Overland San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni and La Paz - 7 Days

Arrival at Calama Airport. Transfer to hostel. Free day.

Free day to relax or taking optional tours like Moon Valley or Astro Photography tour.

Geisers del Tatio Excursion:
You will be picked up at the hostel between 04:30 and 05:00 depending on season to be able to admire the driest and highest desert in the world. The road will take you between hills and mountains of the tough Andes range until you reach the geothermal site of the geisers, 1 hour and a half after departure. There you will be able to admire the out of this world geisers, fumaroles and steaming craters that show the volcanic activity of the region. The geisers reserve is located at 89 km from San Pedro and 4.230 meters above sea level. So temperature is low in summer (-6 degrees Celcius) and even colder in winter (July-August) (-20 degrees Celcius). It is very important to take warm clothes and plenty of water to help your body adapt to such a high altitude. Breakfast is offered viewing the geothermic field and on the way back there is a short stop at Machuca Village. Back to San Pedro past mid day.

06:30-07:00 pick up for the beginning of the San Pedro to Uyuni Overland. There is a stop at the border to go through Chilean immigration before departing San Pedro. After a short but nice ride the minibus reaches Hito Cajon, the border with Bolivia and in the foothills of the Licancabur Volcano. There you will change to the Jeep 4WD you are going to use until the end of the overland and have breakfast meeting your driver and other staff. They almost don´t speak English and even their Spanish is basic but are normally very friendly and helpful. This is the beginning of the real adventure. The vehicle will ride along deserted landscapes, climbing higher and higher without even noticing it is happening. You will see lagoons with plenty of wild life (Red and White lagoons), huge white topped mountains and volcanoes, and altiplanic plains while you talk to your companions and learn about their travels. Lunch is provided at a place of hot springs and after that, the second part of the day takes you to the Sol de Mañana geisers and finally to Laguna Colorada, where more than 30.000 flamingos nest every year. The night will be spent at Huaylajara at a family or communal hostel. Basic but clean and enough to sleep and eat to be ready for next day! Attention, this 1st day you will reach 4.500 meters above sea level, so take into account the many tips to avoid “soroche”.

Important note: The Bolivian High Plateau, also known as the Puna, is a remote region with limited services, scarce water, no electricity in many areas, and a local culture very different from what most travelers may be used to. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the journey is unforgettable - but the itinerary is subject to change at any time due to weather conditions, road closures, or limited availability of accommodations. Schedules are flexible, food is simple (not gourmet), and both the altitude and the vehicles can be uncomfortable. The salt flats may be flooded, requiring alternate routes. If you're approaching this trip with expectations of punctuality, comfort, and polished service, you might not enjoy it. But if you come with an open mind, understanding the limitations of the region and its people, you'll likely have the adventure of a lifetime - and take home some of your best travel memories.

Please note that on this first day you will reach 4,500 meters above sea level, so take into account the many tips to avoid 'soroche' (altitude sickness).

Breakfast, a bit relax before everyone is ready and off you go to learn a bit more about life in the Altiplano. The second day, the road is less dramatic and lonely and you will see more signs of civilization. You will visit the Siloli desert where the wind and sun and a bit rain carved strange volcanic rock formations. By lunch time you will be at Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon) and in the afternoon you will see the canyon of river Anaconda. In the evening, arrival at Salt Hotel in the shores of the Uyuni Salt Flat for a comforting 2nd night in the desert.

It's another early start between 04:00 and 05:00 to cross the biggest and highest salt flat in the world. Weather permitting, you will be able to see the sunrise in the middle of the salt flat, one of the most beautiful experiences the Altiplano has to offer - and simply being on the salt flat is already breathtaking! Having breakfast in this amazing setting will probably be one of the most unforgettable meals you'll ever have.

The driver has to drive slowly so you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy and be amazed by this out-of-this-world landscape. Around midday we'll stop for lunch at a salt hotel and restaurant close to Colchani village, the gateway to the flats. We'll arrive in Uyuni town in the afternoon so you will have time to relax, grab a coffee, charge your mobile devices and connect with your friends and family to tell them about your adventures! In the evening make your own way to the bus station and catch an overnight cama bus to La Paz at 20:00.

Arrival in La Paz, end of services.

Calama airport pick-up
3 nights' accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama
Geisers del Tatio excursion
San Pedro to Uyuni Overland including:
* Transportation
* 2 nights' accommodation
* Spanish speaking driver/guide
* 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Overnight bus from Uyuni to La Paz