5d4n Sajama National Park and Uyuni Salt Flats

5d4n Sajama National Park and Salar de Uyuni

This once-in-a-lifetime 4x4 adventure unites two natural wonders: The marvelous Sajama Park Reserve and the Eduardo Avaroa National Park. On the way we will pass through small picturesque towns and we will find beautiful natural attractions. The tours begin in the city of La Paz and end in the town of Uyuni.

You can choose between two accommodation options, from standard lodges to Tayka network hotels or similar

The program varies according to the time of year, dry season between April to October and wet season between November and March

Please note that during the rainy season or dry season due to weather and/or road conditions, routes and hotel reservations may sometimes change without notice. This is why the itinerary is for reference only and should not be taken as an exact itinerary of what this tour entails; please note that if we have to make changes it is for your own safety.

Highlights:

• Imposing views of the second highest volcano in the world Sajama 6542 m.a.s.l.
• Plenty of amazing photo opportunities of the perfect snow-capped peaks Parinacota and Pomerata.
• Enjoy baths in hot springs; observation of geysers and volcanic activities.
• Good chances of seeing wild llamas in their natural habitat (vicuñas), ibises and if we are lucky, ostrich-like Andean rheas and the Andean fox.
• Visit the largest salt flat in the world with more than 10,000 km2. Nominated as the "number 1 wonder" by international magazines.

Day 1: La Paz – Adventure in a 4x4 to the Salar de Uyuni, via PN Sajama the most incredible landscapes in Bolivia

Our trip begins with an early pick-up from La Paz on the first day. With your guide and an all-terrain vehicle we will proceed on a scenic drive toward Sajama National Park across the vast Altiplano (high plateau) for approximately 5 hours on a paved road (time may vary according to driving/traffic conditions).  Arrive at Bolivia's first national park at the foot of the impressive Mount Sajama (6,542m) spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the beauty of Bolivia's first protected area. Highlights include the world's tallest Queñua forest (an endemic dwarf tree species), the Huayña Khota lagoon, a refuge for native wildlife, and the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Mount Sajama and other snow-capped mountains and to finish our day, we will enjoy the healing properties of the hot springs. Later we return to the lodging aboard our transport for dinner.

Overnight: Tomarapi Eco Lodge or Sajama hostel in the town of the same name, with private bathroom and hot shower.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Note: The program is the same in the wet season.

Day 2: Sajama Park - Uyuni

Leaving Sajama National Park, we will drive further south along dirt roads passing by herds of  alpacas, llamas and vicuñas across the vast Altiplano (high plain) towards Salar de Uyuni. It's a long day of travel, but full of amazing scenery along the way. The route will take us parallel to views of rugged, snow-capped mountain ranges; we will observe traditional villages and picturesque archaeological sites before enjoying our snack around noon. Continuing the trip through the Altiplano, we will observe lagoons with flamingos and we will cross the second largest (but less known) salt flat in the country: Salar de Coipasa, before arriving at your lodging located at the north end of the Salar de Uyuni where we will arrive at the end of the day

In dry season: Overnight at the Tayka de Sal hotel or hostel in Jirira, with private bathroom and hot shower.

During the wet season we will not cross the Salar de Coipasa, instead we will drive along the National Route 27 covering about 530km, passing through the towns of Turco and Sevaruyo our journey will continue parallel to Poopó Lake, until we reach Uyuni village.

Overnight in wet season: Luna Salada Hotel, Palacio de Sal or Hotel in Uyuni with private bathrooms and hot water.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Uyuni Salt Flat

Start by witnessing an amazing sunrise on the Salar. Today we will spend a full day to explore as much as possible of the 10,000 km2 of salt. The most outstanding attractions include a visit to the Incahuasi Island. During the dry season, it is a rocky outcrop covered with ancient coral rocks and giant cacti, which provides us with an excellent base for a moderate walk and beautiful views of this White Sea. Visit an old salt hotel and take your time to photograph or simply take advantage of the illusions of depth created by the endless white blanket of salt. In the afternoon we continue our trip towards our lodging.

Overnight in dry season: Tayka de Sal hotel in the town of Tawa or Cabaña de Sal or similar in the town of San Juan

In the wet season it is not possible to visit the Incahuasi Island because its access is flooded with water, but instead the old salt hotel, today converted into a small museum, the Dakar monument, will be visited.

Overnight during the wet season: Hotel Luna Salada, Palacio de Sal or basic hostel Cabaña de Sal or similar in the town of San Juan with private bathrooms and hot water.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Desert Lagoons and Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Resume the expedition and today we will head further south. We will make stops to observe lagoons of pristine waters: Cañapa, Hedionda, Honda and Ramaditas where the wildlife is unique and the panoramic views will leave you amazed. - possibility to observe the flamingos in their natural habitat - Later, we will cross the Siloli desert, located within the limits of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Along the border between Bolivia and Chile, we will make a stop to see formations of volcanic rock such as the Stone Tree and then go to our lodging.

Overnight in dry or wet season: Tayka desert hotel or basic refuge in the town of Huayllajara with private bathroom basic facilities.

Please note that if you choose to stay at the Tayka hotel for the night, the National Reserve and Laguna Colorada will be visited on day 5.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 5: Green Lagoon Bolivia – Uyuni

Very early in the morning we start our trip towards the highest point of the trip: Sol de Mañana 4,860m, ​​a field of steaming geysers that will transport us to the time of the formation of the earth. We will continue to the Laguna Verde and in front we will be able to observe the imposing Licancabur volcano, then we will visit the Blanca lagoon. Later we return by the same route to the town of Polques where you can enjoy the thermal waters, on the way back to Uyuni we pass through the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve to then continue the route to the town of Uyuni where we will arrive at the end of the day. End of service.

Lodging: Not included

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

This day it is possible to organize your transfer by transport to the town of San Pedro de Atacama (1 and a half hours away) after visiting the Laguna Verde, for more information please contact us.

Included in the tour

• All food during the tour
• Overnight stay: 4 nights of accommodation according to the chosen package
• Private transportation in 4X4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol
• English speaking guide

Not included:

• Entrance fees to national parks, hot springs and other attractions approximately 300bs per person.
• Alcoholic beverages, personal snacks 
• Transportation back to La Paz
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day of our program
• Tips/Gratuities
• Extras

Recommended:

• Warm clothing
• Gloves
• Wool socks.
• Cap that covers your ears and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
• Towel, personal hygiene items
• Swimming suit
• Lip moisturizer
• Sunscreen 30+
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight
• Rain gear (from December to April)
• Additional water
• Passport

Prices: Please contact us for more information and to discuss budget at this email: info@pukinatravel.com  or via Whatsapp at : +591-73088333