This completely self-sufficient 4WD expedition is reserved to the lovers of wide open space and of stunning scenery.
Without leaving the chain of volcanoes forming the Chilean border, we skirt the Atacama Desert and head for the Salar de Uyuni. We then follow the “Road of the jewels”, judiciously named, where successively appear the nicest lagunas of the Altiplano.  We keep on heading north along the desolated tracks of the country of Urus, by way of the Salar de Coipasa and the sepultures of Río Lauca, to finally reach the park of Sajama. Parfait mix of volcanoes, hot springs and geysers, this park shelters the culminating point of Bolivia (6542 m) as well as a particularly abundant fauna.

Please note, this inhospitable region offers the traveler only the most rustic living conditions: dust, rarified water and fresh nights…
Take your cameras and let’s go!

A steep ascent to the Altiplano takes us to the border post of Hito Cajón, entry point into the region of Lipez. We reach Laguna Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) before noon, to witness a curious phenomenon: the wind picks up and the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color.
Then we cross the Dali Desert (named after its scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings) before skirting Laguna Salada and stopping at the thermal baths of Polques.
Finally we arrive at the Sol de Mañana Geysers (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.) a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. At the end of the day we reach Laguna Colorada. This laguna owes its intense red-brick color to the presence in its water of millions of shellfish Artemia, well studied by scientists for their incredible adaptability in saline environment.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a shelter (basic comfort).

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 following the “Route of the Jewels”: lagoons Ramaditas, Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa, a sanctuary to 3 different types of flamingoes. We stop at the viewpoint of 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 at the foot of volcano Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) before arriving in the village of San Juan where are located the spectacular mummies of the “Lipez Lords” (1200 A.D.).
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

A 2-hour trip from San Juan will take us to the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.), the largest salt desert in the world. The atmosphere is special: the horizon seems to not have any limits and the immensity is overwhelming. We head north to the Island of Incahuasi. This Island is of volcanic origin and covered with stromatolites (fossilized bacteria representing the first traces of life on earth) and giant cacti.
In the afternoon we cross the Salar to reach its Northern extremity, at the foot of volcano Tunupa. We stop in Coquesa, a small village on the shores of the salar, known for its Chipaya mummies, before arriving at Jirira.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos in the Aymara village of Jirira (basic comfort).

In the morning we drive to the Salar of Coipasa. We find ourselves in the heart of the wild and arid altiplano, surrounded by volcanoes that punctuate the nearby Chilean border …
We spend the night in Pisiga, small border village with Chile.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

We cross the Urus country on sandy and treacherous dirt roads. Before crossing Río Lauca, appear the most beautiful polychromatic chullpas of Bolivia (the chullpas are the ancient tombs of Aymara lords; pre-Inca times). We reach Sajama National Park in the afternoon after a 5 to 6-hour journey.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Isabel and Marcelo’s (basic comfort).

In the afternoon, return to La Paz (3/4h) via the small village of Curahuara de Carangas and its colonial richly decorated church (perfectly preserved frescoes). On the way, we stop to visit chullpas (carangas tombs) now empty after their systematic pillaging.
End of day open.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel ***.