This unique trip allows us to rally Uyuni to Paz, by the desolated roads of the Urus country on the Chilean border.
This 4WD expedition caters to wide open space lovers and to those of immense scenery: Salar de Uyuni, Salar de Coipasa, sepultures of Río Lauca and finally Sajama National Park; perfect mix of volcanoes, hot springs and geysers as well as of an abundant and varied wildlife.
Take your cameras and let’s go!

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 required
Early departure for the ascent of the volcano dominating 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.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ (basic comfort).
Ascent time: 7 h; Elevation gain: +850m/-850m

In the morning we drive to the Salar de Coipasa. We are in the heart of the wild altiplano, in the middle of arid scenery, surrounded by volcanoes that punctuate the nearby Chilean border.
We spend the night in Pisiga, small border village with Chile.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

We cross the Urus country on sandy and treacherous dirt roads. Before crossing Río Lauca, appear the most beautiful polychromatic chullpas of Bolivia (the chullpas are the ancient tombs of Aymara lords; pre-Inca times). We reach Sajama National Park in the afternoon after a 5 to 6-hour journey.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Isabel and Marcelo’s (basic comfort).

In the morning, we head to the geysers in our 4WD. This particularly active area offers a unique display of bubbling baths spread over hundreds of square meters. We can try cooking eggs in their slightly sulfuric water.
From there, we walk to the natural hot springs for a relaxing bath at the foot of volcano Sajama, revered by the local population (about a 2-hour walk).
In the afternoon we keep on walking to Laguna Huaña Khota, where flamingoes sometimes come to mix with the ducks and wild geese. We then get back in our 4WD and drive to the village of Tomarapi and its very typical Andean church.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in the new shelter «Albergue» of Tomarapi (comfort of a 2-star hotel).

In the morning, we get back on the dirt road and head for the abandoned village of Oxany. There are only two inhabitants left in this village, prosperous before the construction of the new-asphalted road to Chile turned it into a ghost town. Option to do a short hike in the rocky chaos, before returning to the international road.
We head back to La Paz. On the way, we stop in the village of Curahuara de Carangas, well known for its well-adorned colonial church (perfectly preserved frescoes). Further on, we discover the chullpas, carangas sepultures, empty today after their systematic pillaging.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel ***.