Journey to the Salt Flats of Uyuni

The Experience

This sample itinerary provides an in-depth experience of the Bolivian salt flats of Uyuni. You will see some of the most unique landscapes on earth, from gleaming white salt lakes, to strange desert formations to flamingo feeding grounds.

 

The Travel

Welcome to Bolivia

Upon arrival in La Paz, you will be met by your Kuoda host, who will escort you to your hotel, check you in, answer any questions you may have and provide suggestions for supper.

Tour of La Paz

Your guide will take you on a morning tour of La Paz, which will include such diverse attractions as the Plaza Murillo (with the presidential palace, national congress and metropolitan cathedral), the famous Witches´ Market (where supplies for healers are sold) and a choice of fine museums.

 

Train Journey to Uyuni
After breakfast, your host will transfer you to Oruro for the fabulous train journey South to Uyuni. Among the many fantastic landscapes you will pass is the enormous Poopo Lake, where many flamingos come to feed.

You will be met by Kuoda staff upon your arrival and will be checked in to your hotel for the evening.

 

Tour of the Salt Flats and Surrounding Villages
In the morning, you will leave Uyuni in a private 4X4 vehicle, heading towards Colchani, a town of only 70 families, whose entire livelihood consists of activities surrounding the extraction of salt from the natural salt lakes located here.

The two major lakes are Poopo and Uru Uru Lake, which were once part of the huge prehistoric Lake Minchin. They are the highest salt lakes in the world.

You will continue through this amazing region to arrive at Pescado Island, where hundreds of huge cacti grow. You will lunch on the island before continuing past several salt villages to arrive in San Juan, where you will spend the night.

 

Volcanoes / Flamingos / Desert Life / Laguna Colorada
After breakfast, you will continue your journey, passing a military post at the town of Chiguana. You will stop at Paso de Leon to observe the Ollagua Volcano, which is currently mildly active. Stops will also be made at various lagoons.

You will stop for lunch and have an opportunity to observe three different kinds of flamingos. You will then pass the Siloli Desert and possibly observe vizcachas, rodents that inhabit the salares. Vizcachas have a bushy tail and long, furry ears, and live in some of the harshest climates on Earth. You will also see the famous stone tree.

In the afternoon you will arrive at the beautiful Laguna Colorado, an amazing red lake, and will have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

 

Geysers and Hot Springs / The Dali Desert
Day six continues your tour to Sol de Mañana, a volcanic zone where there are many geysers and bubbling mud cauldrons. You will stop at the natural hot springs where you are welcome to take an inviting soak.

After a rest, you will pay a visit to the Dali Desert, decorated with huge rocks said to resemble works by the artist Salvador Dali. Continue on to Laguna Verde, the green lake, and see how the color of the water changes.

The lake is located at the base of the Llicambur Volcano. After lunch, you will return to Mallku Villa Marand your accommodation at the Posada.

 

Visit to the Train Cemetary / Return to Oruro
Your final visit will be to the train cemetery before arriving back in Uyuni. This is where you can see a collection of old train relics and cars that have been put to their final rest.

You will then take a modern train back to Oruro to prepare for your return to La Paz. Kuoda staff will settle you in your hotel for the evening.

 

Return Home

Kuoda staff will transfer you from Oruro to La Paz.

At the appropriate time, your Kuoda La Paz host will take you to the airport for your international flight home.

 

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