«The trail followed by the caravan is straight, solid and traverses thousands of kilometers, always by taking the most direct line. It climbs mountains, descends at the bottom of valleys, traverses precipices and torrents on suspended bridges. It is not made of stones but of an extraordinary resistant mix of clay, gravel and triturated hay, a type of mortar, capable of supporting water and ice for hundreds of years. There are two roads of this type, very long, traversing the empire from north to South: one by the mountain, the other by the coast. And there are hundreds of trails, linking them from East to West …»
Extract from René Simon’s book “En el país de los Incas”, Editions SM, Madrid, 1988.
The llama caravans appeared during the pre-Colombian period. To subsist, the Andean populations located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and of the salt desert of Uyuni needed to exchange victuals (quinoa, potatoes, salt and meat products (from llama)). But it wasn’t varied or sufficient.
This is how new routes emerged towards the valleys and the coastline in search of corn, algae and fish. During the time of the Incas, these caravans consisted of over three thousand animal head and used to criss-cross the Andes to supply the Empire. They linked the various ecological layers, which allowed the population to never go hungry. This practice, though greatly simplified by the use of trucks, is still in existence.
We invite you to join one of these caravans, departing from the deserts of the Great Lipez to arrive in the valleys near Tupiza. There, the “llameros” trade their salt, but also other products such as dry and salted meat (“charque”), pottery, bags and ropes made out of the camelide’s wool, leather and occasionally agricultural products exclusive of Andean regions like the quinoa and the dehydrated potato (chuño). In exchange, they principally obtained corn, which did not grow on the desolated lands of the Altiplano.
With its arrival, the caravan receives a welcome ceremony. After the offerings to the Pachamama, the trading begins: An alpaca leg for 10 kg of corn or one entire llama carcass for 25 to 45 kg or corn. The long negotiations can last many days.
After resting, the “llameros” prepare for their return trip while continuing to trade, but this time negotiating the products they are bringing back from the valleys. Once back in their home, their families organize a party to honor the llamas victoriously back from their traverse.

Airport pick up (flight number and arrival time to be confirmed) and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.

Departure from the hotel at 8:30 a.m. in our private vehicle, to discover the most spectacular viewpoint over the city, unbelievably located in the “pit” of the Choqueyapu river canyon, with the Royal Mountain Range “Giants” as the background: Huayna Potosi, Mururata and Illimani.
This tour, particularly designed for photo lovers, first takes us to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the Laykakota Park, on the Northwestern side of the city. Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge to go to the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi. From there, an abrupt descent leads us to the “South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the Valley of the Moon, a place where we will be able to walk between psychedelic looking sandstone formations.
Return downtown in the afternoon.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.

We depart from the hotel at 7 a.m. in our private 4WD in the direction of the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.). We cross the whole altiplano to arrive at the end of the day on the outskirt of the Salar in the village of Jirita, located at the foot of volcano Tunupa.
Lunch on the way included. All included. Night at Doña Lupe et Don Carlos’. (Basic comfort)

With guide – No technical difficulty – Good physical condition required Early departure for the ascent of the volcano that dominates the whole of the 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

North to south traverse of the Salar. Possibility of a walk on the immense salt plateau before a stop at the heart of the Salar on Incahuasi Island. This island of volcanic origin is covered with stromatolites and giant cacti. Then we visit the small known Isla del Pescado (Fish Island) located nearby. Beautiful walk on the island. The viewpoints over the Salar are mind blowing. At the end of the day we arrive in San Juan (3/4h). On the way we stop at «Devil’s Cave».
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

After leaving San Juan, we cross the Salar de Chiguana. Then the dirt road climbs from 3600 m to about 4200 m of altitude. We pass at the foot of the volcanoes Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) and Ollague (still active), on the Chilean border. On the way down to the South, we take the “Route of the Jewels”: lagunas Cañapa, Hedionda, Ch’arkota, Honda and Ramaditas, sanctuary to three varieties of Flamingoes. The track follows on through the beautiful scenery of the Siloli Desert before arriving, in the afternoon, at Laguna Colorada.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (basic comfort).

We depart at 6 a.m. for an excursion to the geysers Sol de Mañana (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.) a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. We reach laguna Verde, at the foot of volcano Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) before noon, to assist at its possible color change.
We stop for lunch on the shores of the Laguna before returning to Laguna Salada and then turn to the East. From there, 2 to 3 hours on a dirt road, through the Altiplano and some green canyons, take us to Quetena Chico.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

We drive towards the small village of Relave, starting point of our lama caravan. On the way, we visit the ancient village of San Antonio del Nuevo Mundo. According to the legend, the village was suddenly abandoned because of a massive and unexplained invasion of viscachas (rodent typical of this area).
Preparation for the loading of the lamas. Collect of the medicinal plants that will be transported by the caravan.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host in Relave (basic comfort).

Caravan departure ceremony (“challa”). The whole community participates, offers alcohol to the earth, as an offering to the Pachamama, and burn plants to thank the “achachilas”, the mountain spirits in Aymara.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with host in Relave (basic comfort).

We leave in the direction of the valleys, to the discovery of ancestral traditions. Our caravan will follow the relief of the Lipez region.
In the middle of the day, we reach our day’s destination.
All included. Bivouac.
Tout compris. Bivouac.

All included. Bivouac.

All included. Bivouac.

All included. Bivouac.

All included. Bivouac.

All included. Bivouac.

All included. Bivouac.

We witness the exchange of merchandise between the two villages.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with host in Chichuana (basic comfort).

In Chicuana, we find our private 4WD vehicle awaiting us to take us to the pleasant town of Tupiza (6/7h-trip on a dirt road).
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel **.

Trekking day, on foot, on horseback or mountain bike, through colorful canyons with interesting geological formations (some resembling phallic symbols). The trip and its duration can be adapted to the level of the participants.
Afternoon open. In the evening departure of the train to Oruro by way of Uyuni (schedule variable depending on traveling day).
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Night in the train.
Note: Hotel ** available before train departure / restaurant service on board.

Long traverse of the entire Altiplano by train. Arrival towards midnignt in Uyuni (30-minute stop). Arrival early morning in Oruro (schedule variable depending on traveling day). We finish our trip to La Paz by bus. Arrival in La Paz before noon and transfer to the hotel. End of the day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.

Pick up at our hotel in a private vehicle, 3 hours prior to flight departure time, for transfer to airport / international flight number and time to be confirmed.