ARICA TO SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (or vice versa) VIA UYUNI SALT FLATS

Day 1 - Parque Nacional Lauca/Putre

Welcome to Chile!

We leave Arica early this morning and climb from sea level up to 4.000m in Parque Nacional Lauca. Get to see the peaks of Bolivia’s western range such as Parinacota and Sajama (6542m) as well as pristine Andean landscapes and wildlife. The day is spent exploring this area and the nearby Putre region.

MEALS
Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION

BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower
STANDARD: Comfortable private room with private bathroom & hot shower
PLUS: Best hotel available with private room, bathroom, hot water, heating, WiFi

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Ideally, take some time to acclimatize before this trip. Otherwise, talk to your doctor to be prescribed altitude medication e.g. Diamox

Day 2 - Salar de Surire & Las Vicuñas Reserve

This morning we drive south across two of northern Chile’s undiscovered protected areas. Traversing Las Vicuñas Reserve, see/photograph hundreds of vicuñas up close and get your first taste of salt (literally) in Salar de Surire.

Later, discover traditional lifestyle by stopping in quaint villages and optionally meeting their inhabitants (including llamas & alpacas). More dramatic Andean landscapes are discovered before ending the day near the Bolivian border town of Pisiga.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION

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

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This is our last night of the trip in Chilean territory. Accommodation is simple in all three levels

Day 3 - Coipasa Salt Flats

Welcome to Bolivia!

We cross the border into South America’s most remote and undiscovered country. We spend the day traveling south across the less-known Coipasa Salt Flats - and endless, surreal expanse of salt where few human beings ever venture into. We have the opportunity of going on easy to moderate hikes in stunning country as well.

At the end of the day, arrive in a small village in the northern rim of Uyuni Salt Flats. You may be able to guess what’s in store for us tomorrow.

Meals included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower
STANDARD: Comfortable private room with private bathroom and hot shower
PLUS: Tayka Hotel de Sal (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1219558-d1217599-Reviews-Hotel_Tayka_de_Sal-Tahua_Potosi_Department.html)

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Please check whether you need a visa to enter Bolivia (USA, China, and some other countries). Let us know if you need assistance

Day 4 - Thunupa, Incahuasi and Salar de Uyuni

Enjoy a full day of touring the unique landscape of Salar de Uyuni. Visit the base of beautiful Thunupa Volcano and later Isla Incahuasi, a bizarre island surrounded by salt and full of giant cacti, some standing almost 30 ft. tall.

Take your time for the deep-perspective photographs, already a tradition when visiting the flats in the dry season (don’t forget to bring your favorite props).

After a surreal sunset, spend the night at a well-known Hotel de Sal, a hotel built of salt bricks (Plus package) or a simple, local lodge in the southern rim of the salt flats (Basic, Standard).

BASIC: Basic room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower
PLUS: Either of the following salt hotels in order of availability: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Please check whether you need a visa to enter Bolivia (USA, China, and some other countries). Let us know if you need assistance

Day 5 - Lagoons, Flamingos & Deserts

South of Uyuni Salt Flats, we enter a whole other world. Towering volcanoes, high altitude deserts, colored lagoons and just some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes on the planet and a myriad of Andean fauna and flora to top it all, this might as well be considered another planet.

You will not end the day without photographing pink flamingos up close, walking along the shore of peaceful lagoons and having fun on rugged 4WD terrain at the helm of our professional driver.

Spend an evening in the Desert of Siloli, an extension of the Atacama Desert (at much higher altitude). Bring warm clothes along to spend a comfortable evening.

BASIC: Dormitory-style room, shared bathroom, no shower nor hot water (very basic, almost primitive accommodation)
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

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

Day 6 - Eduardo Avaroa Reserve - San Pedro de Atacama

This expedition of a lifetime comes to an end today by traversing Bolivia’s most visited protected area: Reserva Eduardo Avaroa.

Extreme, rugged terrain is where this adventure takes place, stopping at a boiling geyser field called “Morning Sun” and at the soothing hot springs of Polques. This region is also home to the unique Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) and Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) which we also get to see.

Please note that both lagoons’ red and green tone can only be seen if the right climate conditions are present

At this point we will cross the border back into Chile where our vehicle will be awaiting to drive us down to San Pedro de Atacama (2400m) where the trip ends.

Please note that you will have the choice of a shared bus ride from the Bolivian border to San Pedro de Atacama at 9:00 AM or a private bus (higher cost) which can depart at a later time in the day. This means that if you take the shared transfer, the day will be cut short and starting time is around 5:00 AM in -0 C temperatures. If you opt for a private transfer, starting time is later at 7:00 AM and transfer is around 1 PM.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama is around noon on a shared bus transfer or about 5 PM on a private transfer which allows for more time flexibility

RAINY SEASON

Plus, Basic & Standard: This expedition can start either in Arica or San Pedro de Atacama. The itinerary is the same in either direction. The below program takes Arica as starting point for reference (just reverse order if starting in San Pedro de Atacama)

Day 1 - Parque Nacional Lauca/Putre

Welcome to Chile!

We leave Arica early this morning and climb from sea level up to 4.000m in Parque Nacional Lauca. Get to see the peaks of Bolivia’s western range such as Parinacota and Sajama (6542m) as well as pristine Andean landscapes and wildlife. The day is spent exploring this area and the nearby Putre region.

