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Driving across the world’ largest salt lake, the Salar de Uyuni, is truly one of the greatest experiences available to the South American traveller. This short trip is simply bursting with natural wonders: coral islands at over 4,000m (13,000ft); multicoloured lakes; rocks sculpted by the wind; craters bubbling with lava; volcanic landscapes giving way to the eerie stillness of the desert. Unmissable.
If time allows, a visit to the so-called ‘Train Cemetery’, where many British-made trains have ended their days, is recommended.
Day 2: Uyuni – San Juan: All meals
This morning, we depart Uyuni in our four-wheel-drive vehicle, for our first glimpse of the world’s largest salt lake (salar). On the way, we stop in the village of Colchani to see traditional methods of salt-extraction in action.
Driving across the Salt Lake, we arrive at Fish Island (Inkawasi), a solitary outcrop of rock in the middle of a white ocean, where hundreds of giant cactus bloom - the only vegetation to be seen.
We continue to San Juan where we spend the night in a basic hostel.
Day 3: San Juan – Vilamar: All meals
Today, we drive through the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna: one highlight is the Laguna Colorada (Coloured Lagoon), so named on account of the striking contrast of the white shores, encrusted with salt and borax, and the flaming red of the algae-rich waters. This lagoon is also home to the world’s largest population of the rare James Flamingo.
We continue to Vilamar where we spend the night in a basic hostel.
Day 4: Vilamar - San Pedro Atacama: Breakfast / Lunch
Starting the day early in the morning, we will visit the spectacular Sol de Mañana Geysers, and see craters of boiling lava before continuing to the Laguana Verde (Green Lagoon) which is jade coloured … and arsenic-laden!
Upon arrival at Hito Cajon, which marks the border with Chile, we catch a public bus to San Pedro de Atacama, where the tour ends.
NB. From Hito Cajon, you can return to Uyuni, if not wishing to go into Chile. Email us at info@chimuadventures.com for more details
This journey can be done from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) to Uyuni (Bolivia). See Desert to Salt Lake.
Uyuni to Atacama-Fast Facts
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Accommodation |
Tourist class hotel in Uyuni Basic lodges |
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Inclusions |
3 nights’ accommodation Driver (Spanish-speaking) Meals as stated in itinerary: NB. box lunches Entrance fees Transfers |
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Difficulty Rating |
3 (High altitude; basic accommodation) |
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Sustainability |
Local foods used on tour Carbon Offsets not available for this tour |
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Single Surcharge |
$US 70 (or other currency equivalent) |
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Notes |
We would recommend packing clothing suitable for a mountain environment, including sun protection. A sleeping bag is necessary. Weather at high altitude can change very quickly and the sun reflected off the Salt Lake is particularly strong. A private version of this tour with English-speaking guide can be organised |
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Price dependent on: |
Availability |
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