Explore Uyuni Salt Flats and Atacama
Trip type
All Inclusive
Trip length
7 Days
From
$7,200
Location
The Atacama
Explore Uyuni Salt Flats and Atacama - 7 Days - $7,200
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
Day 2: Excursions around San Pedro de Atacama
Day 3: San Pedro to Ramaditas (Bolivia); Sol de la Mañana geysers
Day 4: Ramaditas to Chituca; Turquiri Lagoon
Day 5: Chituca to Jijira Lodge; Gruta de Las Galaxias
Day 6: Excursions around the Uyuni Salt Flats
Day 7: Transfer to Uyuni Airport, or San Pedro de Atacama
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
You'll be met at Calama Airport and will take a private transfer to your hotel in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Depending on the time that you arrive, you'll have an introductory talk to the region before lunch, or after your first excursion.
There are a choice of excursions in the area which will provide you with a perfect introduction to the terrain and climate. You could explore the oasis town, head to the Atacama Salt Flat and nearby canyons, or pay a visit to the Puritama hot springs.
Please see the full list of available excursions.
Towards the end of the day, you'll discuss with your guide the upcoming plan for the next few days.
Transfer: 1 hour
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Explora Atacama
Day 2: Excursions around San Pedro de Atacama
Today you'll explore more of the area around San Pedro de Atacama.
Please see the full list of available excursions.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Explora Atacama
Day 3: San Pedro to Ramaditas (Bolivia); Sol de la Mañana geysers
Early in the morning, you'll leave San Pedro de Atacama in a 4x4 vehicle and head north to the border crossing with Bolivia at Hito Cajón, 29 miles/47km away.
At the border, you and your guide will change vehicles before continuing on, across the Altiplano into Bolivia.
The first stop will be the Sol de la Mañana geysers, along with an array of salt flats, wetlands and lagoons.
You'll stop for lunch at the Colorada Lagoon - an ideal location for watching flamingos.
Your journey across the Altiplano will continue in the afternoon to your destination at Ramaditas Mountain Lodge. Now is the time to relax and enjoy the memories of the day as you watch the sun set across the high desert landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Ramaditas Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Ramaditas to Chituca; Turquiri Lagoon
Today you will continue your journey through awe-inspiring landscapes to Chituca.
En route you will stop at Turquiri Lagoon, known for its diverse birdlife and rock formations. You'll have lunch here before heading off to explore the surrounding area. There will be a choice of a hike, or drives to various spots for short walks.
On arrival in Chituca, there will be the opportunity to learn about the culture and everyday life of the people living here.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Chituca Mountain Lodge
Day 5: Chituca to Uyuni Lodge; Gruta de Las Galaxias
This morning you'll have a choice of excursion. Perhaps take a walk in the area around the lodge, through the cactus forest, to the ancient agricultural terraces.
Alternatively, visit the village of San Pedro de Quemes, a former Spanish settlement, from where you'll have breathtaking views over the Altiplano and salt flats.
You'll then continue your journey by 4x4 to the Gruta de Las Galaxias where you'll see the rare geological formations contained in this stunning cave. Your guide will, as always, be on hand to engage you with the history of the site.
Driving on, you'll reach the vast and spectacular 3,900 miles²/10,000km² Uyuni Salt Flats. Sitting at 12,000ft/3,665m above sea level, these are the highest and largest salt flats in the world. You'll have lunch in the middle of the salt flats before driving, or hiking, to Fish Island.
The day's explorations will end at the stunning Uyuni Lodge, perched on the lower slope of the Tunupa Volcano, with an unrivalled view over the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Uyuni Lodge
Day 6: Excursions around the Uyuni Salt Flats
This morning you'll wake up to amazing views across the salt flats from your room at the lodge. Your guide will discuss with you the excursions you'd like to undertake over the next two days.
There are plenty of choices to suit everyone. Hikes, overland trips and bike rides are all available. Among the choices are climbing Tunupa Volcano, up to 17,835ft/5,432m; biking across the vast salts flat; or taking a drive across the base of the volcano, stopping at villages along the way.
Whatever you choose, you'll be welcomed back to Uyuni Lodge at the end of the day to relax in comfort.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Uyuni Lodge
Day 7: Transfer to Uyuni Airport, or San Pedro de Atacama
Today you'll take a transfer from Uyuni Lodge to Uyuni Airport for your onward flight to La Paz.
There is also an option to take a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama which leaves at 8am. This is for a maximum of two people and includes a box lunch.
Transfer: Uyuni Airport, 4 hours; San Pedro de Atacama, 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast
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Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Additional Notes
Acclimatisation and altitude sickness – Due to the high altitudes at which this trip takes place, it is important to acclimatise slowly to minimise the chance of developing altitude sickness. If possible, booking an extra day at Explora Atacama at the beginning of your trip will help with the acclimatisation process.
Reverse direction – It is possible to undertake this trip in reverse, starting by flying into Uyuni Airport. Please contact us for more details.
Bolivian visa - Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the Bolivian border. However, to avoid any delays, it is wise to obtain a Bolivian visa before you leave your home country.
Includes
- Meals: 6 breakfasts; 6 box lunches; six dinners
- Accommodation: 2 nights in Explora Atacama; 1 night in Ramaditas Mountain Lodge; 1 night in Chituca Mountain Lodge; 2 nights in Uyuni Lodge
- Transfers from and to the airports in the itinerary, on a preset schedule
- Guided excursions
- All meals, snacks and open bar
- Bike riding gear and trekking poles
- Entrance fees to nature reserves, National Parks and archaeological sites
- Access to the leisure areas in the lodges
- Wi-Fi in common areas
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Any extra/optional excursions
- Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities/tips
- International and domestic/in-country flights
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
