LA PAZ TO TUPIZA (OR VICE VERSA) VIA SAJAMA & UYUNI - 7 DAYS

DAY 1

SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK

Our epic 7-day adventure across the Altiplano begins in La Paz, Bolivia’s administrative capital. We pick up in any hotel in order to head out into the western countryside along the Bolivia-Chile border. Our destination is Parque Nacional Sajama.

We spend half of our first day traveling and making scenic stops as we make our way to the beautiful surroundings around Mt. Sajama (6.542m).

The other half will be spent exploring the park. Options are a mild to demanding hike in alpine scenery, a boiling geyser field, natural hot springs and traditional villages. Our guide will suggest the order of activities based on weather, physical condition (altitude is 4.000m) and our group’s interests.

Spend the first evening warming up and resting properly for the following days.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD: Simple private room with private bathroom & hot shower
PLUS: Ecolodge Tomarapi w/private room, bathroom & hot shower

MEALS INCLUDED
LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Our first day will bring you into Sajama National Park where the average altitude is 4000m. It is highly recommended that you have done some previous acclimatization or take some anti altitude sickness medication (talk to your doctor if you feel you will need it)

DAY 2

Sajama to Coipasa Salt Flats

This morning we have the option of going on another beautiful hike or explore the geyser field in Sajama.

Later this morning, we resume our 4WD journey making our way south along the Chilean border. The region we travel through today is a protected area in the other side of the border known as Lauca National Park. This region boasts secluded Andean lagoons, towering volcanoes, Andean fauna and flora, pre-Inca ruins and the vastness of the Bolivian Altiplano. Since few people in Bolivia have knowledge of its existence, we have the privilege of having it almost entirely to ourselves. We will have our first taste of pink flamingos (not for lunch), salt plains and sand dunes.

Arrive in a local town for a good night’s rest.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD: Simple private room with shared bathroom. Hot shower
PLUS: Not available. Same as Standard

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
The town where we sleep in today is strategic because of its location. However, there is only basic accommodation in a clean, simple hotel (Standard and Plus) but no en-suite bathroom.

DAY 3

Coipasa Salt Flats

Today we continue our expedition south and experience a number of exciting places along the way. For starters, we will enter the first Salar (salt plains) of the trip: Salar de Coipasa.

Sitting at a lower elevation of 3650m, a former sea lake dried here approximately 12.000 years ago and left billions of tons of salt which today make up the 3.000 square-kilometer Coipasa Salt Flats. Enjoy this wonder of nature all to yourself (literally).

The afternoon will provide the opportunity for a short hike to a hidden pre-Inca site complete with funerary tombs around 1000 years old, some with its occupants still in good shape. If ancient mummies are not of your liking, just enjoy the beauty of the scenery and crisp, clean air of the Altiplano.

In the evening, arrive in your accommodation mere meters from the salt of Salar de Uyuni in the northern rim of the salt flats in order to be ready to explore them the following day.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower
PLUS: Hotel de Sal Tayka

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
You may opt to go on a stargazing experience tonight if the conditions are right

DAY 4

Uyuni Salt Flats & Incahuasi Island

Salar de Uyuni is probably best known for its hexagon-shaped patterns and giant cactus islands, but there is much more to see. In the northern end of the flats, where we will have spent our previous night, the awe-inspiring Volcan Thunupa offers several hiking opportunities along its base. If you would like to have a break from driving and get active, this morning we will explore this less-known area, as well as other interesting sites in along the northern rim. We'll have plenty of free time to have lunch in the middle of the salt flats and test our photography skills to get the best deep-perspective, fun photographs (bring props along).

We will then go across onto Incahuasi Island and here we will see the giant cacti and have the opportunity to do a second mild hike to its top. This is a great place to get a 360-degree view of the salt flats. This evening we drive to the southeastern (Basic, Standard packages) or southwestern (Plus) rim of the salt flats where arrive at around sunset and head straight to our hotel to check-in.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower
PLUS: In order of availability: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña in the town of Colchani

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 5

Lagoons & flamingos

This morning we bid farewell to Salar de Uyuni and head off on our journey south into the deserts and lagoons of Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. We resume our expedition across dramatic landscapes along the Chilean border including colorful volcanoes, vast plains and Andean wildlife. We arrive at the first of a series of lagoons known as the “Andean Jewels”. Here we can see pink flamingos and other birds up close. After lunch, we continue our drive and stop at more interesting places and lagoons where we will be able to see more fauna as well as flora. In the afternoon, stop at the famous Arbol de Piedra (stone tree) rock formation in the middle of the Siloli Desert (if you take our Plus package, you will see the stone tree the following day) before arriving at Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon, also visited the following day if you choose our Plus package).

