Chile

Starting Price:	£5,584.00
Trip Length:	11 days

Atacama Desert

Salar de Uyuni

Arbol de Piedra, Uyuni

The Bolivian Altiplano via Atacama and Iquique

Description Pricing Itinerary

During this 11 day itinerary we will traverse the Bolivian Altiplano in the central Andes. We will begin in San Pedro de Atacama follow routes rarely traveled as we go deep into this fascinating landscape exploring its inimitable landscape, natural scenery, and diverse range of wildlife. During our travels through the valleys nestled beneath the Andean mountain range, we will visit lakes, wetlands, geothermal plains, and important historical and cultural sites. Our journey will end, after crossing the Bolivian Altiplano, back in Chile at Iquique.

There are no set dates for our trips, you choose your own. You also choose the type of accommodation (three-star to deluxe hotels).

We look forward to catering your trip!

Day 1

Airport reception and transfer from the Calama airport to the Hotel de Larache in San Pedro de Atacama oasis, 2,500 meters above sea level.

Day 2

Day of leisure at the Hotel de Larache. You can choose from a variety of different activities including biking, hiking, and horseback rides through the amazing terrain of San Perdo de Atacama.

Day 3

Day of leisure to allow your body to acclimate to the altitude and prepare for your crossing to the Bolivian Altiplano. During your stay at the Hotel de Larache, relax and experience the complex geography of the Atacama terrain, its wildlife, and its ancient culture.

Day 4

Day at leisure.

Day 5

Crossing to Bolivia.
Early this morning we will depart from the hotel to begin our travesia to the Bolivian Altiplano. We will cross into Bolivia through the Hito Cajon pass in the extreme southeastern region of Bolivia. On our way we will pass by the volcanic mountain range where Licancabur volcano is located.

We trek through the geothermal plains of Sol de Manana at 4,700 meters above sea level to a series of salt flats, wetlands, and lagoons. We will stop for lunch at Colorada Lagoon, an especially beautiful lagoon and an excellent location to view flamingos in their natural habitat. At noon today we will reach the Canapa Inn, our first campsite at 4,300 meters above sea level.

Day 6

From Canapa to Chituca.
This morning will hike around Canapa before continuing our journey towards the Bolivian Altiplano.

During our trek today we will pass by former mining camps and take a 2-hour hike around a lagoon, home to a number of native animals. At mid-afternoon we will arrive at Chituca, the location of our second campsite located at 3,750 meters above sea level.

Day 7

Arrival at Uyuni.
This morning we relax and, after lunch, we will hike around Chituca viewing the old cultivated terraces and the cactus forest surrounding our campsite. Continuing on our journey we will visit some impressive geological formations.

This afternoon we reach Salar de Uyuni, the largest and highest altitude salt flat in the world. Here we will embrace the complete and absolute solitude and silence while we hike along the surface of the Salt Flats, later climbing its highest island to enjoy seemingly endless views of the surrounding landscape. We continue our journey to arrive at Tahua, a small town located on the shores of the Salt Flats where our third campsite is located.

Day 8

Around the Tunupa Volcano.
We begin our hike early this morning and, within 3 or 4 hours, we reach the foot of the Tunupa Volcano, at an altitude of 5,432 meters. At this point we can choose to visit any of the many interesting sites in the surrounding area, or hike the volcano and enjoy the views from the peak.

In the late afternoon we will visit the small towns of Tahua, Coquesa, and Jirira that border the Salt Flat. This evening we return to our campsite in Tahua for dinner and the night.

Day 9

Crossing to Chile.
We set out early this morning heading towards the Chilean border. On our way we pass through the town of Llica where we will stop to try some fresh saltenas, a traditional Bolivina empanada.

At lunchtime we will picnic at the Irpa Ranch on the shores of the Salar de Coipasas, 3,600 meters above sea level. We will continue towards Pisiga on the Bolivian boarder, eventually reaching Colchane in Chile. From here we follow the banks of the Isluga River to reach a wetland home to a large variety of wildlife.
In the late afternoon we will reach the Isluga National Park in Aravilla, the location of our fourth campsite at 4,020 meters above sea level.

Day 10

Descent to the Pacific Ocean.
In the morning we will start out on a hike of the wetlands. We will stop for lunch close to the town of Mauque, visiting the stone ceremonial ruins while there.

After lunch, we will begin the descent down to the Altiplano at 4,000 meters above sea level to Iquique, a portal town in Chile on the Pacific Ocean. There is time for an optional swim. Tonight we will have dinner in Iquique and spend the night at our hotel.

Day 11

This morning we transfer from our hotel in Iquique to the airport for our domestic flight to Santiago.

Occupancy Type	Tulur	Yali	Suite Catur
Double	£5584	£5805	£6756
Single	£8023	£8245	£9512

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