The Salt Route, Fish Island , Tunupa Volcano, Jirira

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.

Journey across the immense salt desert to the peasant community of Jirira, which lies at 40 km from Isla de Pescado. Here the people’s way of life revolves around the Salar. In pre-colonial times this village housed one of the most important shrines at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano. During our journey we shall see lakes inhabited by a great number of flamingos and herds of llamas. These remote lands are also home to herds of timid vicuñas and flightless rheas (suri or ñandu) can also sometimes be seen. Out programme includes a visit to the archaeological sites of the Tunupa Volcano where mummies can be seen. We shall also visit the Volcano itself. In spite of its altitude, this hulking yellow mountain is a relatively easy climb by 4x4 WD. At the foot of the mountain lies the community of Jirira, in an area that is scattered with the ruins of ancient villages and burial grounds. Some of the sites have been found to contain traces of clothing and artefacts in ceramic, gold and copper, indicating the presence of an advanced and little-known culture. Lodging basic, dinner and rest.

Uyuni - Salt Flat of Uyuni - Tunupa Volcano - Jirira	2 Days - 1 Night
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, Uyuni, was founded in 1889 by Bolivia president Aniceto Arce, most of its current 20.000 resident are employed in two major enterprises, governement mining railway workers, military and police, still a commercial and communication centre was, for much of 20th century, important as a major railway juntion for comunications between Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

Day 1 :: Uyuni / Salt Flat of Uyuni / Jirira / Volcan Tunupa
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. Journey across the immense salt desert to the peasant community of Jirira, which lies at 40 km from Isla de Pescado. Here the people’s way of life revolves around the Salar. In pre-colonial times this village housed one of the most important shrines at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano. During our journey we shall see lakes inhabited by a great number of flamingos and herds of llamas. These remote lands are also home to herds of timid vicuñas and flightless rheas (suri or ñandu) can also sometimes be seen. Out programme includes a visit to the archaeological sites of the Tunupa Volcano where mummies can be seen. We shall also visit the Volcano itself. In spite of its altitude, this hulking yellow mountain is a relatively easy climb by 4x4 WD. At the foot of the mountain lies the community of Jirira, in an area that is scattered with the ruins of ancient villages and burial grounds. Some of the sites have been found to contain traces of clothing and artefacts in ceramic, gold and copper, indicating the presence of an advanced and little-known culture. Lodging basic, dinner and rest.
Day 2 :: Jirira / Fish Island / Uyuni
Departure from Jirira to 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. The island is so named because it has the shape of a fish. We will have a llama-meat barbecue for lunch and return to Uyuni in the afternoon. Our services end on arrival.
Private & Shared Tours: April to November, all weeks

The Program Include:
	Hotel 2* (Salt Hotel) One night
	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

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)