Uyuni - Salt Flat of Uyuni - Fish Island - Laguna Colorada - Laguna Verde
- S. Pedro (Chile) |
3
Days - 2 Nights |
One of the most marvels region of Bolivia ever more known to the World, this sea of Salt, the largest in the World, stronghold of epochs inmemorial when the sea covered the earth, is an unmatchable natural attraction valued for its beauty and geological richness, featuring thermal waters, geysers, and other volcanic activity. Withing the National Park, in the South Lipez in the foothills of the Volcano Licancabur, which snowcapped peaks offer magnificent climbing opportunities, one will also find the Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), home of flocks of pink flamingos and the verily green Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). |
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Day
1 :: Uyuni
/ Salt Desert /Mummies
Museum / Galaxy cave / Devil's cave / Salt Hotel |
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Departure from Uyuni city at 09:00 am to Salt Flat of Uyuni by 4x4WD. We are going to visit the Train Cemetery, where you can see the remains of nineteenth and early 20th century steam locomotives and which is a good place to take artistic photographs. Arrival at Colchani COLCHANI, lies beside the Salar de Uyuni and is the home of the Cooperative Rosario – the main plant for the iodisation of salt. It is the best place to observe the methods of salt extraction from the Salar which is different to that employed to the north in the Salar de Coipasa. Here ovens are used to dry the salt, which is then formed into cakes. We will visit the salt refinery where you will witness the iodisation of salt for national consumption. Fish Island is located in the centre of the salar at 100 km from Uyuni and 40 km from Jirira. This is the main destination for most salt-desert tours. It is a remarkable and otherworldly place – a hilly outpost covered in trichocerus cacti and a flat, white sea of hexagonal salt tiles. A large population of stranded viscachas (Andean rodents) inhabits its rocky slopes which also afford views of the slat flats that are reminiscent of the Polar region, dominated by the colours blue and white, but with images of hills turned to one side by 45°. Fish Island is an oasis with a unique and isolated ecosystem that is populated by cacti up to 10 metres high. Photographers will find that Fish Island is one of the best sites in the world to indulge their passion. It
is estimated that the Salar contains large reserves of lithium, magnesium,
sodium and boron. Fish Island – Located in the centre of the Salar and
at 80 km from the Salt Hotel lies Fish Island (Isla Pescado). This forms
an oasis with a unique and isolated ecosystem, populated by cacti between
8 and 10 metres high. Photographers will find Fish Island an excellent
site from which to indulge in their hobby as it affords views of the
salt flats that are reminiscent of the polar region, dominated by the
colours blue and white, and with images of the surrounding hills turned
through 45°. |
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Day
2 :: Salt Hotel / Laguna Colorada |
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We
will have a breakfast. Following breakfast we shall depart for the Red
Lagoon (Laguna Colorada), visiting other lagoons on the way, such as Lagunas
Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Hona and Ramaditas. We shall also
pass through the Siloli Desert. The route passes through spectacular landscapes
with multicoloured volcanic rock formations, and reaches a height of 5000
metres. On the way we shall have a snack at the Paso del Inca, and we
shall arrive at Laguna Colorada at about 3 p.m. Laguna Colorada lies 151
km to the south of San Juan at an altitude of 4278 metres and covers an
area of 60 km2. The rich red colouration is derived from algae and plankton,
which thrive in its minerals, and the shoreline is fringed with brilliant
white deposits of sodium, magnesium, borax and gypsum. The lagoon is inhabited
by numerous flamingos, three species of which breed there. The Chilean
flamingo (Phoenicopterus Chilensis) reaches a height of just over one
metre and has a black-tipped white bill, dirty blue legs, red knees and
salmon-coloured plumage. The James flamingo (Phoenicopterus James) is
the smallest of the three species. The Andean flamingo (Phoenicopterus
Andinus) is the largest of the three and has pink plumage, yell legs and
a yellow and black bill. To see these pink posers strutting through icy
mineral lagoons at 5000m will make you abandon timeworn associations between
flamingos, coconut palms and hot steamy tropics. At Laguna Colorada we
shall have a camp dinner find lodgings. |
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| Day 3 :: Laguna Colorada - Laguna Verde - San Pedro of Atacama (Chile) | |
We
shall depart from Laguna Colorada to Laguna verde.On the way we shall
visit the volcanic zone ‘Sol de Mañana’ (Morning Sun). Here, at
4850 metres, lies a geyser basin with bubbling mud pots, hellish fumaroles
and a thick aroma of sulphur fumes. This is a site of intense volcanic
activity. Inside a small crater we shall observe boiling lava, reminding
us of the age in which the earth was formed. We shall also stop at hot
springs, where we can bathe, and cross a pass at 5000 metres. Arrive at
Laguna Verde at 10 a.m. The green colour of this lake arises from high
concentrations of lead, sulphur and calcium carbonate. Behind the lake
rises the cone of the Licancabur Volcano, with an altitude of 5960 metres.
Its summit is said to have once sheltered an Inca crypt. On arrival we
shall have a snack and then spend some time getting to now the place.
Transfer out to San Pedro de Atacama. End services.
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| The Program Include: | |
| All trips to the Salar and Sud Lípez region include transport in 4x4 WD vehicles | |
| English-speaking guide/driver | |
| Cook and assistant cook and full kitchen equipment. Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the expedition | |
| Full camping organised | |
| The Program NOT Include: | |
| Individual personal equipment | |
| Restaurant services in the cities | |
| Tips and extra drinks | |
| The Participant mus bring: | |
| Warm clothes (Jacket, Polar, Gloves and hood) | |
| Light clothes, Sunblock, Good Sunglasses,Torch light | |
| Sleeping bag, Sunhat, Water Bottle, Kit Medical(Microspore tablets purification) | |
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