Journey to the Uyuni Salt Flats

Today, you’ll begin with a personalized tour around Bolivia’s cultural capital, La Paz. During the exclusive city tour, admire sights like the central Plaza Murillo (where the Presidential Palace, National Congress and Metropolitan Cathedral are all found) and the world-famous Witches’ Market (where healers sell traditional herbal medicines and remedies). Perhaps even explore some of the city’s many museums.

Later, escape from the urban center to the Valley of the Moon, named for its curious lunar-like landscape – the result of erosion.

After a short morning flight to Uyuni, you’ll find yourself at one of the most remarkable places on the planet: the perfectly level, dazzlingly white salt plain of Uyuni. Learn about how salt is extracted here and visit Incahuasi Island, an isolated cluster of coral and catci located smack bang in the middle of this sea of white.

Marvel at the distant views of the Tunupa Volcano and enter the caves that contain the pre-Inca Mummies of Coquesa, whose naturally preserved bodies were discovered here. That night, you’ll sleep in a stylish hotel constructed almost entirely from salt.

Begin today with a drive through the mountain deserts to Laguna Colorada, a vast high-altitude lake whose waters have a striking red hue, thanks to the abundant algae and microorganisms. Snap photos of the bizarre lagoon and watch for feeding flamingos at the water’s edge; three species of the long-legged bird can all be seen here.

Continue your guided bus tour at the bubbling Sol de Mañana geysers and the Chalviri salt pan before ending up at another unusually colored lake: Laguna Verde (meaning the Green Lake). The Licancahur Volcano can usually be seen reflecting off the brilliantly bright aqua waters here.

After a day of adventure, you’ll be dropped off at your luxury hotel high in the mountain plain, where you can spend a restful evening.

On day five, you’ll travel into the ultra-arid Siloli Desert, whose ensemble of almost sculpture-like rock formations must be seen to be believed. Among the unusual formations is the famous stone tree, which inspired Dali’s surrealist landscapes.

Next, your private tour around Bolivia’s southwest will take you back toward Uyuni, with stops at yet more lagoons: some colored (Honda and Charkota), some favored among flamingos (Kañapa) and one whose name translates to “stinking lake” (Hedionda – and the smell its name refers to is sulfur).

For your final night in the Uyuni Salt Flats, you’ll return to the salt hotel.

This morning, you’ll be transferred to Uyuni airport for your flight to La Paz. That afternoon, your Bolivia private tour will take you to Tiahuanaco, the ancient capital of an extremely advanced pre-Inca civilization who – despite these impressive remnants – we know so little about.

At an appropriate time, your Kuoda La Paz host will transfer you back to the airport for your international flight home.

To start planning your personal trip-of-a-lifetime to Bolivia including a custom Uyuni Salt Flats tour, get in touch with a Kuoda travel consultant today.