Salar Salt Flats and Sajama National Park

 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

WHAT'S INCLUDED

IN THE PRICE 

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.