Uyuni Saltflats: white deserts

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.

Inclusion

Round-trip bus: La Paz - Oruro - La Paz One-way train: Oruro - Uyuni 2 nights' accommodations in Standard Hotel Local guides Meals as indicated in the itinerary Taxes

Exclusion

(optionals) Gratuity

Hours of operation

Departures on Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun.

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Itinerary Day 1: La Paz – Oruro – Uyuni Trip from La Paz in bus going southwest through the highlands to Oruro (3 ½ hours), then take the train to Uyuni (6-7 hours), crossing a big portion of the highlands. Overnight in hotel. (Includes: Lunch)

Day 2: Uyuni – Colchani - Isla Incahuasi - Tahua Trip to Colchani to see locals producing salt; enter the great white saltflat, crossing to “Isla Incahuasi” (2 hours), a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus. Continue to the mummies of Coquesa in the foothills of the Tunupa volcano, then west to the village of Tahua (2 hours). Enjoy a great sunset, overnight in salt hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Tahua - Oruro - La Paz Transportation north through the village of Salinas de Garci Mendoza, crater of Tambo Tambillo and the Quillacas highlands to Oruro (5 hours), then bus to La Paz (3 ½ hours). (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

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

Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz – Oruro – Uyuni Trip from La Paz in bus going southwest through the highlands to Oruro (3 ½ hours), then take the train to Uyuni (6-7 hours), crossing a big portion of the highlands. Overnight in hotel. (Includes: Lunch)

Day 2:

Uyuni – Colchani - Isla Incahuasi - Tahua Trip to Colchani to see locals producing salt; enter the great white saltflat, crossing to “Isla Incahuasi” (2 hours), a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus. Continue to the mummies of Coquesa in the foothills of the Tunupa volcano, then west to the village of Tahua (2 hours). Enjoy a great sunset, overnight in salt hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3:

Tahua - Oruro - La Paz Transportation north through the village of Salinas de Garci Mendoza, crater of Tambo Tambillo and the Quillacas highlands to Oruro (5 hours), then bus to La Paz (3 ½ hours). (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

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