This exploration begins at Explora Atacama. This stage allows for acclimatization to the altitude while travelling through the San Pedro oasis, vast sand dunes and salt flats, vividly coloured lakes, and bofedales — high-altitude wetlands — crowned by silent mountains. You will then cross the border into Bolivia, entering the heart of the imposing Andes mountain range. After several days of discovery, you will reach the Uyuni Salt Flat and take in an incomparable landscape at the largest salt flat in the world.
DAY 1: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE
The Explora Atacama team welcomes you at Calama airport and drives you to the San Pedro de Atacama oasis, at 2,407 metres above sea level. The journey to the explora Atacama hotel takes about an hour. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in a landscape that is isolated and solitary by nature. You will be welcomed at the hotel, where the destination will be briefly introduced. Then, with your guide, you will map out the explorations for the following days.
We recommend starting with the oasis, the Salt and Domeyko mountain ranges, the Atacama Salt Flat and its gorges, and the unique landscapes and ecosystems of this region. Venturing above 4,000 metres into the Altiplano afterwards is an experience you will not regret. And above all, do not miss the chance to unwind in the Puritama hot springs.
At Explora Atacama, you begin in style a remarkable crossing, with the striking Atacama Desert and its fierce charm as a first taste.
DAYS 2 AND 3: ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE
Immerse yourself in the driest desert on Earth and feel the pull of each landscape. The exploration programme you have designed with your guide begins, at your own pace. Activities range from easy to advanced, short to long, and take various forms: hiking, horseback riding, cycling, a mix of vehicle travel and short walks, and even high-mountain climbing for the more adventurous. While every kind of weather lends itself to exploration, remember that, conditions permitting, you will also enjoy a stargazing session at the hotel’s observatory.
DAY 4: CROSSING THE BORDER
Departure for Bolivia. The journey continues through the Andes to the border crossing at Hito Cajón, 47 km from your starting point. With an explora guide, you will change vehicles and carry on into the captivating depths of the Altiplano.
You will visit the Sol de la Mañana geyser and a variety of salt flats, wetlands, and high-altitude lakes. Laguna Colorada is the ideal spot to observe flamingos in their natural habitat and to have lunch while taking in the Altiplano’s palette of colours.
You will reach the Ramaditas camp in time for sunset.
Here you can feel and hear the vastness of the silence around you, and the solitary beauty of this remote territory.
DAY 5: FROM RAMADITAS TO CHITUCA
As you approach the Uyuni Salt Flat, the stunning landscapes seem to stretch on endlessly. In the morning, you will head to Chituca, where you will spend the following night. Along the way, you will walk through old mines and valleys. Laguna Turquiri, with its striking diversity of birds and rock formations, is the ideal place to recharge over a good lunch. Now it is time to explore the region in more depth: choose a hike or alternate between short walks and vehicle travel. After exploring, you will continue on to Chituca, where you will discover the culture and way of life of the local inhabitants.
DAY 6: FROM CHITUCA TO UYUNI
After a hearty breakfast, you will set off for the exploration of your choice. You can walk around the camp, through the cactus forest and the nearby ancient agricultural terraces. Another option is to visit the village of San Pedro de Quemes, a former Spanish settlement offering panoramic views over the Altiplano and the salt flats. You will then continue towards the Cueva de las Galaxias, a striking cave with unusual geological formations where you will discover a fascinating chapter of Andean history.
Suddenly, 10,000 km2 of salt stretch out before you: the Uyuni Salt Flat. At 3,665 metres above sea level, it is the largest and highest salt flat on the planet. You will have lunch on the salt flat, where the next exploration begins: an overland trip to Fish Island, or a walk on the island itself. Finally, you will reach your Uyuni lodge, on the slopes of the Tunupa volcano.
DAYS 7 AND 8: UYUNI
Enjoy the magnificent view over the Uyuni Salt Flat from the comfort of your lodge. Your guide will help you decide which explorations to undertake based on your preferences. Options include hiking, cycling, or vehicle-based itineraries. Climbing the multicoloured slopes of the Tunupa volcano up to 5,432 metres above sea level, cycling across part of the salt flat, or circling the volcano while visiting the hamlets along the way are just some of the possibilities for exploring this exceptional territory, one that will stay with you long after you leave.
DAY 9: FROM UYUNI TO ETERNITY
After a hearty breakfast, you will cross the eastern part of the salt flat by vehicle towards Uyuni airport, looking back on the adventures of the past days and taking in the strange beauty of this extraordinary place.
