LA PAZ TO UYUNI VIA SAJAMA NP – 5 DAYS
THIS TRIP CAN ALSO BE DONE STARTING IN UYUNI OR SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA FOLLOWING THE SAME ITINERARY IN REVERSE.
Join us on this exclusive 4WD Andean expedition as we travel from the city of La Paz to the country’s first national park Sajama – one of Bolivia’s best kept secrets – and then traverse not one, but two magnificent Salares (Salt Flats) the smaller, but equally beautiful Salar de Coipasa and the incomparable Salar de Uyuni before we head south to the remote and stunning southwest region where some of the most remarkable landscapes await, such as Laguna Colorada with its thousands of pink flamingos, Laguna Verde at the foot of impressive Volcan Licancabur, striking deserts, idyllic hot springs, steaming geyser fields and all the great attractions of the already popular 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour.
DAY 1: LA PAZ – SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK
This 4WD adventure of a lifetime begins with early pick-up in La Paz on the first day. Climb aboard our vehicle for a scenic drive toward Sajama National Park across the vast Altiplano (high plateau) for approximately 5 hours on a paved road (time may vary according to driving/traffic conditions). Arrive in Bolivia’s first national park at the foot of impressive Mt. Sajama (6.542m) around lunch time. After lunch, spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of Bolivia’s first-ever protected area. Highlights include the highest Queñua forest in the world (dwarf, endemic species of tree), natural hot springs, an otherworldly geyser field, a lagoon, plenty of native wildlife and the opportunity to enjoy some moderate hiking with the striking views of Mt. Sajama and other snow-capped mountains along the Bolivia-Chile border.
Enjoy a local dinner in the accommodation of your choice at the end of the first day of our expedition.
DAY 2: SAJAMA TO SALAR DE UYUNI VIA SALAR DE COIPASA
Leaving Sajama National Park on our second day, drive along dirt roads abundant with herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas across the vast Altiplano (high plain) en route to Salar de Uyuni. It is a long travel day, but full of surprises along the way. Drive along rugged and snow-capped mountain ranges; get to see traditional villages and picturesque archaeological sites before enjoying lunch around noon. Continuing our drive through the Altiplano, get your first taste of flamingo-filled lagoons, and traverse the country’s second largest (but lesser-known) salt flats: Salar de Coipasa before reaching your accommodation in a small village located on the northernmost tip of Salar de Uyuni at the end of the day. Enjoy sunset and spend an evening at leisure.
DAY 3: UYUNI SALT FLATS – FULL DAY
Today, take in the wonders of the world’s largest salt flats for an entire day. Begin by witnessing a striking sunrise on the Salar. A full day is then spent exploring as much of the 12.000 km2 of salt as it is possible. Highlights include hiking on Isla Incahuasi – a rocky outcrop covered in ancient coral rock and giant cacti – which provides us with an excellent base for a moderate hike and beautiful views of this white sea. Visit a former salt hotel and take your time get creative with your camera (bring your props along) to take advantage of the depth illusions created by the endless white of salt which result in fun photography to show those back home.
DAY 4: LAGOONS, DESERTS & EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE
Resume your expedition today and head further south, stop at the pristine chain of lagoons called Cañapa, Hedionda and Honda where the unique wildlife and sweeping views will leave you in awe. Later, traverse the Siloli Desert, located within the boundaries of Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, lying along the Bolivia – Chile border not before we stop at Arbol de Piedra* (Stone Tree) and other rock formations along the way. The day ends with a grand finale by watching the beautiful pink flamingos at Laguna Colorada* before we retreat into our lodge for the night.
DAY 5: LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI
Our once-in-a-lifetime expedition comes to an end today. Continuing our drive through Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, we reach the trip’s highest point: Sol de Mañana (Rising Sun, 4.900m) an otherworldly, steaming geyser field. We later enjoy a soothing soak in natural hot springs, photograph Licancabur Volcano overlooking Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) before making our way to Uyuni the town (or if you wish at this point, arrange a bus transfer over the border to continue to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, 1.5 hrs. away). Our tour ends upon arrival in Uyuni from where you can return to La Paz by bus, train or plane (not included).
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Food – 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners. Bottled water for all meals
- Transport – Private 4WD vehicle
- Driver – Experienced and knowledgeable driver
- Guide – Fully Bilingual, qualified & professional (English/Spanish according to selected package)
- Accommodation – 4 nights. Accommodation varies according to selected package
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Admission fees (USD 60/Bolivianos 420)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Optional bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile – USD 10 pp (shared-basis) or USD 160 (private-basis)
- Accommodation and/or onward travel upon completion of the tour in Uyuni
- Optional tips
- Anything not mentioned under “What’s included”