Calama/Uyuni Saltflats/REA & San Pedro de Atacama

Highlights / General details

The gigantic, white and unique salt lake of “Uyuni or Tunupa” has around 10,582km2 of area and an elevation of 3,692m. The water of these lakes containing salt from the dissolution of the drain waters of ancient marine salt beds, reached the surface when the Andes were formed. The highland or Altiplano is a closed basin, located between the two branches of the Andes Range in the east and west. Due to this the waters couldn’t drain either the Pacific or Atlantic, and accumulated in the lowest part of the basin in the south, where today are Uyuni and Coipasa saltflats.

The climate during the day is pleasant, it has contrasts from 30ºC (midday) to -25ºC at night. The rainfall is poor (325mm/year in the northern shore side), much less in the center, and limited from late December to early April a period in which part of the salt lake is covered with a 10 to 50cm layer of water.

REA - Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve is in the southern part of Uyuni saltflats, bordering with northern Chile and Argentina, has an altitudinal range from 4,200 m to 6,000 m, belongs to the Puna region, with special and fragile ecosystems, and natural wonders like Green, Red lagoon (a RAMSAR site), unique to have nesting together around 30,000 Andean flamingos of the 3 species (Jamesi, Andinus and Chilensis) at 4,278 m. Due to the volcanic activity in the western Andes Range, there is geothermal activity like the geysers “Sol de Mañana” and natural hot springs. The high deserts of the area are another great attraction, together with small habitats created by different lagoons and the nice stone formations done by the strong wind erosion in the area.

Inclusion

Transportation as indicated 2 nights' accommodations in Standard Hotel Local guides Meals as indicated in the itinerary Taxes

Exclusion

(optionals) Gratuity

Hours of operation

Departures daily

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Itinerary Day 1: Calama - Ollagüe - Chiguana saltflats - Isla Incahuasi - Tahua Pick up in the border of Ollagüe (coming up from Calama in Chile – 3 ½ hours), to go north bordering the Chiguana saltflats to San Juan (2 hours), continue north to enter this natural wonder of nature in Chuvica (1 hour). Cross it to Incahuasi Island, a special habitat of giant cactus and volcanic rocks (1 hour). Continue northwest to the village of Tahua (1 hour), in the foothills of the Tunupa volcano. Enjoy the sunset, overnight in a salt hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Tahua - Uyuni saltflats - Isla Incahuasi - Villamar Trip to the mummies of Coquesa, then enter the saltflats to visit “Incahuasi Island”, a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus, then east to Colchani, to see locals producing salt. Continue to Uyuni (3 hours). Visit the cemetery of old trains and go south passing the villages of San Cristobal, Culpina K, the high valley of Alota (3 hours). Continue south with great stone formations done by the erosion, to finally reach Villamar (1 hour), overnight in hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Villamar - REA (Reserve Eduardo Abaroa) - San Pedro de Atacama Early departure to the REA reserve, visiting Laguna Colorada (4,278 m – 2 hours), declared a RAMSAR site, geysers “Sol de Mañana”, Chalviri lagoon and its hot springs of Polques. Continue through the nice high desert of Pampas de Dali until “Laguna Verde” (3 hours), a beautiful green lagoon at the foothills of the Licancabur Mountain; cross the border to enter Chile in Hito Cajon (continue down to San Pedro de Atacama – 1 hour). (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

*Services from the border points in Bolivia of Ollagüe and Hito Cajon provided by the Chilean tour operators.

Redemption instructions Guest must present voucher to driver in exchange for services.

Itinerary

Day 1: Calama - Ollagüe - Chiguana saltflats - Isla Incahuasi - Tahua Pick up in the border of Ollagüe (coming up from Calama in Chile – 3 ½ hours), to go north bordering the Chiguana saltflats to San Juan (2 hours), continue north to enter this natural wonder of nature in Chuvica (1 hour). Cross it to Incahuasi Island, a special habitat of giant cactus and volcanic rocks (1 hour). Continue northwest to the village of Tahua (1 hour), in the foothills of the Tunupa volcano. Enjoy the sunset, overnight in a salt hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2:

Tahua - Uyuni saltflats - Isla Incahuasi - Villamar Trip to the mummies of Coquesa, then enter the saltflats to visit “Incahuasi Island”, a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus, then east to Colchani, to see locals producing salt. Continue to Uyuni (3 hours). Visit the cemetery of old trains and go south passing the villages of San Cristobal, Culpina K, the high valley of Alota (3 hours). Continue south with great stone formations done by the erosion, to finally reach Villamar (1 hour), overnight in hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3:

Villamar - REA (Reserve Eduardo Abaroa) - San Pedro de Atacama Early departure to the REA reserve, visiting Laguna Colorada (4,278 m – 2 hours), declared a RAMSAR site, geysers “Sol de Mañana”, Chalviri lagoon and its hot springs of Polques. Continue through the nice high desert of Pampas de Dali until “Laguna Verde” (3 hours), a beautiful green lagoon at the foothills of the Licancabur Mountain; cross the border to enter Chile in Hito Cajon (continue down to San Pedro de Atacama – 1 hour). (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

*Services from the border points in Bolivia of Ollagüe and Hito Cajon provided by the Chilean tour operators.

Redemption instructions Guest must present voucher to driver in exchange for services.

Policies Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation