Bolvia Uyuni Connection 4 Day Explorer

 

Our 4x4 expedition starts as we drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the Bolivian border crossing Hito Cajones. Once we cross the border the scenery is dominated by the Licancabur Volcano and the Green Lagoon at its base, one of the jewels of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. We continue driving and enter the Valley of the Desert Ladies, then head to the Hot Springs of Polque for a relaxing bathe in the hot natural pools before going to the Sol de Mañana Geysers.

 

We continue driving and arrive at the Red Lagoon, another jewel of the Avaroa Reserve and famous for its different species of flamingoes. The red color of the lagoon is produced by active algae reacting with the sun's radiation and wind - the pink color of the flamingos feet and feathers is produced by the same algae. The variety of colors in the desert is very impressive - red, orange, ochre, brass, brown and beige. As we keep driving we see wild Vicuña, with their elegant figures and other Altiplano wildlife. We continue to Ojo de Perdiz, where we spend the night at the Tayka Desert Hotel in the heart of the Siloli desert.

 

 

 

Today we drive to a chain of lagoons named Ramadita, Honda, Chiarkota, Hedionda and Cañapa. There are large numbers of Andean, James and Chilean flamingoes in the lagoons, in addition to other birds including Andean seagulls and wild ducks. The lagoon is surrounded by impressive sand and rock formations, shaped by the millenary winds, borax and sulfur minerals. We continue towards the Mirador de Ollague, where we have lunch outdoors before heading to Pueblo Refugio (refugee village), known for its influx of people from Pueblo Quemado (burnt village) who arrived after a big fire in their village. We spend the night at the comfortable Tayka Stone Hotel, made of stone and volcanic sand. 

 

 

After breakfast we head to cactus sanctuary Galaxy Cave, dating back 35,000 years and home to an ancient Aymara funerary tower. From here we head to Incahuasi Island, located at the center of the Uyuni Salt Flat, and climb to the top of the island for a panoramic view of the salt flat, absolutely unforgettable.

 

In the afternoon we continue north towards the foot of Tunupa volcano where the Coquesa mummies lie. Up here we have another fabulous view of the Salt Flat, stretching out into the horizon. As sunset approaches we drive towards Tahua, to spend the night at the unique Tayka Salt Hotel offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Salar.

 

 

 

After breakfast we drive past Tunupa Volcano, at 5432m above sea level. Then we head to Chillguilla where we walk along a short, steep path to reach Pukara Chilguilla, an ancient ritual centre with a stunning viewpoint of Tunupa volcano and Uyuni. From here we continue to the town Salinas Garci Mendoza to visit the plaza's Altiplanic church.

 

We continue driving and stop at a huge depression caused by a meteorite that fell millions of years ago. Our final lunch will be in Quillacas, with a memorable view of the surrounding lakes and salt flat. After a brief stop in the city of Oruro, we continue driving towards our final destination - Bolivian capital La Paz.