This travesía starts in Potosí, one of the most important mining cities in colonial America. From there, we will begin our journey through the fascinating Bolivian altiplano towards the Salar de Uyuni. The travesía will come to an end at the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, situated in the driest desert in the world.
Our journey across the altiplano begins in the mythical Bolivian city of Potosí, whose vast silver deposits sustained the Spanish Empire for centuries.
To start this travesía from Bolivia, we recommend that you arrange with your travel agent to arrive in Potosí which you can reach by land from La Paz, Santa Cruz or Sucre, the closest airport. Our personnel will pick you up in Potosí in the morning to start our travesía early.
Once the travesía has ended, explora personnel will transport you from San Pedro de Atacama to the airport in Calama and from there you can catch a flight to Santiago.
FAQ
1. What kind of emergency medical services are there?
All of our guides have Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, which guarantees that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide assistance to people in remote areas. We travel with complete medical kits as well as oxygen tanks.
There are no hospitals near the travesía route and helicopter rescue is not possible. Throughout the entire time in the altiplano, we will be at least three hours away from the nearest medical center.
2. How can my friends and family contact me in case of emergency?
Friends and family will be able to contact you by telephone at Hotel de Larache at (56 55) 851110 or (56 55) 851115. From there, we will be able to connect them to one of the emergency satellite telephones that we carry in each vehicle.
3. What is included in the program?
Daily explorations of varying topics of interest and lengths in explora Atacama, accompanied by bilingual guides. Daily explorations in Uyuni and the Bolivian altiplano. Full room and board, 3 meals a day from a varied menu and bar. Transfers between the airport and the beginning and end points of the travesía.
4. How many people go along on the travesía?
The groups are made up of a maximum of 6 travelers, accompanied by one of our expert guides and other explora personnel including drivers, assistants and a chef.
5. What documents do I need to bring?
A valid passport and for travelers from certain countries, a Bolivian visa (for more information, please see: http://www.rree.gov.bo).
6. How long are the minibus transfers during the travesía?
Between two and eight hours a day, depending on the section (many sections include roads in bad condition) and the activities planned for the day.
7. What kind of vehicles do we travel in during the travesía?
A Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 and a spacious, comfortable minibus, adapted for the travesía.
8. What kind of communication and navigational equipment do you use?
Every vehicle has a satellite telephone, GPS, a compass and maps.
9. What kind of food is served on the Salar Uyuni travesías?
The menu was designed taking into account the altitude and the cold in the altiplano and is up to explora's high quality standards. Some of the meals include Bolivian recipes.
10. How much space is there for baggage?
As space is limited, we ask you to please bring only what is necessary.
11. Is it possible to charge electronic devices?
Yes, provided that you bring a charger.
