Atacama Desert & Bolivian Salt Flats

Today you have the morning free and travel to Laguna Cejar after lunch. Located just twelve miles from San Pedro, the lagoon is an ideal spot for relaxation. It sits in the middle of the Atacama salt flat, surrounded by salt crystals. Due to the large concentration of salt, you float effortlessly in Cejar Lagoons waters. Nearby, you can also take a dip in the Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flat), two smaller freshwater pools. After enjoying these refreshing sights, you will enjoy a delicious appetizer while witnessing a spectacular sunset over the Tebinquinche Lagoon before being returned to your hotel for another evening on your own. (B)

After breakfast, today’s visit to the famed Salar de Atacama (Salt Lake) begins. The first stop is the National Flamingo Reserve, entered through the Chaxa Lagoon. The sight is formed by a gigantic depression of more than 2,100 square miles. The Salar de Atacama is the largest salt field in Chile. Its large quantity of salt makes the vast surface white and rough, offering panoramic views of the area. The bottom of the salt field is composed of an enormous lake, which receives water from rivers and melting snow. As it has no runoff, several small lagoons have formed, where the three types of flamingos inhabiting the area, the James, the Andean and the Chilean, may be observed.
On the way back you pass through Toconao, a village of 600 inhabitants who make their living through agriculture and artisan handicrafts of local materials (llama and alpaca wool, cactus wood, volcanic rock). Here you will also see the Tower of Saint Lucas, a national monument and symbol of Toconao, as well as houses constructed of pumice extracted from the nearby quarry. On returning to your hotel, you have the rest of the day to yourself. (B)

Thousands of stars and the mighty brushstroke of the Milky Way will still be visible at this mornings 4 AM departure to experience sunrise at the Tatio Geyser Field, 14,000 feet above sea level. The early start gives visitors the most photogenic view of El Tatio, the third largest geyser field in the world. The eruptions of steaming water are produced by the convergence of groundwater above a lava field which causes huge plumes of steam and gas to expel through the cracks, sometimes exceeding 32 feet. Afterward, you may enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the thermal hot springs where temperatures reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the way back, the majestic Andean peaks seem close enough to touch. You’ll stop briefly at Machuca, a small llama herder settlement. This picturesque village is filled with thatched roof adobe houses and green wetlands. In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel for one final night in Chile. (B)

Your driver meets you at the hotel after breakfast for the one hour drive to Bolivia’s border crossing at Hito Cajon. Here you will be assisted with the border crossing and met by your new guide on the Bolivian side. Continue on to Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, at the base of the Licancabur Volcano. Our tour continues to the Salvador Dali Rocks, here wind and water erosions have shaped the rocks into absurd forms in the middle of the Altiplano desert. Your exploration of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve continues with where you’ll see to the Sol de Maana geysers and a pool of natural hot springs with safe bathing temperatures, where we are welcome to soak for a while. Youll also see the spectacular Laguna Colorada where it is possible to observe thousands of flamingos and the Arbol de Piedra, the eroded rock in the shape of a tree. Lunch will be enjoyed en route. This evening, spend the night in the Siloli Desert. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you set out to visit several lagoons: Caapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda, and Ramaditas which offer views of 3 different flamingo species: the James, the Andean and the Chilean, as well as wild troops of Vicuna. Head to Paso de Len, a spectacular viewpoint to observe the Ollague Volcano, which is currently mildly active. Enjoy scenic stops along the way to our final destination in the village of Tahua, at the base of the Tunupa Volcano. Here you have a unique location for an amazing sunset that colors up the landscape of the salt lake. Overnight in the village of Tahua. (B,L,D)

*It is possible to arrange additional touring of the Salt Flats under the stars in the evening. This should be arranged directly with your guide and driver on the day in order to take into account weather conditions. Please contact us for more details.

After breakfast, you head back out on the salt flats and drive towards Isla Incahuasi. Here you can hike among huge cacti and experience the world renowned 360 degree views of the endless Uyuni Salt Lake. After our stop at the island, we will continue past the first hotel that was made entirely of salt blocks, which has now been converted into a small museum. This is a great place for us to stop for lunch and to take one of those famous perspective photos. After lunch we continue to the village of Colchani where locals extract and process salt. Here you’ll learn the interesting aspects of the geological history of the Uyunis Salt Lake and the current natural processes of salt formation that has continued for thousands of years. Spend your last night in this region in the region of Colchani. (B,L,D)

This morning you are picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for a one-hour flight back to La Paz. Upon arrival, well immediately begin exploring the city. Explore picturesque and traditional sites, such as Jaen Street, the Museum of Precious Metals, San Francisco Church, the witches market, and Plaza Murillo lined with prominent buildings including the Presidential Palace, the National Congress and La Paz Cathedral. The tour continues towards the bohemian neighborhood called Sopocachi, home to the gondola system called MI Telefrico. You will enjoy incredible views of the city from the Teleferico. The day wraps up with a visit to the Valley of the Moon, which isn’t actually a valley at all. Here you’ll see a eroded maze of canyons and pinnacles that gives this place its name. (B,L)

Your guide will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of Southern Explorations services. (B)