Uyuni Saltflats, Potosi and Sucre

General Description

The Uyuni SALT DESERT lies towards the South of the central high-plateau. It is situated in the lowest part of the plateau (3.656 m. above sea level). In the summer the Uyuni Salt marsh is a huge lake of 12.106 sq. Km. with a depth of 60 to 80 cm. In the winter (ie betwwen May and November) the water evaporates, leaving a snowy blanket of salt. This area contains one of the largest beds of lithium in the world. When it still has water in it (up to 4 or possibly 6 inches), being in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni is like being an ant on a gigantic mirror. The blue sky merges into the blue water, the islands are perfectly reflected and since there is no horizon they appear suspended in the space. Some areas may be dry in which case the salt crust is a binding-white and featured as the most perfect snow-field.
In 1650, Potosi was the largest city in the Americas with a population of 160.000, and one of the most important urban centers in the world, renowned for its silver mines, its magnificent colonial architecture, churches glistening with gold, and theatres that presented the best of European productions, as well as for its extravagance and vice. Today, the echoes of its fabulous colonial past can still be seen in its churches, bearing elaborate baroque facades, private homes with wooden balconies looking over the narrow, winding streets, and a host of fme museums, among them the Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint), that was used by the Spanish Empire as a mint, a fortress, and a prison since it was first built in 1572.
The official and constitutional Capital of Bolivia, Sucre prides itself on being the cultural center of the Americas. Located in a lovely valley, enclosed by mountains and at the foot of the Churuquella and Sica - Sica Hills. With its distinctive architecture of white buildings with red tie roofs, Sucre is home of the second oldest University in America: San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, founded in 1624. Long isolation has helped it to preserve its courtly charm.

Both Potosi and Sucre are classified as "World Heritage Sites" by the Unesco.

Itinerary

DAY 1: LA PAZ - ORURO - UYUNI
Departure in bus from La Paz to Oruro (3 hours), then we board the train to Uyuni (6 hours), crossing a big portion of the Bolivian Highlands. Overnight in Uyuni.

DAY 2: UYUNI / ISLA PESCADO
Visit of Uyuni and the cemetery of old trains. Then we continue to the village of Colchani to see locals producing salt on the shores of Uyuni Saltflat before entering the inmense white salt lake, almost half the size of Belgium. After lunch, excursion to "Isla Pescado", a very special island lost in the middle of the saltflat and covered with giant cactus. Return and overnigh in Uyuni (B L)

DAY 3: UYUNI SALT FLATS - POTOSI
Overland drive to Potosi through the stupendous Andean Range, crossing Indian villages and mining areas. Potosi is the highest city of the world (4200 metres) and is doted with an exceptionnal historical heritage. In the afternoon, visit of the rich colonial centre of Potosi, including the Mint House, Santo Domingo, Santa Teresa and San Lorenzo Churches as well as the great colonial museum. Overnight in Potosi. (B L)

DAY 4: MINE IN CERRO RICO/ SUCRE
An unforgettable visit to the Cerro Rico overlooking the city. The silver mine of the Cerro consecrated Potosi as the richest city on Earth during the Spanish Colonisation. Nowadays, the silver has gone but mining activities still go on. Miners excavate in terrible conditions the Cerro in search for lead, mercury and other mineral. In the afternoon, bus to Sucre (3 hours), a stupendous colonial city at a moderate altitude (2700 metres, thus offering a nice contrast with the highlands. Overnight in Sucre. (B)

DAY 5:SUCRE
Visit of the Casa de la Libertad, the museum of the Cathedral where the Virgin of Guadalupe stands, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre dating from the XVIIth century, the Indian Textile Art Museum and the church and museum of La Recoleta. the afternoon is free. Overnigh in Sucre. (B)

DAY 6:SUCRE - La PAZ
Transfer out and flight to La Paz (B)

Extensions

- Instead of flying back to La Paz on day 6, you may fly to Santa Cruz and start the Samaitapa and Jesuit Missions itinerary.

General Information and Price

Rated: Easy


Departure dates
Daily. The best season is from May to September

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	1	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1263	$ 748	$ 604	$ 527	$ 62
EUR	€ 1048	€ 621	€ 501	€ 438	€ 51
GBP	£ 707	£ 419	£ 338	£ 295	£ 34

(*) Price last updated on 06 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request
(**) Train only on Tuesday and Friday




Included: Lodging in standard hotels, meals and excursions as specified, experienced guides, entrance fees, transport and transfers, flight Sucre/La Paz

Not included: Other meals, drinks, tips