In the Andean cosmology, all the summits are associated with mythological characters.
Volcano Tunupa is supposedly the daughter of the omnipotent God Viracocha. After a period of harsh droughts and diseases, she leaves towards the Western mountain range, where the giant Sajama takes her in, and eventually falls in love with her.
Nevertheless, she is seduced by the young gallant Huayna Potosí, who will abandon her just after their love is consumed. Tunupa, ashamed, runs away again, guided by the South Cross that Viracocha made appear in the sky. Exhausted, she sat on the side of the road and started crying, and cried so much that her tears eventually created… the Salar!

9 a.m. departure from the Hotel with our 4WD for the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.), the world’s largest salt desert. On the way we visit the salt exploitation of Colchani and the Salt Hotels (closed since November 2001). We then stop in the heart of the Salar on the Island of Incahuasi (of volcanic origin, covered with stromatolites and giant cacti). In the afternoon, we traverse the Salar until we reach its Northern extremity at the foot of volcano Tunupa.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ in the Aymara village of Jirira (basic comfort).

With guide – No technical difficulty – Good physical condition requirede
Early departure for the ascent of the volcano that dominates the entire Salar (our 4WD drops us off at the end of the dirt road above the village). In about 4 hours, we reach the viewpoint (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) that offers an exceptional panorama. The summit (el. 5400 m.a.s.l.) can’t be attempted because of the potential danger due to the necessity of climbing over cliffs. Return to Jirira in the afternoon and arrival in Uyuni by early evening, after visiting the Salt Hotels and the salt factory of Colchani.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel ***.
Ascent time: 7 h; Elevation gain: +850m/-850m

We start the long north to south traverse of the altiplano to Uyuni, a small town on the edge of the Salar (12 to 14 trip). We meet at the hotel one hour before the bus departure, for a transfer to the bus station of La Paz.
- Tuesdays and Fridays, departure of the bus for Oruro at 10 a.m. Arrival in Oruro at around 2 p.m., then departure of the train Expreso del Sur for Uyuni at 3:30 p.m. Arrival in Uyuni at 10:20 p.m. Arrival in Tupiza the next day at 4 a.m. Pick up by our team upon arrival.
- Wednesdays and Sundays, departure of the bus for Oruro at 2 p.m. Arrival in Oruro around 6 p.m., then departure of the train Wara-Wara for Uyuni at 7 p.m. Arrival in Uyuni at 2:20 a.m. the next day. Pick up by our team upon arrival.
- Other days, departure on the bus for Oruro at 3:30 p.m. Arrival in Oruro at 7 p.m.. Bus change. Departure at 8 p.m. Arrival in Uyuni at around 5 a.m.. Hotel available in Uyuni until the departure of the expedition.
Lunch and dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel ***.
Note 1: for your comfort, we advise you to do this trip on the train
Note 2: There is a dining car on the train

- Monday and Thursdays, departure of the train Wara-Wara for Oruro at 1:45 a.m. (Tuesdays or Fridays morning). Arrival in Oruro the next morning at 9:10 a.m. ,then bus to La Paz (4-hour trip. You need to buy the bus ticket yourself and do the transfer train / bus in Oruro. No one will be waiting for you at the bus station in La Paz).
- Wednesday and Saturday, departure of the train Expreso del Sur for Oruro at midnight. Arrival in Oruro the next morning at 7 a.m., then bus to La Paz (4-hour trip. You need to buy the bus ticket yourself and do the transfer train / bus in Oruro. No one will be waiting for you at the bus station in La Paz).
- Sundays, departure of the night bus at 9 p.m. This comfortable bus is direct to La Paz. Arrival in La Paz towards 7 a.m. Pick up and transfer to the Hotel.
- Tuesdays and Fridays, departure of the bus for Oruro at 8 p.m. Arrival in Oruro at 4 a.m. Immediate bus change. Departure at 4:30 a.m. Arrival in La Paz at about 8:00AM (the ticket Uyuni-La Paz will be given to you in Uyuni. No one will be waiting for you at the bus station in La Paz).
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open (restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel * available in Uyuni before departure.