This self-sustained, off-the-beaten-path, 4Wd expedition traverses the marvels of the Bolivian Altiplano. From the pleasant town of Tupiza, we enter the “Great Lipez”, a region seldom visited by tourists where it is not rare to spot condors, and cross it until we reach the South point of Bolivia. We then head north, to the Salar de Uyuni following the route of the lagunas.
Note: This inhospitable region offers only rustic conditions, dust, sparse water points and cool nights…to the traveler. The marvels of nature must be deserved !

We abruptly climb to the Altiplano and enter areas mostly unknown to tourism. In this wild and deserted country, live condors and ostriches that have escaped the more traveled areas of the South of Lipez. We drive through the village of San Vicente, where Butch Cassidy and Billy the Kid ended their legendary epic then through San Pablo de Lipez, before arriving at the end of the day in San Antonio.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort)

We head west towards the South of Lipez. Visit of 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). We pass by the strange geological formation of “Torreón”, then a pass at 4500 m.a.s.l., before descending towards Laguna Morejón. We change direction to visit Laguna Celeste. Then we get back on the road and head for the village of Quetena.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (basic comfort).

Departure in the morning towards the village of Quetena Grande. We then cross entirely the preserve of Eduardo Avaroa, passing by Laguna Salada and the Salar de Challviri. Before noon, we reach Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca, at the foot of volcano Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.). Lunch near the Hot Springs.
After lunch we head North, driving through the Dali desert (named for its landscapes reminiscent of one of his paintings) and by Sol de Mañana Geysers, a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. In the afternoon, we arrive at Laguna Colorada, sanctuary to 3 varieties of flamingoes.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a shelter (basic comfort).

We drive in the direction of the North through the magnificent landscapes of the Siloli desert before reaching the “Route of the Jewels”: lagunas Ramaditas, Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa, sanctuaries to 3 different types of flamingoes. We pass at the foot of two important volcanoes: Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) and Ollagüe (still active), on the Chilean border. Later on, we cross the Chiguana Salar before arriving in the village of San Juan at the end of the day.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

In the morning, departure for the world’s largest salt desert: the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.).
The atmosphere is special: the horizon seems to not have any limits and the immensity is overwhelming. We stop at the heart of the Salar on la “isla del pescado” or Fish Island. This island of volcanic origin is covered with stromatolites and giant cacti. We also visit the touristy island of Incahuasi (often confused with its larger neighbor) before returning to Uyuni. On the way we visit the Salt Hotels (Closed since November 2001) and ultimately, the salt exploitation of Colchani.