of the magical Salar de Uyuni. Here, we will visit the typical landscapes of extraction, the Piles of Salt; the unique “eyes of salt”; and the first salt hotel, now a museum; you will be able to enjoy and wonder around the Salt Flats, take perspective and reflection pictures –simply amazing.
Lunch will later be served in the heart of the Salt Flats, giving you the incredible opportunity of enjoying traditional food immersed in this unique white desert. In the afternoon, we will take a short trek through the Incahuasi Island*, a largely unexplored site scattered by giant cactuses. And then the Pia Pia Island. In the evening, we will reach our salt accommodation for the night in the Community of Agencha. (Salt Hostel)
After breakfast, we will enter once again the Salt Flats to visit the Chiguana Salt Flats. Following is a visit the community of San Juan, natural viewpoint to the Ollagüe volcano (still active).
In the afternoon, we will visit the Cañapa, Colorada and Hedionda lagoons, home to pink flamingo populations. We will pass by the Siloli Desert and the Valley of the Rocks where you can see the Stone Tree. Before ending the day we will visit the geysers and then head to your accommodation.
This last day we will visit the impressive Salvador Dali Desert, the Green and White Lagoon, We will finally visit the Licancabur Volcano. After lunch, we will start our return back to Uyuni. The tour ends in Uyuni at approximately 6.30 P.M.
DATES & RATES
Dates
Rates
Supplementary Information
Included:
• Transportation on a 4x4 jeep
• Skilled Driver
• 2-night accommodation
• Meals throughout the tour (3 box lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts).
Not Included:
• Transportation from/to La Paz (can be arranged)
• Entrance fees (Incahuasi Island: 5 USD)
• Pickup service from/to the Airport (Can be arranged for additional cost)
• Tips and Extras not mentioned in the Program
What to bring:
• Warm clothes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Water
• Camera
• Trekking shoes
• Enough cash (local currency)
Comments:
• COMMENTS At any activity, we recommend you to bring enough cash in Bolivianos (BOB), try to usually bring some bills of short value (10 BOB, 20 BOB, 50 BOB)
