For most travelers, Uyuni is the gateway to the salt flats and an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the most iconic landscapes of southern Bolivia. This itinerary focuses on the region\u2019s classics\u2014colorful lagoons teeming with flamingos, dramatic volcanic scenery, hot springs, and the high-altitude deserts of the Altiplano.<\/p>\n\n
Along the way we take in sweeping views of active and dormant volcanoes, soak in hot springs set in stark wilderness, and\u2014for those keen and feeling strong\u2014there\u2019s the option of an optional high-altitude trek up Licancabur. The loop begins in Uyuni and heads into the finest corners of southwestern Bolivia, where nature is at its most untamed.<\/p>\n\n
After arriving in Uyuni, we transfer to our accommodation. The rest of the day is for unwinding and gradually acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evening we meet over a shared dinner to get to know each other and go over the plan for the days ahead.<\/p>\n\n
On day two we head out onto the iconic Salar de Uyuni. We\u2019ll step onto the endless white expanse, make time for photos, and explore Isla Incahuasi, where giant cacti rise from a sea of salt. The day serves as an introduction to southern Bolivia\u2019s landscapes and an important step in acclimatization.<\/p>\n\n
We leave the Salar behind and drive south. En route we stop at the Yapi and Vinto lagoons and visit the curious rock formations known as Ciudad Italia and Copa del Mundo. The scenery gradually shifts into the quintessential southern Bolivian Altiplano. By evening we reach the hamlet of Villa Mar for dinner and a night in a comfortable local hotel.<\/p>\n\n
We continue deeper into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Today brings one of the region\u2019s signature sights\u2014Laguna Colorada, famous for its red hues and thousands of flamingos. Along the way we stop at the legendary stone formation \u00c1rbol de Piedra. We spend the night in a simple local hostel near the lagoon.<\/p>\n\n
In the morning we drive to the Sol de Ma\u00f1ana geothermal field to see fumaroles, bubbling mud, and active volcanic features at over 4,800 m above sea level. We then continue to Laguna Chalviri for a soak in thermal baths right in the heart of the Altiplano. Dinner and overnight in a local hostel.<\/p>\n\n
Today we travel northward beneath the massif of Uturuncu volcano. En route we visit the Kollpa and Hedionda lagoons, known for their flamingos and mineral-rich waters. The landscape is open, rugged, and far less visited than the reserve\u2019s central areas. We end the day in simple mountain lodging in the Uturuncu area.<\/p>\n\n
Today brings a standout experience\u2014we take 4x4s along one of the highest roads<\/a> in Bolivia to roughly 5,620 m on the slopes of Uturuncu volcano. It\u2019s a unique ascent with panoramic views across the Altiplano. After returning from altitude we head back to Uyuni for dinner out in town and a night in a hotel.<\/p>\n\n After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight out of Uyuni.<\/p>\n\nDay 8 \u2013 Departure from Uyuni<\/h3>\n\n
Optional extensions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n