South Lipez Classic Private Tour
Enjoy the South Lipez in an exciting, self-supported private journey.
We start our trip in Uyuni, which is the most westerly city of Bolivie, and also the entry to Lipez and its wonders. The Uyuni salt deserts (Salars), an immense salty area from which emerge islands populated by giant cactuses, proves that life can survive even in here. Further south, we truly penetrate the desert of Lipez, where the multi-colored lagoons punctuate our journey to the Chilean border. Surrounding these islets of life, one will meet the true owners of the region: the flamingos, who throw us haughty looks, their feet soaked in the freezing water.
- Private tour just for your group
- Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD or similar
- Spanish-speaking driver
- Meals and lodging included
Get ready for the most remote region of Bolivian Altiplano!
Note: This inhospitable region offers only rustic conditions to the traveler -dust, sparse water points, and fresh nights. The marvels of nature must be deserved.
Day 2: VILLAMAR - LAGUNA VERDE - LAGUNA COLORADA
Day 3: LAGUNA COLORADA - "ROUTE OF THE JEWELS" - SAN JUAN
Day 4: SAN JUAN - SALAR - UYUNI
Day 1: UYUNI - SAN CRISTOBAL - VILLAMAR
We depart at 9:30 AM to visit the train cemetery on the outskirt of town. We then head south. On the way, we will visit various villages, including the modern urbanization of Culpina K. We have lunch in San Cristobal, where we can visit the beautiful colonial church if it is open. We then traverse Rio Grande, which is an area home to numerous vicuñas and ñandus (of the ostrich family). We will arrive in Villamar at the end of the day.
- Cold lunch
- All included
- Lodging with local host in Villamar (basic comfort)
Day 2: VILLAMAR - LAGUNA VERDE - LAGUNA COLORADA
We head south for Laguna Colorada. . This Laguna owes its intense red-brick color to the light sensitive phytoplankton present in its water. We keep heading south for an excursion to the Sol de Mañana Geysers (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.), a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. We then stop for breakfast in Polques before skirting Laguna Salada and crossing the Dali Desert (named after the scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings). We reach the Lagunas Blanca and Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.), at the end of the afternoon.
There is a curious phenomenon: when the wind picks up, the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color.
- Return to Laguna Colorada at the end of the afternoon
- Cold lunch
- All included
- Night in shelter (basic comfort)
Day 3: LAGUNA COLORADA - "ROUTE OF THE JEWELS" - SAN JUAN
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 by following the "Route of the Jewels": lagunas Honda, Ch'arkota, Hedionda and Canapa, a sanctuary to 3 different types of flamingoes. We stop at the viewpoint of the 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, which is located at the foot of volcano Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) before arriving in the village of San Juan, where the spectacular mummies of the "Lipez Lords" (1200 A.D.) are located.
- Cold lunch
- All included
- Hotel
Day 4: SAN JUAN - SALAR - UYUNI
In the morning, we will 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 have no 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 will 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
