From the small salt desert of Atacama, to the Salar de Uyuni, the largest one in the world, this completely self-sufficient 4Wd expedition takes you along the « Route of the Jewels », judiciously named, where successively appear the nicest lagunas of the Altiplano.
Please note, this inhospitable region offers the traveler only the most rustic living conditions: dust, rarified water and fresh nights… The great natural gems are hard to get to!

A steep ascent to the Altiplano takes us to the border post of Hito Cajón, entry point into the region of Lipez. We reach Laguna Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) before noon, to witness a curious phenomenon: the wind picks up and the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color.
Then we cross the Dali Desert (named after its scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings) before skirting Laguna Salada and stopping at the thermal baths of Polques.
Finally we arrive at the Sol de Mañana Geysers (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.) a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. At the end of the day we reach Laguna Colorada. This laguna owes its intense red-brick color to the presence in its water of millions of shellfish Artemia, well-studied by scientists for their incredible adaptability in saline environment.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a shelter (basic comfort).

We head north through the magnificent landscapes of the Siloli desert and its famous “Arbol de Piedra” (Stone Tree) where we may be able to spot some viscachas. We then skirt the Chilean border following the “Route of the Jewels”: lagoons Ramaditas, Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa, a sanctuary to 3 different types of flamingoes. We stop at the viewpoint of volcano Ollague. This active volcano hosts the world’s highest sulfur mine.
The track then drops from around 4200 meters above sea level to 3600. We cross the small Salar de Chiguana at the foot of volcano Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) before arriving in the village of San Juan where are located the spectacular mummies of the “Lipez Lords” (1200 B.C.).
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

In the morning, departure for the world’s largest salt desert: the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.).
The atmosphere is special: the horizon seems to not have any limits and the immensity is overwhelming. We head north to the island of Incahuasi. This island of volcanic origin is covered with stromatolites (fossilized bacteria representing the first traces of life on earth) and giant cacti. In the afternoon, we head east towards Uyuni. On the way we visit the Salt Hotels (Closed since November 2001) and ultimately, the salt exploitation of Colchani.
Cold lunch. Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel ***.