Atacama-Uyuni Crossing

The Atacama - Uyuni Crossing is a private and flexible itinerary, with activities chosen according to the traveler's interest. The trip is carried out in a 4x4 vehicle, with an expert guide, and can last from 7 to 11 nights, passing through the regions of Ramaditas, Chituca and Uyuni.

To guarantee a good experience, it is important to have an adventurous spirit, good humor and be prepared to deal with unforeseen events. Good physical condition is also recommended to face altitude and temperature variations.

DAY 1: CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Arrival at Calama airport and transfer of about 1 hour to San Pedro de Calama.

At Explora Atacama, guests receive an introduction to the destination and, in the company of the guide, the activities for the following days will be defined. In the early days of the Crossing, hikes are carried out that do not require much physical effort to gradually adapt to the altitudes that fluctuate between 3,600 meters above sea level and 4,700 meters above sea level.

The recommendation is to start exploring the oasis, the Salt and Domeyko Range, the Salar de Atacama and the gorges, landscapes and ecosystems unique to this region. This is the perfect start to a transformative journey, preparing the mind and body, discovering the many charms that flourish in the Atacama desert.

Accommodation for 4 nights, with full board and activities organized by the hotel.


DAY 2 to 4: ATACAMA DESERT
Days to immerse yourself in the driest desert in the world and its magnificent landscapes. These days are for carrying out the activities scheduled with the guide, at the pace of each traveler. These can be hiking, horseback riding, cycling, alternating stretches in vehicles and short hikes and even mountaineering for the more adventurous.

Whatever the weather, the days will be perfect for exploring; but if the sky is clear, desert nights are ideal for an astronomical session at the hotel's observatory.


DAY 5: ATACAMA DESERT - RAMADITAS
Early in the morning, beginning of the trip to the Bolivian Altiplano. The journey begins in the Alps, and about 47km from the starting point, you arrive at Hito Cajón. While in Bolivia, visit the Sol de la Mañana geyser and a variety of salt flats, swamps, and lagoons. Laguna Colorada is the perfect place to spot flamingos in their natural habitat and will also be the place to stop for lunch.

Continuation of the trip to the Explora Mountain Home, arriving just in time to watch the sun set on the horizon. Accommodation for 1 night, with full board.


DAY 6: RAMADITAS - CHITUCA In
the morning, drive to Chituca. On the route, walk through old mines and valleys. The Turquiri Lagoon, with an enormous diversity of birds and rock formations, is the perfect setting for lunch. Time to explore the region, with a choice between hiking or short hikes combined with vehicle travel.

After the exploration, continue the trip to Chituca, where you have the opportunity to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the local inhabitants.

Accommodation for 1 night at the Explora Mountain Home, with full board.


DAY 7: CHITUCA - SALAR DE UYUNI
After breakfast, time for a chosen exploration. You can explore the surroundings of the camp and take a walk through the cactus forest and the old agricultural terraces nearby. Another option is to visit the city of San Pedro de Quemes, an old Spanish settlement with panoramic views of the mountains and the salt flat.

Journey to the Cave of the Galaxies, an amazing cave with unusual geological formations. Continuation of the trip and, suddenly, 10,000 km ² of salt appear ahead: the Salar de Uyuni. Located 3,665 meters above sea level, it is the largest and highest salt flat on the planet. Lunch at the salt flat, from where the next exploration begins: a trip to the island of Pescado or a walk around the same island.

Arrival at the lodge in Uyuni, on the slopes of the Tunupa volcano. Accommodation for 2 nights, with full board.


DAY 8: SALAR DE UYUNI Free
day at Salar do Uyuni. With the help of the guide, travelers choose the activities they want to do. You can choose to hike, ride a car or a bike. Among the options are climbing the multicolored slopes of the Tunupa volcano up to 5,432 meters, pedaling through part of the salt flat, or crossing the slopes of the volcano visiting the villages that are on the road.


DAY 9: SALAR DE UYUNI
After breakfast, drive to the eastern part of the salt flat to Uyuni Airport.


Flexible itinerary:

• To the 10-night itinerary, an additional night in Ramaditas and one night in Chituca are added.
• To the 11-night itinerary, an additional night at Explora Atacama, one night in Ramadita and one night in Chituca are added.