Adventure in Uyuni, Bolivia!

Salar de Uyuni

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Day 1: Arrival in Uyuni

Fly into Joya Andina Airport (UYU) or take the scenic overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni. Upon arrival, check into a salt hotel, uniquely constructed with blocks of salt. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and explore the small town, visiting the train cemetery where the skeletons of 19th-century steam locomotives eerily rest.

Day 2: The Great Salt Flats

Kick off your adventure early to watch the sunrise over the salt flats. The vast, mirror-like surface of Salar de Uyuni offers a surreal landscape and is a spectacle to behold as the first light of day touches the salt. After sunrise, a 4x4 journey across the flats includes visits to Isla Incahuasi, a hilly outpost covered in giant cacti, and the remains of a submerged volcano. Learn about the local ecosystem and the salt extraction process, an intriguing blend of nature and local industry.

Day 3: Lagoons and Wildlife

Travel south to explore the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Venture to the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada), famous for its red-colored water and a breeding ground for Andean flamingos. Continue to the Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde), a stunning, emerald-colored body of water set against the backdrop of the Licancabur volcano. The high altitude and striking contrasts make for exceptional photography.

Day 4: Hot Springs and Return

Before dawn, depart for Sol de Mañana geysers, a geothermal field where you can witness spouting geysers and bubbling mud pots as the sun rises. Post exploration, unwind in the natural hot springs of Polques, soaking in the thermal waters while enjoying the panoramic views. By noon, make your way back to Uyuni, stopping at the Valley of Rocks, an area known for wind-eroded rock formations.

Conclude your adventure with reflections on the vast, ethereal beauty of Salar de Uyuni, a truly unique spectacle of nature and a highlight for any adventure traveler.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: Uyuni"s Train Cemetery - Journey Through Time

Day 1: Arrival in Uyoni and Train Cemetery Exploration

Welcome to Uyuni, Bolivia! Begin your high-altitude adventure with a thrilling exploration of the Train Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful testament to Bolivia"s once-thriving railway system. To reach this rusting graveyard, hop onto one of the frequent minibusses from Uyuni town. The journey is a short 3-kilometer trip southwest of the city, easily accessible and perfect for those eager to dive straight into adventure.

Upon arrival, you"re greeted by the eerie sight of hollowed-out shells of locomotives and carriages, dating back to the 19th century. Wander among these steel giants and marvel at the stark contrast of rust against the vast, open altiplano. The cemetery was originally a distribution hub for trains carrying minerals to the Pacific coast but was abandoned in the 1940s when the industry collapsed.

Climb aboard the structures for a unique photo opportunity, and as the sun sets, watch the area transform with shadows casting dramatic shapes - a perfect spot for photographers and history buffs alike.

Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats Adventure

After a fascinating first day, take on the natural wonders of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Begin early and catch a local 4x4 tour, which whisks you into the heart of the flats. The surreal landscape of Salar de Uyuni serves as a mirror to the sky, creating illusions that blend the horizon with the earth.

Spend your day racing across the salt crust, stopping at the Incahuasi Island to admire giant cacti and fossilized corals. As evening approaches, enjoy a picnic under the stars where the sky and ground merge into one.

Return and Reflect

Return to Uyoni in the evening, filled with awe and appreciation for the sheer power and beauty of Bolivia’s landscapes. Share stories of your exploration over local cuisine, a satisfying end to your journey through time and nature.

This adventure to Uyuni"s Train Cemetery not only offers a glimpse into Bolivia"s industrial past but also serves as a gateway to some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Tunupa Volcano

Why Visit?

Tunupa Volcano Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uyuni

Begin your adventure in Uyuni, the gateway to the Bolivian Altiplano. Arrive at Joya Andina Airport and check into a local eco-lodge. Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude (over 3,600 meters), and if time allows, explore Uyuni"s quaint town center with its famous train cemetery, home to the haunting remains of 19th-century locomotives.

Day 2: Salar de Uyuni

Embark on a sunrise jeep tour to the mesmerizing Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Witness the breathtaking spectacle as the early morning sun reflects off the crystalline salt crust. Learn about the local salt extraction processes and visit the Isla Incahuasi, an island teeming with giant cacti and offering panoramic views of the salt flat. Return to Uyuni by late afternoon.

Day 3: Journey to Tunupa Volcano

Head north from Uyuni, driving past small desert villages and quinoa fields to the village of Coquesa at the base of the majestic Tunupa Volcano. The drive offers stunning vistas of the altiplano and glimpses of vicuñas and flamingos. In Coquesa, visit the mummy caves, containing well-preserved ancient remains, offering an insight into the region’s rich archaeological history.

Day 4: Climb Tunupa Volcano

Begin the day early with a guided trek up Tunupa Volcano. The climb, suitable for those with moderate trekking experience, promises exhilarating views of the Salar de Uyuni and the surrounding high-altitude desert landscape. The hike to the viewpoint at 4700 meters takes about 3-4 hours. Descend to Coquesa and enjoy a traditional Andean meal prepared by locals.

Day 5: Departure

Return to Uyuni for your departure. Reflect on the unforgettable high-altitude adventures and the stunning natural beauty experienced.

Interesting Fact: Tunupa Volcano is named after a deity in Andean folklore, believed to be the guardian of the mountains.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.