The Chilean and Bolivian high plateau is a world of immense natural beauty and hidden
treasures. It is a flat terrace placed on top of the Andes at an average altitude of
4000 m/13000 ft above sea level.
Its extraordinary natural attractions include active and dormant volcanoes, clear blue
and emerald lakes with
abundant bird life, extensive steppes supporting diverse populations of cameloids (Llama,
Vicuna, Guanaco and Alpaca), immense sparkling
white salt deposits, hidden hot springs and amazing geysers and occasionally the tiny rustic
villages with picturesque colonial
churches where Aymara Indian shepherds graze their animals and grow their crops. This remote area, situated at high altitude, is not easy to visit but its beauty
and mystique is well worth any sacrifice.
We visit the colonial town of Potosi, which in 1650 was the largest
city in the Americas with a population of 160.000 and one of the most important urban centres
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.
Then, no travel to Bolivia would be perfect without visiting the sapphire-blue waters of mystical Lake Titicaca, with
the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real as backdrop. The world's highest
navigable lake, at 12642 ft/3856 ms, played for 2 millennia a leading role
in Andean beliefs and was at the heart of the most sophisticated Andean civilisations.
The purpose of this trip is to discover the main
tourist and natural attractions situated between San Pedro de Atacama, Uyuni Salt Lake and
La Paz, making this unique overland one of the last grand trips on the planet.
DAY 1: SANTIAGO - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Arrive in santiago de Chile and connection to Calama in the north. Reception at Calama airport and
transfer to the picturesque village of San Pedro de Atacama.
Afternoon hike along the Cordillera de la Sal up to the Moon Valley, an
extraordinary mineral site at the sunset. Overnight in hotel. (L)
DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Excursion into the Atacama Salt Flat where we observe pink flamingos.
Then, visit of Toconao and the fertile Jeria Canyon and drive to Miscanti
Lagoon to enjoy spectacular views over the high plateau. Drive back
to San Pedro. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA- PURITAMA HOTSPRINGS
Gentle hike into the salty mountain range where we discover some geological
curiosity. Then, visit of the archaeological museum of San Pedro and the pre-Inca
fortress of Quitor. In the late afternoon we drive to Puritama thermal
baths (3400m) for an unforgettable bath into the hotsprings. Drive back
to San Pedro. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 4: EL TATIO GEYSER FIELD
We get up very early to drive to the Tatio Geyser Field (4500 mts) where we have
breakfast. We have the chance to observe the geysers at dawn and swim into naturally warm swimming pools.
Then, we drive down to Calama visiting en route Caspana, Chiu-Chiu,
Lasana and the Loa geoglyphs. Arrival at Calama (2250m) and drive back to San Pedro.
Overnight in hotel. (B L).
DAY 5: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - LAGUNA VERDE - LAGUNA COLORADA
Today we begin the trip through the high plateau. We leave Chile behind and enter Bolivia,
skirting Licancabur Volcano. We visit Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. We then continue our
trip to Laguna Colorada and drive through a breathtaking scenery made of bizarre geological
formations, hot springs, and geysers. Overnight at Laguna Colorada shelter (basic), amidst flamencos
and coloured mountains. Overnight in refuge (BLD)
DAY 6: LAGUNA COLORADA - SAN CRISTOBAL
We continue our trip through dramatic landscapes until we reach the small village of
San Cristobal. Overnight in refuge (basic). (BLD)
DAY 7: SAN CRISTOBAL - UYUNI SALT LAKE - UYUNI
We drive across the vast Uyuni Salt Lake and visit Incahuasi Island, a very special island lost
in the middle of the salt flat and covered with giant cactus. No words can describe this unique
experience.
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 between 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.
Overnight in Uyuni. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 8: UYUNI - 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 exceptional historical heritage. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 9: POTOSI
In the morning, visit of the rich colonial centre of Potosi, including
the Casa de la Moneda museum with its important collection of colonial and pre-Colombian art.
Then, you enjoy 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.
Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 10: POTOSI - ORURO
Long drive crossing a big portion of the Bolivian Highlands to Oruro. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 11: ORURO - LA PAZ
Transfer to La Paz (3,636 mt-11,930ft). Free afternoon to explore the city and its colourful streets.
You can visit the San Francisco Church, the Handicraft Market, Government Square,
Jaen Street Museum, Residential areas or to the impressive Moon Valley overlooking the city.
Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 12: LA PAZ - TIWANAKU - COPACABANA
Drive to Tiwanaku (Tihuanaco), named after one of the oldest American cultures
(1580 BC to 1150 AC), considered the cradle of the American civilisation. Visit the
temple of Kalasasaya, the Gate of the Sun, monoliths Ponce and
Fraile, the Akapana pyramid and the semi underground temple.
Drive to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 13: COPACABANA - ISLA DEL SOL - LA PAZ
We board the ferry to Sun Island, a lovely island on Lake Titicaca and one of the most sacred
place of the Incas. We discover its archaeological sites while enjoying amazing views
on the Cordillera Real. Drive back to to La Paz. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 14: LA PAZ - LAKE CHUNGARA - PUTRE
Drive back into Chile, visiting Lake Chungarà en route, a deep blue wild surface from where we
have a fantastic view on Parinacota (6342m) and Sajama (6520m). It is the highest
lake in the world (4500mts).
We cross Lauca National Park classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is surely,
one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. We appreciate the local fauna,
and visit Parinacota before arriving in the Altiplanic town of Putre.
Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 15: PUTRE - SURIRE SALT LAKE - ARICA
Full day excursion to Surire Salt Lake, one of
the most impressive sites of this area; a white salted surface where
hundreds of animals live in perfect harmony with nature. "Surire" means ostrich in the local Aymara
language. Actually, it is possible to see ñandus (Andean ostriches) and other animals
such as lamas, vicuñas, pink flamingos..... We have an unforgettable bath in the Surire hot
springs, surrounded by a fantastic Andean landscape. Drive to Arica visiting en route
Lluta Valley and its cactus fields. Overnight in hotel. (BL)
DAY 16: ARICA - SANTIAGO
City tour and excursion into Azapa Valley to observe dozens of geoglyphs thousands of years old.
Transfer to Arica airport and flight back to Santiago. Connection with your international flight(B)
Rated: Easy/Moderate. The program in itself does it require any special physical aptitude.
It is however demanding and sometimes tiresome because of the local topography. We
travel at high altitude (3800m-4500m) and sometimes without (refuges are extremely basic and uncomfortable - bunk beds, no showers, toilets outside... - but
they are the only accommodation available in the area). Flexibility, tolerance and optimism are key factors to
enjoy this journey.
Options : Clients may choose to end the program on day 13 in La Paz.
The price will be around 85% of the total price, plus eventual transfers and additional services in La Paz
Note: This program ends on day 16 at approx. 4 PM. Please make sure to book an afternoon flight. Excursions depends on local conditions (weather ...)
Naturally we can organise extra days in Santiago de Chile
Departure dates 2006: August 19 - September 9 & 30 - October 21 - November 11 - December 2 & 23
2007: January 13 - February 3 & 24 - March 17 - April 7 & 28 & 30 - May 19 - June 9
|
Tour Tariff
|
|
N° of Participants
|
2-3
|
4-5
|
6+
|
SGL Supp.
|
|
USD
|
$ 3750
|
$ 2850
|
$ 2570
|
$ 380
|
|
EUR
|
€ 3112
|
€ 2365
|
€ 2133
|
€ 315
|
|
GBP
|
£ 2100
|
£ 1596
|
£ 1439
|
£ 212
|
(*)
Price last updated on 12 August 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please
always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) All fixed departures are shared. We also organise private departures at other dates upon request.
(***) Single supplement not available in simple hostels
Included: Lodging in hotels in double room with private bathroom, in hostels & refuges with shared
facilities in remote villages (refuges are very basic), meals as specified, transport and
transfers, bilingual experienced guides
Not included: Other meals, tips, drinks whereas in urban centre, airport taxes,
flight to Calama and from Arica
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