Travesía: Atacama Desert & Uyuni Salt Flats
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 8 Days
Price Point: From $6,000
Seasons Available: Year-Round
What does it mean to truly traverse a landscape? Travesía, meaning journey in Spanish, is more than just a passage from one place to another—it is an unfolding of the land’s deepest secrets. From the Atacama Desert to the Uyuni Salt Flats, embark on an extraordinary expedition with Explora across some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking terrains. Starting in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, you’ll explore otherworldly landscapes, from vast salt flats and ancient canyons to roaring sand dunes and steaming geysers. Then, journey in a 4×4 vehicle alongside expert guides and local drivers, crossing the Andean highlands into Bolivia’s Altiplano. Discover the vivid colors of the Colorada Lagoon, encounter flamingos in their natural habitat, and witness the surreal beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats—the largest salt flat on Earth. With thoughtfully designed lodges in Atacama, Ramaditas, Chituca, and Uyuni, each step of your journey provides a haven for rest and reflection. Whether hiking, biking, or gazing at the night sky, this immersive expedition promises deep connection, boundless exploration, and memories that last a lifetime.
Explore the Atacama Desert – Walk through vast salt flats, towering dunes, and surreal canyons in the driest desert on Earth, immersing yourself in its stark beauty and unique ecosystems.
Cross the Andean Altiplano – Travel in a 4×4 across high-altitude landscapes, discovering hidden lagoons, flamingo-filled wetlands, and ancient volcanic formations on the journey from Chile to Bolivia.
Experience the Uyuni’s Salt Flats – Marvel at the world’s largest salt flat, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the sky reflects in an otherworldly mirror effect during the rainy season.
Stay Off the Beaten Path – Rest in exclusive and remote Explora lodges and mountain refuges, designed for both comfort and harmony with the surrounding landscapes, offering an intimate connection with nature.
Adventure Your Way – Hike to the summit of Tunupa Volcano, bike across the salt flats, walk ancient Inca trails, or marvel at the high-altitude night sky, making every day an unforgettable experience.
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1 - San Pedro de Atacama
Arrive at Calama Airport and transfer to Yali Atacama, your gateway to the desert. Settle in, meet your guide, and plan your explorations. Choose from hiking through canyons, visiting salt flats, or relaxing in the Puritama hot springs. The journey begins with a deep immersion in the region’s dramatic landscapes and rich ecosystems. - Days 2/3 - Atacama Desert
Explore the world’s driest desert at your own pace. From biking through dunes and hiking salt-rimmed valleys to mountain climbing or stargazing at Explora’s private observatory, the choices are endless. Each day, venture deeper into the Atacama’s ever-changing terrain, discovering hidden oases, flamingo-filled lagoons, and vast volcanic landscapes. - Day 4 - Crossing the Border
Depart early from San Pedro de Atacama, crossing into Bolivia at Hito Cajón. Journey through the stunning Altiplano, stopping at Sol de la Mañana geysers, colorful lagoons, and vast salt flats. Enjoy lunch at Laguna Colorada, home to vibrant flamingos, before continuing to Ramaditas Mountain Lodge for a night of solitude under the vast high-altitude sky. - Day 5 - Ramaditas / Chituca
Continue through surreal landscapes, exploring ancient valleys, mines, and lagoons teeming with birdlife. Visit Turquiri Lagoon, an ideal spot for a tranquil lunch before heading to Chituca Mountain Lodge. Here, you’ll learn about the traditions of local communities and experience the quiet beauty of the high Andes. - Day 6 - Chituca / Uyuni
Explore the cactus forest and ancient terraces near Chituca or visit San Pedro de Quemes, a historic village with sweeping views. Stop at Gruta de Las Galaxias, a cave with rare geological formations, before arriving at the Uyuni Salt Flats—a breathtaking, otherworldly expanse stretching as far as the eye can see. Spend the night at Explora Uyuni Lodge, nestled at the foothills of Tunupa Volcano. - Days 7/8 - Uyuni Salt Flats
Customize your explorations: hike up Tunupa Volcano, bike across the salt flats, or visit remote villages along the Altiplano. Each experience offers a new perspective on this vast, surreal landscape. Watch the sun rise over the salt flats, creating a dreamlike, mirror-like reflection, before concluding this unforgettable journey.
Hotels & Lodges
Throughout your Travesía Atacama-Uyuni, Explora’s lodges are designed to blend seamlessly into the breathtaking landscapes, offering both comfort and immersion in some of the world’s most remote regions. In Explora Atacama, a tranquil desert retreat in San Pedro de Atacama, locally inspired architecture meets modern elegance, with spacious rooms, private terraces, outdoor pools, and a private observatory for stargazing. As you journey into the Bolivian Altiplano, Ramaditas Mountain Lodge welcomes you with its minimalist yet cozy design, featuring panoramic windows that showcase the vast Andean plains. At Chituca Mountain Lodge, set among ancient agricultural terraces, traditional materials and rustic charm create a deep connection to the region’s heritage. The expedition culminates at Explora Uyuni Lodge, a thoughtfully designed retreat at the foothills of Tunupa Volcano, where prefabricated modular structures minimize environmental impact while offering uninterrupted views of the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats. Each lodge provides an intimate balance of nature, sustainability, and comfort.