In the evening, arrive at your accommodation for warm dinner an a much-needed rest.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Dormitory-style room, shared bathroom, no shower/hot water
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and lukewarm shower
PLUS: In order of availability/preference: Hotel Tayka del Desierto, Los Flamencos Eco Hotel or Mallku Cueva Hotel

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This part of the trip offers limited road access. The drive is remote and may be bumpy which is why a reliable 4WD vehicle is used.

DAY 6

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Today we go to the famous Laguna Verde, which includes some of Bolivia’s most dramatic sights. In the morning we will drive up to the trip’s highest point, a boiling mud geyser field called Sol de Mañana at nearly 5000m.

We also have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs of Polques (optional) and see the surreal rock formations of Dali Desert. Reach the southwesternmost point of Bolivia at Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) with its iconic Licancabur Volcano.

Please note that the lagoon’s green tone can only be seen if the right climate conditions are present

Continue exploring in the afternoon and reach a remote village where accommodation awaits.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Basic room, shared bathroom, no shower/hot water
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and lukewarm shower
PLUS: Not available. Same as Standard

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This part of the trip offers limited road access. The drive is remote and may be bumpy which is why a reliable 4WD vehicle is used.

DAY 7

Tupiza

Back on the road this morning, our final day will give us mind-bending, moon-like landscapes and wild-west reminiscent towns as we get closer to Tupiza.

This trip of a lifetime ends upon arrival in Tupiza where you can be dropped off at any location within town.

ACCOMMODATION
None

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

This itinerary typically starts in the city of La Paz. However, it can also start in the town of Tupiza by following the exact same itinerary in reverse order. Just let us know in the notes at the time of booking.

DAY 1

SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK

Our epic 7-day adventure across the Altiplano begins in La Paz, Bolivia’s administrative capital. We pick up in any hotel in order to head out into the western countryside along the Bolivia-Chile border. Our destination is Parque Nacional Sajama.

We spend half of our first day traveling and making scenic stops as we make our way to the beautiful surroundings around Mt. Sajama (6.542m).

The other half will be spent exploring the park. Options are a mild to demanding hike in alpine scenery, a boiling geyser field, natural hot springs and traditional villages. Our guide will suggest the order of activities based on weather, physical condition (altitude is 4.000m) and our group’s interests.

Spend the first evening warming up and resting properly for the following days.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD: Simple private room with private bathroom & hot shower
PLUS: Ecolodge Tomarapi w/private room, bathroom & hot shower

MEALS INCLUDED
LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Our first day will bring you into Sajama National Park where the average altitude is 4000m. It is highly recommended that you have done some previous acclimatization or take some anti altitude sickness medication (talk to your doctor if you feel you will need it)

DAY 2

Sajama to Coipasa Salt Flats

This morning we have the option of going on another beautiful hike or explore the geyser field in Sajama.

Later this morning, we resume our 4WD journey making our way south along the Chilean border. The region we travel through today is a protected area in the other side of the border known as Lauca National Park. This region boasts secluded Andean lagoons, towering volcanoes, Andean fauna and flora, pre-Inca ruins and the vastness of the Bolivian Altiplano. Since few people in Bolivia have knowledge of its existence, we have the privilege of having it almost entirely to ourselves. We will have our first taste of pink flamingos (not for lunch), salt plains and sand dunes.

During the rainy season the roads may be challenging or inaccessible which is why driving time may be longer or we may have to use a paved road with scenic stops instead of the usual route.

Arrive in a local town for a good night’s rest.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD: Simple private room with shared bathroom. Hot shower
PLUS: Not available. Same as Standard

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

Travel to Uyuni Salt Flats

Today we continue our expedition south and experience a number of exciting places along the way. However, we will not be able to drive across Salar de Coipasa so we will drive through a paved highway that surrounds it instead.

We will have several stops along the way at scenic lookout points and small lagoons and rock formations.

Arrive in your accommodation in the evening.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower in the town of Uyuni
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower in the town of Uyuni
PLUS: In order of availability: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña in the town of Colchani

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Most of today will be spent traveling on a paved road. Please note that the location of our accommodation is different as in our regular dry-season itinerary

DAY 4

Uyuni Salt Flats

Salar de Uyuni is probably best known for its hexagon-shaped patterns and giant cactus islands, but there is much more to see during the rainy season.

Unfortunately access to the actual salt flats is limited during the rainy season when a few inches of water flood the plains entirely making it impossible to drive further than a few kilometers but allow us to enjoy the surreal ‘mirror effect’ as soon as you step into the Salar.

We'll provide you with rubber boots and plenty of free time to have lunch in the middle of the salt flats and test our photography skills to get the best reflection photography.

