This expedition in some of the most beautiful areas of the Altiplano is destined for the wide, open space and Andean altitude lovers. Real 4WD expedition combined with the ascents of magnificent volcano Uturuncu, with its summit at over 6000 meters of altitude and the most accessible of Bolivia, and of Tunupa, located on the shore of Salar de Uyuni, recognizable by its multicolored crater.
Take your cameras and good adventure!

4WD expedition from Uyuni to Uyuni
9:30 a.m. departure to visit the train cemetery on the outskirt of town. We then head south. On the way, we visit numerous villages, including the modern urbanization of Culpina K. We take a lunch break in San Cristobal where we can visit the beautiful colonial church if it is open. We then cross Rio Grande, area hosting vicuñas and ñandus (of the ostrich family) to arrive in Alota at the end of the day.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host in Alota (basic comfort).

From Alota, we head south towards the village of Villamar (1½ hours).
We leave our vehicle in a placed called Tomaslaka, at the base of impressive rock formations resembling organs. They mark the end of a 20 km lava flow thousands of years old.
On foot, we enter a completely silent canyon overhang by steep cliffs carved by erosion. Viscachas and wild partridges hidden under rocks are startled by our intrusion.
Further on we discover some abandoned antique tombs, some of which still contain ceramics and bones.
After a few minutes walk, we find ourselves in a vast rocky valley, leading us into the heart of the immense and deserted Altiplano. We cross the bofedals, where llamas and vicuñas find the perfect grazing place in the middle of ducks and guallatas (wild geese of the altiplano).
After 5 hours of trekking on moderate terrain we complete the loop and return to our vehicle. From there we head to the village of Quetena (1½ hour on a dirt road).
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

Ascent with guide – no technical difficulty – good physical condition required
We depart in the morning from the village of Quetena towards the hillsides of the active volcano Uturuncu («jaguar» in Quechua). We follow an old mining road, one of the highest drivable tracks in the world culminating at 5700 meters above sea level. Depending on the snow level, the vehicle can drop us off at about 5000 m.a.s.l. From there, we start our ascent by following the dirt track until it ends. A last effort will take us to the summit.
It takes about 4 hours for the ascent to the summit of the most accessible 6000-meter peak in Bolivia. Count 1 to 2 hours for the descent We get back in our 4WD to reach Alota at sunset.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort).

Morning departure towards the village of Quetena Grande. We then entirely cross 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).

A 2-hour trip from San Juan will take us to the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.). On the way, we stop at “Devil’s Cave” and on the Island of Incahuasi, in the heart of the Salar (the Island is of volcanic origin and covered with stromatolites and giant cacti) We then cross the Salar to reach its Northern extremity, at the foot of volcano Tunupa.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos in the Aymara village of Jirira (basic comfort).

With guide – No technical difficulty – Good physical condition required
Early departure for the ascent of the volcano that dominates the entire 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 and arrival in Uyuni by early evening, after visiting the Salt Hotels and the salt factory of Colchani.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel ***.
Ascent time: 7 h; Elevation gain: +850m/-850m