Meals included
Lunch, Dinner

BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower
STANDARD: Comfortable private room with private bathroom & hot shower
PLUS: Best hotel available with private room, bathroom, hot water, heating, WiFi

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Ideally, take some time to acclimatize before this trip. Otherwise, talk to your doctor to be prescribed altitude medication e.g. Diamox

Day 2 - Salar de Surire & Las Vicuñas Reserve

This morning we drive south across two of northern Chile’s undiscovered protected areas. Traversing Las Vicuñas Reserve, see/photograph hundreds of vicuñas up close and get your first taste of salt (literally) in Salar de Surire. Later, discover traditional lifestyle by stopping in quaint villages and optionally meeting their inhabitants (including llamas & alpacas). More dramatic Andean landscapes are discovered before ending the day near the Bolivian border town of Pisiga.

ACCOMMODATION

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

Welcome to Bolivia!

We cross the border into South America’s most remote and undiscovered country. We spend the day traveling south headed for Uyuni Salt Flats. Most of the day will be spent traveling across the highlands of Bolivia known as Altiplano stopping at quaint villages and beautiful natural places such as wetlands and natural rock formations while viewing Andean wildlife along the way.

At the end of the day, arrive the gateway village of Colchani to experience a salt hotel (Plus) or the town of Uyuni (Basic, Standard) for a good night’s rest.

ACCOMMODATION

BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower
STANDARD:Comfortable private room with private bathroom and hot shower
PLUS:Either of the following salt hotels in order of availability: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña

Day 4 - Salar de Uyuni

Enjoy a full day of touring the “mirror of the sky” on our 4WD vehicle. The landscape is just surreal, looking at an endless, perfect reflection of the sky thanks to the seasonal floods that the salt flats are subject to. With rubber boots on, we will take our time to get the perfect reflection photo or just enjoy the solitude and otherworldly effect of the salt flats this time of year. Due to the high amount of corrosive water and long distances, it is not possible to drive more than a few kilometers into the salt flats when flooded.

After a surreal sunset, spend the night at a well-known Hotel de Sal, a hotel built of salt bricks (Plus package) or a simple hotel in the town of Uyuni (Basic, Standard).

ACCOMMODATION

BASIC: Basic room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower
STANDARD:Private room with private bathroom and hot shower
PLUS:Either of the following salt hotels in order of availability: Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña

South of Uyuni Salt Flats, we enter a whole other world. Towering volcanoes, high altitude deserts, colored lagoons and just some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes on the planet and a myriad of Andean fauna and flora to top it all, this might as well be considered another planet.

You will not end the day without photographing pink flamingos up close, walking along the shore of peaceful lagoons and having fun on rugged 4WD terrain at the helm of our professional driver. Spend an evening in the Desert of Siloli, an extension of the Atacama Desert (at much higher altitude). Bring warm clothes along to spend a comfortable evening.

ACCOMMODATION

BASIC: Dormitory-style room, shared bathroom, no shower nor hot water (very basic, almost primitive accommodation)
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

Day 6 - Eduardo Avaroa Reserve - San Pedro de Atacama

This expedition of a lifetime comes to an end today by traversing Bolivia’s most visited protected area: Reserva Eduardo Avaroa. Extreme, rugged terrain is where this adventure takes place, stopping at a boiling geyser field called “Morning Sun” and at the soothing hot springs of Polques. This region is also home to the unique Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) and Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) which we also get to see.

Please note that both lagoons’ red and green tone can only be seen if the right climate conditions are present

At this point we will cross the border back into Chile where our vehicle will be awaiting to drive us down to San Pedro de Atacama (2400m) where the trip ends.

Please note that you will have the choice of a shared bus ride from the Bolivian border to San Pedro de Atacama at 9:00 AM or a private bus (higher cost) which can depart at a later time in the day. This means that if you take the shared transfer, the day will be cut short and starting time is around 5:00 AM in -0 C temperatures. If you opt for a private transfer, starting time is later at 7:00 AM and transfer is around 1 PM.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama is around noon on a shared bus transfer or about 5 PM on a private transfer which allows for more time flexibility

• This trip covers around 1000 Km in six days of off road driving at high altitude and cold climate.
• The trip can be easily enjoyed if you are prepared. It is recommended you read the itinerary before booking
• It is ideal if you like to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds
• You may attempt to form a small group of people to reduce costs, but bear in mind that the more people in the vehicle, the less comfortable the trip will be. Consider that you will be driving through rugged terrain and on certain parts, it cannot even be considered a road (which is why we use top-notch 4WD vehicles)
• It is ideal if you are headed to/from San Pedro de Atacama from Arica (or vice versa) in either direction. This trip can be taken starting in either city without any difference in price or itinerary
• Please note that the itinerary is modified during the rainy months of Dec to April

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

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 Chilean Pesos and Bolivianos for national park entrance fees and personal spending (drinks, souvenirs, tips, etc) unless you request admission fees to be included in the final price

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

• We are a tour operator, not a travel agency. We organize this trip by putting everything from transport to accommodation providers together to make sure it works as flawlessly as possible. Our trusted partners both in Chile and Bolivia 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 priorities. We know Bolivia and Chile 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 modifications 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 for your benefit.
• 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 some 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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Transportation by private vehicle from Arica to San Pedro de Atacama (or vice versa)
• Spanish-speaking driver (digital guide in IOS or Android app included) or English speaking guide (price varies)
• 5 nights accommodation according to selected package
• 6 lunches, 5 dinners, 5 breakfasts

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• National park and other sites’ admission fees: Approx. 50 USD, only local currency accepted. Please have local currency CLP and BOB before you leave Arica or San Pedro (you may choose to have these included at the time of booking).
• Soft/fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Optional tips/gratuities (highly recommended, but not mandatory)