In the evening we drive back to the town of Uyuni (Basic, Standard packages) or southwestern rim (Plus) of the salt flats in Colchani where arrive at around sunset.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower in the town of Uyuni
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower in the town of Uyuni
PLUS: In order of availability: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña in the town of Colchani

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 5

Lagoons & flamingos

This morning we bid farewell to Salar de Uyuni and head off on our journey south into the deserts and lagoons of Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. We resume our expedition across dramatic landscapes along the Chilean border including colorful volcanoes, vast plains and Andean wildlife. We arrive at the first of a series of lagoons known as the “Andean Jewels”. Here we can see pink flamingos and other birds up close. After lunch, we continue our drive and stop at more interesting places and lagoons where we will be able to see more fauna as well as flora. In the afternoon, stop at the famous Arbol de Piedra (stone tree) rock formation in the middle of the Siloli Desert (if you take our Plus package, you will see the stone tree the following day) before arriving at Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon, also visited the following day if you choose our Plus package).

In the evening, arrive at your accommodation for warm dinner an a much-needed rest.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Dormitory-style room, shared bathroom, no shower/hot water
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and lukewarm shower
PLUS: In order of availability/preference: Hotel Tayka del Desierto, Los Flamencos Eco Hotel or Mallku Cueva Hotel

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This part of the trip offers limited road access. The drive is remote and may be bumpy which is why a reliable 4WD vehicle is used.

DAY 6

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Today we go to the famous Laguna Verde, which includes some of Bolivia’s most dramatic sights. In the morning we will drive up to the trip’s highest point, a boiling mud geyser field called Sol de Mañana at nearly 5000m.

We also have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs of Polques (optional) and see the surreal rock formations of Dali Desert. Reach the southwesternmost point of Bolivia at Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) with its iconic Licancabur Volcano.

Please note that the lagoon’s green tone can only be seen if the right climate conditions are present

Continue exploring in the afternoon and reach a remote village where accommodation awaits.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: Basic room, shared bathroom, no shower/hot water
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and lukewarm shower
PLUS: Not available. Same as Standard

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This part of the trip offers limited road access. The drive is remote and may be bumpy which is why a reliable 4WD vehicle is used.

DAY 7

Tupiza

Back on the road this morning, our final day will give us mind-bending, moon-like landscapes and wild-west reminiscent towns as we get closer to Tupiza.

This trip of a lifetime ends upon arrival in Tupiza where you can be dropped off at any location within town.

ACCOMMODATION
None

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

• This trip covers around 1500 Km in seven days of off road driving at high altitude and cold climate. It is recommended you prepare accordingly and read the itinerary before booking
• This trip includes less known areas from La Paz to Uyuni as well as the well known Uyuni & Lagoons circuit described as our 3 day Classic tour
• It is ideal if you like to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds
• It is ideal if you are headed to/from Argentina via Tupiza in either direction. This trip can be taken starting in La Paz or Tupiza without any difference in price or itinerary
• Please note that the itinerary is modified during the rainy months of Jan to April

WHAT TO BRING?

• Camera/drone
• Effective sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Warm layers as temperatures drop considerably in the evenings and mornings
• Bathing suit, sandals
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Money in Bolivianos for personal spending (drinks, souvenirs, tips, etc).

WHY DO THIS TRIP WITH US

• We are a tour operator, not a travel agency. This means that we organize this trip by putting everything from transport to accommodation providers together to make sure it works as flawlessly as possible. Our trusted providers have been tried and tested and we put our name confidently up front because we trust the safety and reliability they offer. A travel agency merely books you with a tour operator earning a commission for themselves and not giving a lot of care to your experience
• We put safety at the top of our list of priorities. We know Bolivia inside out and the roads, towns, villages, deserts, etc. that are safe to travel through. By using our services, you can rest assured that we will get you to your destination at the end of every day safely

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER

• The itinerary may suffer changes without previous notice due to factors outside our direct control such as weather and road conditions. If we are forced to alter the itinerary in any way, it will be based on good judgment and necessary amendments for your own safety and comfort and you will be promptly notified. We never alter or skip attractions in the itinerary without explaining the reasoning behind any possible change and providing adequate proof that such change may be necessary. 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 made
• Please note that the itinerary differs in the rainy season from the itinerary in the dry season. We will not be held liable/responsible for failure to read this information
• This region is a remote area that lacks the usual comforts of the modern world. You should not expect high standards of accommodation, hot water is available most of the time (according to respective package) and electricity is available for a few hours or more where possible.
• Food is handled hygienically and it is our priority and job 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

The following are dates in which other people have shown interest in forming a group for this tour. Use the ENQUIRY tab to request a new date or join one of the dates below to form a group and obtain the respective price. The number of interested persons is shown for your reference and you will be updated via email if other people are interested in the same date. If your party consist of four persons, we suggest booking a tour outright to confirm departure.