Salar Salt Flats and Sajama National Park - Mon, May 7 2018

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Salar Salt Flats and Sajama National Park


The Basics:
Event Type:Adventure
Event Location: Uyuni Bolivia   Adventure: Salar Salt Flats and Sajama National Park  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, May 7 2018  6:00 am >> Sun, May 13 2018 8:00 pm
Registration Opens: Fri, Oct 27 2017 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Jan 15 2018 9:00 am
Event Duration:6 Days 14 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Lisa Maldonado
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:$869.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:5
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

 This trip will be a D4 due to the Altitude. Hiking is D3 at a moderate pace.

This tour passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Altiplano. The volcano  Sajama (6,549m) is the highest peak in Bolivia. The tour departs La Paz with a hotel pick- up and heads for the park.

Day 1 May 7th:

On the first day of our exclusive expedition, we meet in La Paz for a morning departure and make our way across the city of El Alto headed for the Altiplano (high plateau) and Sajama National Park. Along the way, view the typical countryside of the Bolivian highlands, including quaint villages, grazing animals, agricultural fields and vast plains. Stop at “Valle de Piedras” (Stone Valley), ancient archaeological sites and at fascinating geological formations.

Arrive in Sajama National Park for lunch around noon and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the surroundings, taking in the peace and crisp air of the mountains and admiring Bolivia’s highest peak. Highlights include soaking up the healing powers of natural hot springs and walking among kheñua trees (an endemic, dwarf species of tree) with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. With a little bit of luck, view native fauna such as flamingo, geese, vicuñas and other Andean wildlife. Enjoy a pleasant evening and warm dinner in local accommodations.

Day 2: May 8th

A full day is spent exploring the natural marvels in and around Parque Nacional Sajama. We will leave our previous night's accommodation to continue our drive south across vast plains of green pastures and desert landscapes. We start off with an early visit to an otherworldly geyser field. Later in the morning we have the chance to enjoy a moderate hike if the group so wishes. Lunch will be served as a picnic weather permitting.

We follow up with an afternoon visit to stunning Andean lagoons teeming with pink flamingos and other Andean wildlife. We discover colorful and hidden archaeological sites and learn about the region’s natural and cultural history. 

What makes today special is that we’ll find ourselves off the tourist trail, since this region is known to very few people who venture out here to see Bolivia’s hidden mountains and thus, we have this natural wonder almost entirely to ourselves (few other travelers visit occasionally). We spend the night in a basic hostel in a larger town which will serve to break the long trip to Uyuni making a convenient stop to have a good night's rest.

Day 3: May 9th 

Our third day of our 4WD expedition sees us driving south along roads abundant with herds of llamas across the vast Altiplano en route to Salar de Coipasa (Salar de Coipasa) and later Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats). It is a less hectic day but full of truly unforgettable surprises along the way. First, discover giant cacti and then traverse the whiteness of Salar de Coipasa (Bolivia's second largest, an isolated 3.000- km2 sea of salt). In the afternoon, hike to a secret and ancient burial town in the mountains where well-preserved mummies can be seen (one of the last remaining places on the continent). End the day by arriving in the majestic and massive Salar de Uyuni to enjoy a surreal sunset over the flats (weather and time permitting) before arriving at our accommodation for the night.

Day 4:May 10th

Today, take in the wonders of the world’s largest salt flats for an entire day. Begin by witnessing a striking sunrise on the Salar. A full day is then spent exploring as much of the 12.000 km2 of salt as it is possible. Highlights include hiking on Isla Incahuasi – a rocky outcrop covered in ancient coral rock and giant cacti – which provides us with an excellent base for a moderate hike and beautiful views of this white sea. Later, take your time get creative with your camera  (bring your props along) and take advantage of the depth illusions created by the endless horizon which result in fun photography to show those back home.

We will arrive in our accommodation early enough to rest and recharge batteries for the following days.

Day 5: May 11th

Resume your expedition today and head further south headed for the remote southwest known as Reserva Eduardo Avaroa. Visit a chain of lagoons called Cañapa, Hedionda and Honda where the sheer proximity of pink flamingos and sweeping views will leave you in awe. Later, traverse the Siloli Desert, located within the boundaries of Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, lying along the Bolivia – Chile border not before we stop at Arbol de Piedra* (Stone Tree) and other rock formations along the way. The day ends with a grand finale by watching the beautiful pink flamingos at Laguna Colorada* before we retreat into our lodge for the night.

Day 6: May 12th

Our once-in-a-lifetime expedition comes to an end today. Continuing our drive through Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, we reach the trip’s highest point: Sol de Mañana (Rising Sun, 4.900m) an otherworldly, steaming geyser field. We later enjoy a second soak in natural hot springs (if desired, since it will be our second time) and later photograph Licancabur Volcano overlooking Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) before making our way to the town of Uyuni (or, if you wish at this point, arrange a bus transfer over the border to continue to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, 1.5 hrs. away). Our grand trip ends upon arrival in Uyuni from where you can return to La Paz by bus, train or plane (further arrangements are your responsibility) or travel to Potosi/Sucre, etc.

There will be optional day hikes and an overnight trip to Lake Titicaca before this event. Please check the AOC events page.

A deposit 0f $200. must be made by December 1st. Balance of payment must be made by January 15.

 We will be using Banjo Tours for this adventure. They have great reviews on Trip Advisor.

http://www.banjotours.com/tours-by-place/salar-de-uyuni-tours/la- paz-to-uyuni-via-sajama-6-days

 


Required Items to Bring:

Do not forget to bring the following items: 


The route to the salt lake is cold, windy and with high solar radiation. During the day it is generally sunny and the weather is pleasant but at night it can get very cold. Our recommendations on what to bring with you are:
- Warm clothes.
- Gloves.
- Wool socks.
- Hat covering your ears and to protect you from the sun.
- Boots.
- Towel.
- Swimming suit.
- Lips moisturizer.
- Sun block 30+.
- Sun glasses.
- Lantern.
- Raincoat 
- Extra drinking water

Passport

Visa

Yellow Fever imunization Certificate

Note: Don’t forget to bring a copy of your passport.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Camera

Extra Cash

Tip money

Travel Insurance is recommended


Notes:
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$869.00/Person
Cost Includes:

WHAT'S INCLUDED

IN THE PRICE 

  •  Food - 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. Bottled water for all meals
  •  Transport - Private 4WD vehicle
  •  Driver - Experienced and knowledgeable driver
  •  Guide - Fully Bilingual, qualified & professional (English/Spanish according to selected package)
  •  Accommodation - 5 nights. Accommodations
  • $10 AOC administration fee

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
IN THE PRICE 

  •  Admission fees (USD 60/Bolivianos 420)
  •  Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  •  Optional bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - USD 10 pp (shared-basis) or USD 160 (private-basis) (See more information here).
  •  Accommodation and/or onward travel upon completion of the tour in Uyuni
  •  Optional tips
  • Airfare to and from Bolivia
  • Visa fee
  • Passport Fee if you do not have one
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Mon, Jan 15 2018.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

A deposit 0f $200. must be made by December 1st. Balance of payment must be made by January 15. The deposit will secure your spot on this adventure. No Refund will be given if a replacement participant cannot be found.  If replacement is found refund will be made in full less the $10.00 AOC administration fee.