Transportation
Private modern Van
Group Size
Up to 10 people
Duration
4 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Join us on the ultimate 3-day 4WD adventure through the Central Andes, exploring some of Bolivia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our journey will begin in La Paz, where we’ll set off towards Oruro. It is a vibrant city that serves as the gateway to the Aymara cultural heritage. We will visit the impressive Aymara funerary towers, learning about ancient traditions that shaped the region.
Also, we will make our way to Curahuara de Carangas, home to the extraordinary Andean Sistine Chapel. This unique church, with its vivid frescoes, offers a rare glimpse into Bolivia’s rich religious history. As the day continues, we will explore the nearby geysers, marveling at the power of nature. Then we will unwind in the soothing hot springs that lie hidden within this rugged landscape.
Our following day will take us near the Chilean border. We will visit Sabaya and venture into the vast Coipasa Salt Flats. Here, the endless white expanses will provide us with surreal photo opportunities. Continuing our journey, we will arrive in Jirira, a community with stunning views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.
On the final day, we will visit Coqueza, a village that sits on the edge of the world-famous Salar de Uyuni. The vast, mirror-like salt flats stretch out as far as the eye can see, offering one of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth. We will explore the Incahuasi and Pia Pia Islands, where giant cacti and fascinating rock formations dominate the scenery.
Our adventure will culminate in Uyuni, where we will visit the Island of Flags. This place represents international unity amidst the stark beauty of the salt flats.
This La Paz Uyuni and Sajama Tour promises an amazing experience. It will be full of awe-inspiring sights and unique cultural encounters. Over the course of three days, we will immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Andes.
We will explore from ancient sites to natural wonders, while enjoying the comfort and safety of our 4WD vehicles. Join us for this incredible journey through one of Bolivia’s most iconic regions.
The standard option doesn’t include entrance fees and accommodation is in local lodges with private bathrooms. The upgraded option includes higher-end hotel accommodations and cover the entrance fees (Sajama National Park and Incahuasi Island)
Uyuni Salt Flats: From January to April, the Central Andes experience a weather phenomenon. This is the Altiplano winter, which brings the rainy season. Thus, the itinerary may be subject to changes. We might not visit Incahuasi Island, in the center of the salt flat, where water accumulates.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the trip to stay hydrated and help with altitude adjustment.
Pack Warm Clothing: The highlands can get cold, especially at night. Bring layers, including a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat.
Cash: Bring cash, as ATMs are scarce in remote areas and small villages.
Did you know the Uru-Chipaya tribe in Oruro, Bolivia, is Latin America’s oldest surviving culture? According to their legends, these incredible people were born from water and wind, and they’ve astonishingly thrived for 4,500 years, outlasting the Aymara empire, the Incas, and Spanish colonization.
Today, they continue to live in the rugged Coipasa Salt Flats, right along the path of this amazing tour. Discover their enduring legacy and rich history as you journey through one of the most fascinating regions on Earth!
The La Paz Uyuni and Sajama NP tour starts with your pick up at 7:00 am and head towards Oruro on the highway. Then we will go westward to see the impressive Aymara funerary towers dating back to the 12th century.
We’ll stop at Curahuara de Carangas to visit the famous and unusual Andean Sistine Chapel. Around noon, we will have lunch and take some time to rest at the lodge. We will explore the geisers and enjoy relaxing in unique hot springs at 35 degrees Celsius. End the day with dinner at the lodge.
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll head south, near the Chilean border. We check the flora and fauna native to the high Andean ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity.
We’ll reach the town of Sabaya, home to one of the largest bell towers in the Catholic Church in the region, where you’ll enjoy lunch. Later, we’ll cross the Coipasa Salt Flats, a smaller salt flat compared to Uyuni. This is until we reach Jirira, a small village where we’ll have dinner and rest.
We start at 10:30 am visiting the village of Coqueza, exploring a mysterious archaeological site. We will take a hike that offers stunning views of the Salar de Uyuni from a higher vantage point. This showcases the immense size of this salt desert.
Afterward, in our 4WD vehicle, we’ll venture into the salt flats for a typical lunch amidst the desert. Following this, we’ll visit Incahuasi Island for a hike and explore Pia Pia Island. Later in the afternoon, we head towards Uyuni. There we will visit the Island of Flags of the World, the first salt hotel, and finally await the sunset!
Celebrate the journey with a glass of excellent Bolivian wine and salty treats as the sun sets. Around 6:30 pm, we will return to Uyuni/hotel/airport. This marks the end of our La Paz, Uyuni and Sajama tour.
The best time for this tour is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is stable. During this time the roads are more accessible. However, visiting during the rainy season (November to April) offers the unique experience of seeing the mirror effect on the Salar de Uyuni.
We will use a comfortable 4WD vehicle, specifically designed for rugged terrain. These vehicles are ideal for navigating the challenging landscapes of the Central Andes and provide safety and comfort throughout the journey.
The tour is suitable for most ages, but participants should be in good health and comfortable with long drives on sometimes bumpy roads. Due to the high altitudes, it’s important to consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
The tour involves high altitudes, especially around the Salar de Uyuni and Sajama National Park. We will ascend gradually to help acclimatize, but it’s advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals. Consider bringing altitude sickness medication, particularly if you are prone to it.
We will spend most of the third day exploring the Salar de Uyuni, including visits to Incahuasi Island, Pia Pia Island, and the Island of Flags. This allows ample time to experience the unique landscape and take memorable photos.
Yes, the tour can be customized or extended based on your interests. Please contact us in advance to discuss your preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
Unfortunately, this tour does not include a visit to the San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
