UYUNI OVERLANDER: LA PAZ TO UYUNI VIA SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK W/ MIX OF ROOF-TOP CAMPING & HOTELS – 6 DAYS

DAY 1

SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK: ROOF-TOP TENT CAMPING

This trip begins in Bolivia’s administrative capital city, La Paz*. Drive to Sajama National Park (~5 hrs.) with scenic stops along the way. Lunch is on us upon arrival in the park. There will be plenty of time in the afternoon to explore on your own. Options include hiking to Mt. Sajama’s base camp, walk along a beautiful lagoon, or visit the boiling geyser field. Set up camp by a natural pool of soothing hot springs at the end of the day.

Our accommodation for the night is a roof-top tent equipped with -20 C sleeping bags to enjoy a night under the stars.

ACCOMMODATION:

ROOF-TOP CAMPING IN SAJAMA NP

MEALS INCLUDED:
LUNCH

*The tour can also be done in reverse, starting in Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama

DAY 2

SECLUDED LAGOONS & DESERTS

Leave Sajama NP and continue our drive south across vast plains of green pastures and desert landscapes. We start off with an early visit to a colorful geyser field if not visited the day before. Lunch will be served as a picnic, weather permitting.

We follow up with an afternoon visit to scenic Andean lagoons teeming with pink flamingos and other Andean wildlife. We discover colorful and remote archaeological sites and learn about the region’s natural and cultural history.

What makes today special is finding ourselves off the tourist trail, since this region is known to very few people who venture here to experience Bolivia’s hidden landscapes. We spend the night in a basic hotel in a strategic town which will serve to break the long trip to Uyuni making a convenient stop to have a good night's rest.

ACCOMMODATION:

STANDARD: SIMPLE GUESTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM. WARM SHOWERS Click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: NO AVAILABLE “PLUS” ACCOMMODATION. SIMPLE GUESTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM. WARM SHOWERS Click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS INCLUDED:
LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

SALAR DE COIPASA

Our third day sees us driving south along roads abundant with herds of llamas across the vast Altiplano en route to Coipasa Salt Flats (lesser-known but just as amazing) and later Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats).

It's a day full of unforgettable surprises along the way. First, see giant cacti and then traverse the whiteness of Salar de Coipasa (Bolivia's second largest, an isolated 3.000-km2 sea of salt).

Later, you have the option to hike to a secret and ancient burial town in the mountains where well-preserved mummies can still be found (one of the last remaining places on the continent). Arrive in the northern rim of majestic Salar de Uyuni to set up camp and enjoy a surreal sunset over the flats. Tonight you will see the Milky Way like you’ve never seen it before while camping under the stars (weather-permitting).

ACCOMMODATION:

ROOF-TOP CAMPING IN SALAR DE UYUNI

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

DAY 4

UYUNI SALT FLATS – FULL DAY

Today, take in the wonders of Salar de Uyuni - the world’s largest salt flats - for an entire day. You will be able to start the day by witnessing a striking sunrise in the Salar as you will have camped there. A full day is then spent exploring as much of the ~10.000 km2 of salt as it is possible. Highlights include 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 jaw-dropping views of the endless white. In addition, visit the northern part of the Salar (dry season only) which most people miss. Also, stop by Playa Blanca, a picturesque former salt lodge. Aided by our staff, take your time to get creative with your camera (may want to bring your props along) to take advantage of the depth illusion created by the endless horizon which results in amazing photography (see examples). End the day with a pleasant surprise at sunset (included) weather-permitting.

*Sunrise is optional as it requires an early start at low temperatures and entails a small, additional fee.

ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD: SIMPLE & COMFY LODGE WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM/SHOWER Click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: FOUR-STAR 1) HOTEL PALACIO DE SAL 2) HOTEL LUNA SALADA OR 3) CRISTAL SAMANA (preferred order, based on availability at the time of booking) Click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 5

LAGOONS, DESERTS & WILDLIFE IN EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE

Resuming our expedition today, we head south of the Salar headed for the remote Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (often considered an extension of the Atacama Desert). Enjoy dramatic views all day long. Stop at several Andean lagoons 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. Stop at the quirky Arbol de Piedra* (Stone Tree) and other rock formations along the way. The day's grand finale is watching hundreds of pink flamingos at Laguna Colorada* before we retreat into our lodge for the night.

*If our PLUS package is chosen, you will visit these attractions on the following day

ACCOMMODATION:

STANDARD: BASIC REMOTE LODGE. PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM Click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: 3* DESERT HOTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM Click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 6

HOT SPRINGS, LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI (OR SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA)

Our once-in-a-lifetime overland tour 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. Later, enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs and admire Volcan Licancabur overlooking Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) before starting to make our way to the city of Uyuni (or optionally at this point, transfer over the border to continue to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, 1.5 hrs. away - not included but can be arranged through us).

Our tour ends upon arrival in Uyuni from where you can return to La Paz by bus, train or plane (not included, can be arranged through us) or continue your travels independently.

