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).
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.
Our journey will take us through the immense alien desert of the Salar de Uyuni. At 3665 metres above sea level, this covers an area of 12000 km2, one-third the area of Belgium. The salt varies from 2 to 20 metres in depth. To travel through this saline landscape provokes a feeling of freedom and unreality.
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°. The island is so named because it has the shape of
a fish. We shall have a llama-meat barbecue for lunch and in the afternoon
we shall continue to San Juan where we will find lodgings or camp and
where we will have dinner.
Departure for the Green Lagoon (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.
Green
Lagoon, We shall 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. Our return journey takes us back past
Laguna Colorada to the village of Quetena Chico, where we shall have dinner
and rest.
Departure to the ‘Blue lagoon’ (Laguna Celeste). On the way we shall visit the Uturuncu Volcano (6040 metres), which is one hour’s journey from Quetena Chico. The road to Uturunco winds its way up behind the lake to the Uturunco sulphur mine, which lies in a 5900 metres pass between the mountain’s twin cones. The name Laguna Celeste means literally ‘Blue Lagoon, but also more figuratively ‘Lake of Heaven’. Local legend suggest that a ruin lies submerged beneath its waters – possibly a chullpa or pre-Hispanic tomb. We shall continue on our journey to San Pablo de Lípez, where we shall find lodging at a refuge and shall have dinner.
Departure to Tupiza. On the way we shall visit El Sillar, where the road straddles a narrow ridge between the peaks and two valleys. On the route we shall find interesting rock formations in the Quebrada de Palala and in the steeper and narrower Quebrada Chrijwayko.
In Quebrada Seca, the route passes into some spectacular formations of red rock. At the intersection, the right fork climbs towards the village of Palmin and the left crosses the Río San Rafael, eventually becoming lost in a region of canyons. In this place we may see condors and it is a particularly beautiful route. The Quebrada de Palmira, the right fork of the road, is comically known as the Valle de los Machos (Valley of Males), or less genteelly as Valle de los Pennes (Valley of Penises). These names stem from the numerous phallic pedestal formations that line it. We shall arrive in Tupiza city where we shall find lodging in a hotel and have dinner.
After breakfast we shall return to Uyuni city, having lunch on the way. In Uyuni our services end.
