Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization in Colchani
Upon arrival at Uyuni airport, transfer to your selected hotel in Colchani: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, or a similar accommodation. This day is perfect for acclimatizing to the altitude as you begin your exciting journey. Enjoy the comfort and amenities of your hotel, whether resting or engaging in relaxing activities before heading into the Andean terrain. Located on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni, Colchani is the gateway to the salt flats, offering a glimpse of local life. Visit the small salt museum, built from salt and housing intricate salt sculptures, and browse through the souvenir stalls.
Overnight at Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, or similar (Meals not included).
Day 2: Exploring the Salar de Uyuni and Incahuasi Island
After a morning pick-up from your hotel, meet your expert driver and guide, and set off on your journey across the awe-inspiring Salar de Uyuni. Your first stop will be at a local salt extraction site, where you’ll learn about the history and processes behind this incredible landscape. Next, drive across the vast salt flats to Isla Incahuasi, a unique island brimming with towering cacti and otherworldly scenery. Explore the island’s terrain and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the surreal landscape. Continue the adventure through Campana Island and visit Cueva Galaxia to see ancient lava formations shaped by contact with water. End the day at San Pedro de Quemes, with dinner and accommodation at Tayka Hotel de Piedra.
Overnight at Tayka Hotel de Piedra or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included).
Day 3: Volcanoes, Flamingos, and Geysers
Start the day with a freshly prepared breakfast at the hotel before departing for more exploration. The day begins with a drive past the still-active Ollagüe Volcano, located on the Bolivia-Chile border. Marvel at the stunning scenery as we pass Laguna Cañapa and then reach Laguna Hedionda, a famous breeding ground for three species of flamingos. Continue through Laguna Honda and Ramaditas before arriving at the striking Siloli Desert to see the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), a wind-sculpted rock formation. As we proceed to Laguna Colorada, you’ll be mesmerized by the red-colored waters and the vibrant flamingos that call it home. Afterward, visit the Sol de Mañana geysers, with fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. Enjoy lunch en route through the desolate Pampas de Dali desert before reaching the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve and the stunning Laguna Verde, known for its emerald waters and dramatic backdrop of the Licancabur Volcano. Keep an eye out for Andean foxes and the playful Viscacha, a curious rabbit-like creature with a long tail. End the day at Hotel Mallku Cueva in Villamar.
Overnight at Hotel Mallku Cueva or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included).
Day 4: Cultural Heritage and The Train Cemetery
After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Uyuni, passing through the quaint towns of Alota and Culpina, where restored villages offer a glimpse into the region’s history. A highlight of the day is the visit to San Cristóbal, home to one of Bolivia’s oldest churches, now declared a Cultural Heritage site. As we near Uyuni, stop at the famous Train Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful collection of abandoned steam locomotives, a remnant of Bolivia’s early mining days.
Overnight at Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, or a similar (Breakfast and Lunch included).
Day 5: Farewell to Uyuni and Return to La Paz
After several days of extraordinary adventures, relax at your hotel and take in the views before your return journey. Explore the surrounding area or simply enjoy the comfort and tranquility of your accommodation. Check out by 12:00 p.m., and at the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to La Paz and onward connections.
Transfer to the airport and end of services (Breakfast included).
Expedition Leader
