Zout & Sterren Avontuur in de Andes: San Pedro de Atacama en de zoutvlakte van Uyuni

You get the morning to yourself Check some optional activities that start very early in the morning. In the afternoon, before 3.30 pm, you will have to walk to the meeting point for the excursion Valle de la Luna. Do not worry! It is a very small town. 

Valle de la Luna is one of the most impressive natural sites in the world. You will learn everything about the different geological formations of the Moon Valley including the Greater Dune, the Amphitheater, the Victoria Mine and the Three Marys. The guide will tell you the original story of these naturally occurring sculptures that the Licanantay (Atacameños) natives of this desert called “The Vigilantes”.

We will continue to the Victoria Mine to learn part of the recent history of the exploitation of salt for large-scale mining, and we will be able to see the remains of its industry. Then we will get into our Mercedes Benz Sprinter van to go over to Death Valley, where we will prepare a special table to take a break, eat and make a toast, to each other, to the land, and to the unique opportunity to be here.

To close the day you will watch an unforgettable sunset at the Piedra del Coyote (or Mirador Ckari, in the native Licanantay language) with impressive views of the Salt Mountain Range, the Valley of the Dinosaurs, the Andes Mountains and the volcanoes that surround the basin of the Atacama Salt Flats. Prepare your cameras, but first, open all the doors of your perception to capture an experience that will give you stories and memories to share and never forget.

Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama - Double, triple or single room

Included meals: breakfast 

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This is a free day. San Pedro de Atacama offers different activities to enjoy the area. You can ride a rent a bike, you can hike or you can bath in medicine hot springs. That is why you have this free day, to enjoy what better suits you. Please check the recommended optional activities and let us know if you would like to book one of them in advance. 

Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama - Double, triple or single base

Included meals: breakfast

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Recommended optional excursions in San Pedro de Atacama:

Full Day Piedras Rojas tour

Half Day Tattoo Geyser

Half Day Rainbow Valley tour

Half day Cejar Lagoon tour

Half day Puritama Medicine hot springs

Half day Purilibre trekking

Stargazing in Atacama

Horseback riding adventure (2 hours)

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Today marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Over the next four days and three nights, you'll explore one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, where it feels as though time has stood still and human impact is minimal. You will feel immersed in a pristine, untouched natural landscape.

We’ll pick you up from your hostel early in the morning in a Mercedes Benz van.A 45-minute climb of 2,000 meters awaits us, leading to the border crossings of Chile and Bolivia. 

After crossing the border, you can deposit your bags on the Land Rover specially adapted for the trip that awaits us. Keep with you a small backpack with water, toilet paper, personal documents and, of course,  your camera. 

We'll begin our journey with a stop at the stunning Laguna Blanca. Its unique color is a result of the minerals found in the Altiplano. Across the way, you'll see the striking Laguna Verde and the majestic Volcan Licancabur. Our next stop will be the Salvador Dalí Desert, where the bleak yet inspiring landscape provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photographs. Don't hesitate to ask your driver for assistance in capturing the perfect shot.

Feeling tired? Relax. In about thirty minutes, you'll be enjoying a cozy bath in the hot springs of Polques. Can you imagine soaking in hot springs while watching flamingos? Those who have visited can't forget the stunning landscape that accompanies the soothing waters. Hungry? Don't worry. In a few minutes, you'll be enjoying a delicious, restorative local dish.

Next, we'll ascend to the Geyser of the Morning Sun, one of the highest points of our journey at nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. Here, you'll witness awe-inspiring fumaroles and eruptions unlike anywhere else on Earth. Take a moment to breathe in the thin air and capture this extraordinary sight. Once you've taken in the view, we'll head back to the vehicle and continue our journey to our next incredible destination.

Laguna Colorada, a breathtaking high-altitude lake at 4,278 meters, is a vital breeding ground for Andean flamingos and migratory birds. Its waters, rich in algae and minerals, provide a vital oasis in this desolate landscape. We'll take a leisurely walk, capturing stunning photographs, and immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of this unique environment within the Eduardo Abaroa National Wildlife Reserve in the highlands of Potosí.

As the sun begins to set, we'll head to our cozy hotel in the remote village of Villa Mar, where we'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation Hotel Villa Mar - Double, triple or single room

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Please note: Vehicles accommodate a maximum of 6 passengers. You will be sharing the vehicle with up to 5 other travelers. Salar de Uyuni is a popular destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Please keep in mind that this is a very remote area and services are basic. 

We'll wake up early and fuel up with a delicious breakfast before heading north to visit  altiplanic lagoons, such as Cañapa, Hedionda, Honda, Chiarcota y Ramaditas lwhich are used by flamingos as feeding and resting points during their migratory movements.         

A highlight of our journey is a visit to the Ollague Volcano viewpoint, a breathtaking elevation of 5,865 meters above sea level. Here, we'll have the extraordinary opportunity to observe the volcano's subtle signs of life, as plumes of volcanic gas escape from its fumaroles. As we explore, we'll have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos and simply connect with nature. 

Accommodation: Colcha K Hotel - double, triple or single room

Included meals: breakfast lunch and dinner.

Early on the third day, we'll embark on a journey to the extraordinary Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. This vast expanse, stretching over 10,000 square kilometers—larger than some countries—is a mesmerizing sight. Its surface, a pristine white canvas, is composed of ten billion tons of salt layered ten meters deep.

We'll arrive early to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises at Incahuasi Island. This ancient island, rising 3,822 meters above sea level, is covered in towering cacti reaching 10 meters in height. It's a popular destination in Bolivia, offering stunning views of the vast Salar de Uyuni, also known as the Salar de Tunupa.

Take a moment to make a wish and capture unforgettable photos. Afterward. We’ll journey west with our driver to capture iconic perspective photos: dinosaurs, backpacks, bottles, jumps, and 360-degree panoramas. Let your imagination run wild and create unique, memorable photos that will forever remind you of this incredible experience.

We also visit the captivating Eyes of the Salt, where bubbling pools of mineral-rich water create a mesmerizing spectacle. These vibrant, otherworldly formations will delight your senses.

We’ll head to the town of Colchani, where you can purchase unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit to this stunning salt desert. Next, we’ll explore the fascinating Train Cemetery, a haunting reminder of the region’s mining past. After a delicious lunch featuring local cuisine, we’ll make our way to Uyuni city center to visit Colonial church San Cristobal, and then return to Villa Mar hotel to spend the night.

Accommodation Hotel Villa Mar - Double, triple or single room

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

We wake up very early, and after breakfast, we drive to Hito Cajones, the border of Bolivia, to enter Chile. Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama is around 11:30 am. The rest of the day is free. 

Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama - Double, triple or single room

Included meals: breakfast

This is the day, this incredible trip ends. At the indicated time transfer to Calama airport.

Included meals: breakfast