Located at 12,000 ft. and surrounded by the Bolivian High Plateau or Altiplano, this beautiful salt lake (3,510 sq. miles) is the largest in the world. The Uyuni Salt Lake is a paradise for photographers as it offers magnificent sunrises and sunsets over the endless landscape. High peaks, dormant volcanoes, and islands have created a favorite habitat for Andean rheas, vicuñas, three species of flamingos, pumas, Andean foxes and a unique flora.

This is one of the most important salt reserves worldwide. It has a long history of human occupation from pre-Columbian cultures, the Incas, and the Spanish. The local people now breed alpacas, llamas and fine vicuñas

This and many other salt flats nearby originated around 10,000 years ago. They are the last geological stage of a huge lake that once covered 7,800 sq. miles. This lake is part of an ancient drainage system of the Titicaca and Poopó lakes in southwest Bolivia. The surreal scenery and unforgettable wildlife make this Salt Lake one of the natural wonders of Bolivia.

UYUNI SALT LAKE (ATUY 040)

Available March to December

PROGRAM 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

DAY-1: La Paz - Oruro - Uyuni Salt Lake. Early bus departure from La Paz to Oruro. Breakfast on the way. Arrival in Oruro. This city has been economically active since colonial times due to salt, silver, and copper and was the largest tin producer in the world. From Oruro, you will take the morning train to Uyuni to cross the Altiplano and Lake Poopo, the second largest lake in Bolivia. Lunch on the way. From the train, you can observe llamas, alpacas, vicunas, the Andean rhea, Andean flamingos, and other wildlife. Arrival at Uyuni and the Salt Lake in the afternoon. Transfer to the "Salt Palace", a hotel built only from salt blocks. Enjoy incredible sunsets over the endless Altiplano while sipping a cup of coca tea. This is one of the best locations for nature and landscape photography in the world. Dinner.

DAY-2: : Uyuni Salt Lake. Get up early in the morning and enjoy breathtaking sunrises from outside or from your room window. Breakfast. Morning trip to the Tunupa Volcano, an ancient sacred mountain venerated by early pre-Columbian cultures, the Incas and even by the people today. Its surroundings are home to the Andean flamingo, the Andean rhea, characteristic waterfowl, the Andean fox and other unique flora that can survive in this rare and extreme ecosystem. By noon, you will visit the Isla Pescado where you can enjoy different landscape features and have lunch. Here you will learn more about the nature, geology, and history of human occupation of the salt lakes. Back to the Salt Palace by mid-afternoon and in time for one more incredible sunset. Early dinner. Night transfer to the train station and take the train to Oruro.

DAY- 3: Oruro - La Paz. Breakfast at the Oruro Train Station and morning trip by bus to La Paz. Arrival by noon. Transfer to your hotel.

PROGRAM  FOR ATUY 040  3 days / 2 nights

Price per person $US.

 These prices include accommodations, daily meals, ground transportation, train transport and bilingual tour leader.

  The prices do not include personal expenses, tips, medical insurance and phone calls.

SALT LAKE AND E.A.RESERVE (ATSAR 041)

Available March to Dicember

PROGRAM 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

DAY 1 Uyuni-Colchani-Isla Pescado-San Juan. You will depart from Uyuni to Colchani to see how locals extract the salt and how it is processed. Also you will observe the "Ojos de Sal" which are sections where ice cold healing water bubbles through the salt. This water comes from an underground river from the Tunupa Volcano. On our way to Isla Pescado you will see two hotels made entirely from salt blocks. At Isla Pescado you will have lunch and then explore the island with its amazing huge Cactuses. In the afternoon you will arrive at San Juan where you can visit an old and famous church and the cemetery. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 San Juan- Paso Leon-Lagunas-Laguna Colorada. After breakfast, you will start your journey by going through a military post at Chiguana, here you will need your passports. Continuing with your trip you will stop at "Paso de Leon" to observe Volcano Ollagua, which is currently mildly active. You will stop at Lagunas: Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda and Ramiditas, to have lunch and observe the three different kinds of flamingos: James, Andino and Chilian. In the afternoon you will arrive at the beautiful "Laguna Colorada". Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3 Laguna Colorada- Laguna Verde. Today you will start your day with an early breakfast, and afterwards, you will visit geysers that shoot sulfur steam high into the air. Also we will stop at natural hot springs where you are welcome to soak for a while. You will stop at Laguna Verde for lunch and continue your trip to Alota. Dinner and overnight stay.

Note: For those who are planning on making a direct connection to Chile, you leave the standard four day tour after Laguna Verde, from where you are transferred to San Pedro de Atacama. Here you can take a bus to Calama.

DAY 4 Alota - UyuniI. After breakfast, you will return to Uyuni, where you will see the train cemetery.

• Exploration and interpretation of Andes and Altiplano.


• Wildlife viewing and monitoring.


• Cultural demonstrations.


• Historical attractions.


• Bird Watching.

CLOTHES

OTHERS

It is always advisable to consult your physician regarding health measures before traveling