ACCOMMODATION:
NONE INCLUDED

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH (lunch is not available if you have an early transfer to San Pedro de Atacama)

DAY 1

SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK: ROOF-TOP TENT CAMPING

This trip begins in Bolivia’s administrative capital city, La Paz*. Drive to Sajama National Park (~5 hrs.) with scenic stops along the way. Lunch is on us upon arrival in the park. There will be plenty of time in the afternoon to explore on your own. Options include hiking to Mt. Sajama’s base camp, walk along a beautiful lagoon, or visit the boiling geyser field. Set up camp by a natural pool of soothing hot springs at the end of the day.

Our accommodation for the night is a roof-top tent equipped with -20 C sleeping bags to enjoy a night under the stars.

ACCOMMODATION:

ROOF-TOP CAMPING IN SAJAMA NP

MEALS INCLUDED:
LUNCH

DAY 2

SECLUDED LAGOONS & DESERTS

We leave our previous night's accommodation to continue our drive south across vast plains of green pastures and desert landscapes. We start off with an early visit to a colorful geyser field. We also have the chance to enjoy a moderate hike if the group so wishes. Lunch will be served as a picnic, weather permitting.

We follow up with an afternoon visit to scenic Andean lagoons teeming with pink flamingos and other Andean wildlife. We discover colorful and remote archaeological sites and learn about the region’s natural and cultural history. The rainy season might make the roads more challenging to drive on, so we will take our time to navigate the dirt tracks, but keep in mind that it may be necessary to use a paved road that is more reliable but will see us missing the lagoons.

What makes today special is finding ourselves off the tourist trail, since this region is known to very few people who venture here to experience Bolivia’s hidden landscapes. Thus, we have this natural wonder almost entirely to ourselves (few other travelers visit occasionally). We spend the night in a basic hotel in a strategic town which will serve to break the long trip to Uyuni making a convenient stop to have a good night's rest.

ACCOMMODATION:

STANDARD: SIMPLE GUESTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM. WARM SHOWERS Click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: NO AVAILABLE “PLUS” ACCOMMODATION. SIMPLE GUESTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM. WARM SHOWERS Click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

COLCHANI/UYUNI

The third day of our expedition sees us driving south, along highways across the vast Altiplano en route to Salar de Uyuni. It is a less hectic day and we are forced to drive around Salar de Coipasa (which is visited on the dry-season itinerary) so we will have to miss it but in return, the drive will be scenic and safely done on a paved road. Among highlights, see giant cacti and traditional villages of the Bolivian Altiplano. Next, enjoy a picnic lunch (weather permitting) and continue driving south making several scenic stops along the way. End the day by arriving in the village of Colchani in the southwest part of the Salt Flats and setting up camp here.

Today may be the most surreal experience you can have, camping under the Milky Way reflected in the flooded surface of the salt flats, you might as well be floating in space.

ACCOMMODATION:

ROOF-TOP CAMPING IN SAJAMA NP

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

DAY 4

UYUNI SALT FLATS – FULL DAY

Today’s major highlight is the magnificent Salar de Uyuni. We depart mid-morning, headed for the village of Colchani which is the gateway to the salt flats. Here, you may stroll through a colorful market for a while.

This time of year the Salar is likely to be surface-flooded, so driving in the salt flats is very limited to the outer rim. It will not be possible to get to Isla Incahuasi nor any other island located deeper in the flats. However, our chances of witnessing the surreal “mirror” effect are a lot higher. We will provide you with rubber boots and weather permitting, view the sky reflected on the surface creating a unique mirage spanning hundreds of kilometers. We take our time for pictures, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime lunch and wait for sunset in the evening which – if weather permits – will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life with a myriad of colors reflected on this gigantic, natural mirror. Arrive back in the town of Uyuni (Standard) or Colchani (Plus) for a well-deserved rest.

Optionally, you may also experience sunrise this morning. It requires an early start at low temperatures and entails a small, additional fee.

ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD: 2* HOTEL WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM AND HOT WATER/SHOWER IN UYUNI Click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: FOUR-STAR 1) HOTEL PALACIO DE SAL 2) HOTEL LUNA SALADA OR 3) CRISTAL SAMANA (preferred order, based on availability at the time of booking) Click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 5

LAGOONS, DESERTS & WILDLIFE IN EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE

Resuming our expedition today, we head south of the Salar headed for the remote Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (often considered an extension of the Atacama Desert). Enjoy dramatic views all day long. Stop at several Andean lagoons 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. Stop at the quirky Arbol de Piedra* (Stone Tree) and other rock formations along the way. The day's grand finale is watching hundreds of pink flamingos at Laguna Colorada* before we retreat into our lodge for the night.

