Bolivia & Chile: Desert Adventure

Discover the Pachamama and Bolivia’s firmly rooted spiritual beliefs on this fascinating exploration of the La Paz’s mystical side. With your private guide, walk through the´mercado de brujas´ witches market, where it is possible to observe a series of elements used in ceremonies and rituals and hear stories from myths and religious legends. Travel into the area in which the witchdoctors kallawayas operate. These are Andean experts in healing ailments of body and soul, with whom you will have the unique opportunity to share an esoteric ritual. Duration: around 4 hours. Walking tour.

Experience the mystique of the world’s largest salt flat. This other-worldly landscape that is visible from space can be dazzled at directly. Across the salt crust that extends over 10,000 square kilometers you can witness the mesmerizing and eternal white surface surrounded by regal mountains fading in the distance. Pass through pyramidal salt mounds, ground-gaping eyes (lagoons) and perspective-bending horizons. A visit to an island in the middle of the salt flat provides an absolutely magnificent panoramic view as you explore its trails lined with 1,000 year old cacti. Here on the island you will rest and enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties. Head back onto the salt surface to further deepen your experience and enjoy the changing horizon as the light shifts before returning to your hotel in Uyuni at the end of the day. (Duration 7 hours, to begin directly after your arrival in Uyuni. Private Activity. Lunch Included).

Leaving Uyuni in the morning venture out to explore the remote and beautiful desert on your way to Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Along the way you will see many spectacular sights and natural attractions; although, the order and the route may be changed slightly due to conditions of the desert and the weather. You will pass through the small local communities of San Cristobal and Alota and then explore the Rock Valley famous for its unique rock formations. View the impressive Ollague Volcano and travel through the Siloli Desert, known as the ‘Salvador Dali’ desert for its stunning colors and morphing forms. In the late afternoon arrive at the hotel in a small community in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. (Duration: 08:30 to 17:00, approximant timings. Private Activity, Lunch Included).

Beginning early in the morning set off from the hotel in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve for another day of exploration in the desert. Again, you will see many spectacular sights and natural attractions; although, the exact order and the route may be changed slightly due to conditions of the desert and the weather. On this day visit the Sol de Mañana (Morning Sun) Geysers to view the impressive bursts of steam emitted in the morning and then go for a relaxing soak in the Polques Hot springs. View the stunning Licancabur Volcano, the Rock Tree (Arbol de Piedra) and the many different colored lagoons, such as the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada) and the Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde). Cross the Bolivian-Chilean border where you will switch cars in order to reach San Pedro de Atacama in mid afternoon. (07:00 to 15:00, approximate. Private Activity. Lunch Included.)

Unwind with a tranquil soak in the refreshing waters of the Puritama Hot Springs. A series of eight natural pools of geothermal spring water, they have long been recognized by the local Atacameño people for their healing properties. Enjoy this time for a relaxing experience while in Atacama. (Approximately 4 hours. Please indicate to your Travel Consultant when you wish to schedule this tour. Private Transfer to Puritama Hot Springs.)

Discover the highlights of Santiago during this tour. Accompanied by your guide, head to the city’s Old Town. Here you will see the Plaza de Armas, the main square, that is surrounded by historic buildings such as the 18th-century Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and The National History Museum of Chile among others. Soak in the architecture and take in the bustling square, before continuing on to the city’s iconic neighborhoods. You will hear interesting facts about Santiago from your guide as you pass important ministerial buildings including La Moneda, the presidential palace. Afterward, take a traditional funicular ride to the top of San Cristóbal Hill. Vantage points offer panoramic views of the mountains and the city. Then, drive east to see the newer parts of town with its modern architecture and busy streets before the tour wraps up. (Duration: half day; Time: morning or afternoon; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees for funicular ride included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please note that San Cristóbal Hill is open from 1000 – 2000 hrs, Tue to Sun)