Uyuni Salt Flats to Atacama Desert
Day 1: Sucre to Potosi
The journey from Sucre to Potosi will take approximately 3-4hours and you will have plenty of photo and rest stops along the way with your private driver. When you arrive into Potosi in the early afternoon you will be taken to your hotel where you have the remainder of the day at leisure. Potosi is a mining town and is famous for is mining of silver, the city was founded in 1545 and soon after began the boom in mining the silver and had the money rolling in for the Spanish empire. During the silver boom it became the largest and wealthiest city of the Americas, but as the silver dried up the boom in poverty began to rise. As the silver is a large aspect of Potosi its not the only sight, Potosi is home to some amazing churches, colonial architecture and has a great atmosphere of true local spirit.
Tonight you have the night in Potosi.
Day 2: Silver Mines tour in Potosi
Your private tour of the mines starts at 08:30am and will last from 2-3hours. We first we visit the miners' market where you can buy coca leaves, cigarettes, Coca-Cola, water, dynamite and fuses. Before climbing the hill we get the equipment necessary to visit the mine and here you can leave anything you won’t need in the mine, everything is left behind locked doors.
You will observe the mine galleries and tunnels, made from stone over 450 years ago. You will pass through over 3 km of interconnected mine tunnels and descend through 5 levels, some 20 to 30 meters apart, entering deep into the heart of the mountain. Just as far as you want, there’s always an exit nearby if you want to leave halfway. Our knowledgeable (English) guide will help you gain fascinating insights into the lives of 980 working miners. You will also experience the excitement of a dynamite explosion and listen to accounts of the history of the mines, their economy, the miners' culture and working conditions.
We advise to eat a good breakfast before leaving. Wear old clothes and take a handkerchief to filter the dusty air. For extra energy (you'll need it) take water, soda, chocolate bars, bananas and other snacks. After your half day tour you will feel exhausted from traveling into the mine and have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or have a wonder around the city. Overnight in Potosi.
Not included: Tips & Gifts for miners
Day 3: Potosi to Uyuni by public coach
This morning you will need to make your own way to board the local tourist coach from Potosi to Uyuni which is only a few short hours and gives you a great understanding of the vast landscape Bolivia is so famous for. When you arrive into Uyuni in the afternoon you will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Uyuni is situated in Bolivia’s south western corner and can be quite cold in the evenings, however to spite the cold Uyuni is like no other city of Bolivia with a happy/go lucky atmosphere and is one of the only cities around the area with creature comforts
Day 4: Start Salt Lakes tour (3days) Uyuni to Tahua
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Uyuni at 10:30am to start your adventure through the salt lakes to the San Pedro de Atacama just over the border with Chili. Your first stop is at Colochani where there are numerous micro factories of salt, the famous salt hotel and fish island for some local cuisine. After lunch your journey continues onto Tahua where you visit the Mummy caves of Coqueza, the remainder of the day you have at leisure to enjoy the town of Tahua.
Day 5: Tahua to Ojo de Perdiz
After breakfast your journey continues with a short road trip to the Red Lagoon and then continuing onto view the Chiguana salt flat and the ollague volcano all before lunch!. After a hearty lunch (perhaps try a local delicity) we visit some local wildlife areas before continuing onto Ojo De Perdiz for the night.
Day 6: Ojo De Perdiz to San Pedro de Atacama Chili.
It’s an early start this morning as we leave Ojo de Perdiz to visit the Stone tree, Geysers (volcanic zone) and hot springs all before breakfast! After breakfast we then continue onto see the green and white lagoons before heading to the boarder where we end our journey through the Salt lakes of Bolivia. After crossing the border a coach is waiting to take us all to the town of San Pedro de Atacama
Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama to Calama
After breakfast this morning your Bolivia & Salt Lake Adventure will finish with a transfer to the airport of Calama to start your onward journey.
Extend your stay in San Pedro de Atacama to explore the Hot Springs and Geysers, please check with your Travel Specialist your options
Other Suggested onward journeys in Chile & Argentina