*If our PLUS package is chosen, you will visit these attractions on the following day

ACCOMMODATION:

STANDARD: BASIC REMOTE LODGE. PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM Click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: 3* DESERT HOTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM Click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 6

HOT SPRINGS, LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI (OR SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA)

Our once-in-a-lifetime overland tour 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. Later, enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs and admire Volcan Licancabur overlooking Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) before starting to make our way to the city of Uyuni (or optionally at this point, transfer over the border to continue to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, 1.5 hrs. away - not included but can be arranged through us).

Our tour ends upon arrival in Uyuni from where you can return to La Paz by bus, train or plane (not included, can be arranged through us) or continue your travels independently.

ACCOMMODATION:
NONE INCLUDED

MEALS INCLUDED:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH (lunch is not available if you have an early transfer to San Pedro de Atacama)

• This trip is for you if you’re planning to visit Bolivia’s most popular destination: Salar de Uyuni & the southwest but prefer to start in the city of La Paz (or San Pedro de Atacama) rather than the city of Uyuni
• This trip is for you if you enjoy camping (preferably roof-top camping) under the stars and preparing some of your own meals
• This trip saves you from having to travel to Uyuni by bus, plane or train in order to start a tour since it already starts from your accommodation in La Paz
• This trip spends more time in Sajama National Park and makes the long, second day's drive of our 5-day tour much more manageable and relaxing.
• This trip is for you if you enjoy remote/isolated natural landscapes and local villages
• It is for you if you don't mind getting off-grid, away from the comforts of modern life (WiFi, heating, etc.) for a few days
• It's for you if you like to try local food, meet the indigenous population of Bolivia and are relatively fit in order to enjoy moderate hikes in the Altiplano (highlands)
• It's for you if you wish to start or end in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Contact us for more details.
• It's not for you if don’t enjoy camping
• It's not for you if you can’t spend several hours a day in a vehicle driving through bumpy roads/dirt tracks and in remote locations
• It's not for you if you don't enjoy the outdoors
• It's not for you if you're just looking for the cheapest tour in order to check a place (e.g. Salar de Uyuni) off your list
• It's not for you if you can't do without 'western' standards of travel, food and lodging

PLEASE NOTE THAT NATIONAL PARKS AND OTHER SITES' ADMISSION FEES - IF APPLICABLE - ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (MORE BELOW)

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

• We pride ourselves for having a perfect safety record with no accidents or serious incidents ever recorded on this trip
• Our drivers/guides are trained to put safety as a top priority
• No surcharges or hidden fees whatsoever (please review inclusions/exclusions)
• We are a local company with more than 10 years’ experience running this type of tours/trips in Bolivia and also Peru (our management has working experience in the USA, Europe and Australia)
• We don't compete on price alone. We strive to offer value for money, quality and safety above all

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• This trip spends more time in Sajama National Park and makes the long, second day's drive of our 5-day tour much more manageable and relaxing.
• The itinerary may suffer changes without previous notice due to factors outside our direct control such as weather and/or road conditions. If we are forced to alter the itinerary in any way, it will be based on good judgment and necessary modifications for your own safety and comfort. We never alter or skip attractions in the itinerary without explaining the reasoning and providing adequate proof that such change may be necessary. You will be promptly notified of any potential changes. Therefore, you should not take the above itinerary as “set in stone” and we will not he held liable for any loss or damage that you may feel arising from such changes.
• The entire region is a remote area that lacks the usual comforts of the modern world. You should not expect high standards of accommodation (e.g. WiFi, cable TV, etc.), hot water is available most of the time (according to the respective package) and electricity is available most of the time with occassional outages due to inclement weather.
• Food is handled hygienically and it is our priority that you are satisfied with the limited resources available in this region. Vegetarians are welcome, but should not expect special menus as we do what we can to serve appropriate portions of vegetables and fruit in the vegetarian menu.
• During the rainy season (December to March/April) some parts of the salt flats may be inaccessible, such as Incahuasi Island and time on the actual salt flats is limited. Most of the regular itinerary is followed as normal.
• If you want to start or end this tour in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, this is completely possible. It will only require an additional fee for the transfer between Hito Cajon and San Pedro (or vice versa).

• • The following are dates/events in which this tour is available as a SHARED/GROUP departure
  • The price published in the date/event is what you would pay if the minimum number of people is reached
  • If you are interested in joining any date/event that suits you, please RSVP/register/sign up for it (no payment is required). Ideally, you should join a date/event that already has registered people for better chances of reaching the minimum number. However, don't worry if you are the first one(s), it will potentially encourage others to join your preferred date
  • Once at least the minimum number of RSVPs has been reached, you will be notified in order to proceed with your booking (payment will be requested) and have your departure confirmed
  • If you join a date/event that, with yourself, already has the number of people needed for the event to happen, let us know so we can contact the other interested/registered people to be able to confirm this departure (proceed with booking)
  • If you are interested in a PRIVATE departure (any date of your choice, group size is limited to your own party) do not use these dates/events. Simply contact us directly for a quote according to your party size
  • Feel free to use the filters (service Level & Tour Language) to display only the dates/events you want