Trekking Circuit - M9: Details

Andes Heritage Expeditions, designing customized trekking experiences for every level of trekker, taking care of every detail from the moment you land to the moment you depart Bolivia.

Destination
Huge sized cactus plants Salar De Uyuni island mountains scenic landscape beautiful view, traveling destination Bolivia tourism South America.

Uyuni Salt Lake / Eduardo Avaroa Reserve / Sajama NAtional Park Circuit

Tour Duration

8 Days

Difficulty

Medium-Low

Group Size

4-10 Guests

Height

3800 / 5200 / 4100 M

About the trekking

This is a multi-day trip that initially covers a visit to Sajama National Park where visitors will be introduced to:

  • Beautiful scenery of snowed capped volcanos (Sajama, Parinacota, Pomerape, etc)
  • On full day trekking to high altitude lakes.
  • Visit to surrounding geysers’ field and hot springs where the guests can relax and enjoy the views of the mountains.
  • Visit a cultural site in the small town of “Curahuara de Carangas”.
  • Visit the “Chullpares” on the way to Sajama National Park. These are ancient burial sites of the ancient cultures that inhabited these lands. They’re currently empty but reflect the customs they had long ago.

 From Sajama National park, guests are driven over to the town of “Salinas de Garci Mendoza” and the small village of “Alcaya”. In Alcaya guests are taken to an arqueological site where mumies of ancient dwellers of these lands are still kept.

The following day the itinerary contemplates a hike to the top of “Tunupa” volcano (starting from nearby Tahua village), which at 5300 mts provides a beautiful view of the “Uyuni Salt Lake” that lays flat below at 3800 meters.

The next itinerary is crossing the Uyuni Salta Lake toward Incahuasi Island. Where guests stay overnight and walk around it to explore it.

The trip continues on with a crossing of “Uyuni Salt Lake” to Uyuni town where people are taken onward toward the “Eduardo Abaroa National Park”.

Here, they will visit the following places which have the next characteristics:

  • Cañapa/Hedionda Lagoons:
    • What: Two high‑altitude saline lagoons (Laguna Cañapa and Laguna Hedionda) known for flamingos (Andean & James’s), other Andean birdlife, and striking mineral-colored waters.
    • Highlights: Flamingo colonies, shallow pink/greenish hues, volcanic and desert backdrop.
    • Altitude/conditions: ~4,200–4,300 m (thin air, cold nights).
    • Best time: Oct–Mar (breeding/greater flamingo activity; summer has milder weather).
    • Tip: Bring warm layers, sunscreen, binoculars, and allow time to acclimatize.
  • Siloli Desert
    • What: High Andean desert plain with sparse vegetation, dramatic rock formations, and wide, otherworldly landscapes.
    • Highlights: Panoramic vistas, great photography at sunrise/sunset, dunes and salt- & volcanic-derived soils.
    • Altitude: ~4,600 m at nearby high points.
    • Tip: Strong sun and wind possible—sunglasses, windproof jacket, and water recommended.
  • Stone Tree
    • What: Iconic wind-eroded rock formation shaped like a tree, standing isolated on the Siloli Desert plateau.
    • Highlights: Iconic photo spot, surreal silhouette against sky, dramatic erosion patterns.
    • Tip: Visit at golden hour for best light; watch footing on loose ground.
  • Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada)
    • What: Shallow, mineral-rich lake with intense reddish coloration caused by algae and sediments; famous for large flocks of flamingos.
    • Highlights: Deep red water, white borax islands, flamingos (James’s and Andean), spectacular contrast with mountains.
    • Altitude/conditions: ~4,278 m; strong UV, cold temperatures.
    • Best time: Oct–Mar for best flamingo activity and more comfortable weather.
    • Tip: Respect wildlife distances, bring layered clothing and a good camera.
  • Geysers (Morning Sun)
    • What: Geothermal field of fumaroles, boiling mud pools and geyser vents producing steam and colorful mineral deposits.
    • Highlights: Bubbling mud pots, strong steam plumes, sulfur smells, vivid yellow/orange mineral terraces.
    • Safety: Stay on marked paths; ground can be unstable and very hot.
    • Tip: Early morning is common for tours (dramatic steam in cold air); bring warm clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to sulfur.
  • “Polques” Hot Springs
    • What: Natural hot springs (termas) near the Reserva where visitors can soak in warm mineral waters after visits to cold highlands.
    • Highlights: Warm relaxation, scenic plateau views, traditional local use.
    • Tip: Check local access (some are small/primitive and seasonal), bring a towel and dry clothes; watch for basic facilities.

 Altitude sickness is a real risk—acclimatize, hydrate, avoid heavy exertion on arrival, consider altitude medication if advised by a doctor.

Weather is harsh and changeable: strong sun by day, freezing nights; layers are essential.

Most visits are part of multi-day 4×4 tours from Uyuni; follow guides’ advice and park regulations to protect wildlife and fragile landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transportation from La Paz to Sajama National Park.

  • 7:00am Departure from La Paz.
  • Arrival in Sajama. Check-in and lunch at the Sajama hostel.
  • Visit to the Sajama hot springs.
  • Dinner and rest.

*Overnight in Sajama community.

Day 2: Sajama National Park Activities. 

  • 6:30 Breakfast.
  • Departure by vehicle to geysers.
  • Hike to high altitude Andean Lagoons.
  • Return to pick-up point and transfer to Lodge in Sajama community. Lunch.
  • Visit to the queñua forest and the Sajama village viewpoint.
  • Return to the hostel.

Day 3: Sajama community – Curahuara – Chosen community en route to Salinas.

  • 7:00 Departure from Sajama community.
  • Visit a colonial church in “Curahuara de Carangas” community.
  • Arrival to chosen town on the way to Salinas. Walk around the area (chullpas, rock formations, enigmatic landscapes).
  • Dinner and overnight in the chosen town, en route.

Day 4: Trip to Salinas Town.

  • Long leg – early departure.
  • 12:00 – 13:00 Arrival in Salinas (may vary depending on the route)
  • Visit to the Citadel of Alcaya (mummies and archaeological site)
  • Return to Salinas. Dinner and overnight in Salinas de Garci Mendoza.

Dia-5: Salinas – Tahua – Tunupa Volcano.

  • 9:00 Departure to Tahua.  check-in.
  • Partial ascent of Tunupa Volcano (viewpoint and mummy caves).
  • Sunset over the Salt Flats.
  • Dinner and overnight in Tahua.

Dia-6: Crossing the Salt Flat – Incahuasi Island – Uyuni.

  • 7:30 Start of the crossing.
  • Visit Incahuasi Island (walk and photos). Picnic lunch
  • Continued crossing the salt flat to Uyuni town.
  • Dinner and hotel in Uyuni.

Dia-7: Visit Eduardo Abaroa Natural Reserve.

  • Early departure in 4×4 vehicle.
  • Daytime visits:
    – Cañapa/Hedionda Lagoon.
    – Siloli Desert.
    – Stone Tree.
    – Red Lagoon (laguna Colorada)
  • 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Arrival at accommodation in the Reserve.

Dia-8: Visit Eduardo Abaroa Natural Reserve and return to Uyuni town.

  • Early 5:00 AM Departure for “Sol de Mañana” geysers (Morning Sun)
  • Visit the “Polques” Hot Springs.
  • Return trip to Uyuni.
  • 16:30 PM Estimated arrival in Uyuni.
  • Return flight to La Paz.

Gallery Of Our Tour

NOTE: Contact us to customize your trekking needs based on your dates available to travel to Bolivia and to offer additional trekking circuits that fit your schedule and needs.

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