On the fringes of the Altiplano

From Sud Lipez to Sajama

Adventure Mountain Safari Culture

On the fringes of the Altiplano - Foto principal da estadia

On the fringes of the Altiplano - Foto 2 da estadia

On the fringes of the Altiplano - Foto 3 da estadia

On the fringes of the Altiplano - Foto 4 da estadia

On the fringes of the Altiplano - Foto 5 da estadia

At the far reaches of the Andes, this 16-day journey reveals a secret Bolivia: from Lake Titicaca to Sud Lipez, between colorful lagoons, deserts and isolated villages. Fully supervised by an accompanying guide, this exclusive expedition combines hikes, 4x4 journeys and local encounters. The ascent of the Uturuncu volcano, the sunrise over the Uyuni salt flat and immersion in Sajama National Park complete an itinerary of adventure and discovery, in the heart of the wildest lands in the country.

Descrição da estadia

This exclusive trip, designed from our explorations and several years of experience on the tracks of the Lipez, takes you to the heart of an authentic Bolivia, far from standardized itineraries and tourist crowds. Fully accompanied by a guide specializing in the region, it follows an itinerary designed to combine hikes, cultural immersion and simple, but carefully considered, comfort each evening, in family-run accommodations or small hotels. We begin with a discovery of Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol, cradle of Inca legends, before heading to La Paz, the highest capital in the world. The expedition then continues by 4x4 towards the South Lipez: colorful lagoons, mineral deserts, geysers, astonishing geological formations and isolated villages line the route. Each day alternates between travel and walking, with the possibility of observing a varied Andean fauna: flamingos, vicuñas, viscachas, foxes, rheas, and perhaps the elusive Andean cat. The ascent of the Uturuncu volcano (6 008 m) punctuates this exceptional crossing. We continue towards the Uyuni salt flat, whose sunrise and Incahuasi Island, covered with giant cacti, offer unforgettable moments. The itinerary then continues along a route rarely offered, via the Coipasa salt flat and the village of Chipaya, to the Sajama reserve, dominated by the Sajama, Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes. High-altitude hikes, geysers and hot springs complete this immersion in one of the most preserved territories of the cordillera. Guided by a specialist of the region, this rare trip combines walking, 4x4 exploration, culture and encounters for a unique experience: traveling through emblematic and little-known sites of Bolivia, made accessible thanks to the logistics of our Bolivian contacts.

Alojamento

3* hotels, refuges and accommodations with basic comfort

Programação da estadia

dia 1
Arrival in La Paz
Airport welcome and transfer to the hotel. First immersion in the unique atmosphere of La Paz (3650 m). Meals at your leisure.
dia 2
La Paz - Copacabana
Departure for the town of Copacabana, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We cross high plateaus before arriving at the Tiquina Strait, where we will take a ferry to cross the smaller lake. Arrival in Copacabana. Hike in the surrounding area in order to acclimatize. Dinner and overnight in Copacabana (3810 m). Transport time: about 5 hours
dia 3
Copacabana – Isla del Sol Trek
Early in the morning, transfer by vehicle to the Lourdes cave, the starting point of our hike. We take an old pre-Hispanic path that crosses the Yampupata peninsula. Throughout the route, the landscapes unfold: Andean reliefs, small isolated villages and scenes of daily life set the pace of our walk. At the port, we board a local boat to reach the peninsula located opposite. From its shores, the view over Lake Titicaca is splendid, punctuated by a small cove with calm waters. We then continue towards the south of Isla del Sol. Picnic on the way before discovering the archaeological site of Pilkokaina, an ancient Inca palace overlooking the lake. The hike continues to the village of Yumani, perched at nearly 4000 m altitude. Dinner and night in a small hotel with simple comfort in Yumani (3989 m). Walking time: 5 h 12 km +200 m / -50 m
dia 4
Trek of Isla del Sol – La Paz
We continue our crossing of Isla del Sol along a superb ridge path, offering unique panoramas over the turquoise bays that border the island. This walk takes us to the ruins of Chinkana, an ancient ceremonial complex located at the northern tip. After visiting the site, we descend toward the village of Cha’llapampa, renowned for its white-sand beaches bathed by the waters of Titicaca. In the early afternoon, we board for a navigation of about 2 h 30, which brings us back to Copacabana. Then on to La Paz, where we arrive in the early evening. Dinner at leisure and overnight in La Paz. Walking time: 4 h 10 km + 80 m - 250 m
dia 5
La Paz Uyuni - San Miguel
An early morning flight takes us from La Paz to Uyuni. Upon arrival, we take the track in a 4x4 to San Miguel, a village set in the heart of arid valleys, the first stage of South Lipez. After lunch, a short hike takes us into one of the neighboring canyons, with walls sculpted by erosion and marked plays of shadow. At the end of the day, we settle in at the San Miguel lodge (3170 m). Travel time: 1 h flight, 3 h 30 drive
do dia 6 ao dia 10
South Lipez & Salar de Uyuni Expedition - Ascent of Uturuncu (6008 m)
In complete autonomy, aboard our private 4x4, we set off for five days of exploration, accompanied by our driver and a cook. The itinerary crosses the emblematic landscapes of the South Lipez: lagoons with changing hues (Colorada, Verde, Hedionda), smoking geysers, mineral deserts and isolated villages. Along the way, Andean wildlife reveals itself: pink flamingos, vicuñas, viscachas, foxes, rheas and, perhaps, with a bit of luck, the elusive Andean cat, one of the rarest felines in the world. The days alternate between long stages in the vehicle and regular stops to enjoy the panoramas, capture the landscapes and take short walks. Flexible depending on the season and conditions, the route makes it possible to avoid the most frequented areas while including the must-see sites: laguna Colorada, laguna Verde, laguna Hedionda, Dali desert, Árbol de Piedra… In this version, the ascent of Uturuncu volcano is planned: after an approach by 4x4 up to 5600 m, there remain about 400 m of elevation gain to cover on foot to reach the summit, one of the easiest 6000 m in the world. The nights take place in simple dormitories, in accommodations with basic comfort, while the meals are prepared by our cook. On the last day, departure before dawn to attend the sunrise over the Salar d’Uyuni, a highlight of the trip. We continue with the discovery of Incahuasi island, bristling with giant cacti, then a stop in the heart of the salar to have fun with the famous photographic perspective games. The road continues towards the village of Jirira, nestled at the foot of Tunupa volcano. Night in Jirira (3680 m).
do dia 10 ao dia 12
From the Salar de Uyuni to Sajama
We continue our itinerary in a 4x4 along a rarely used road, which leads us towards the Bolivian North-West and the Sajama reserve. On the first day, we cross the Coipasa salt flat, a vast expanse of salt still little known, before reaching the village of Chipaya for the night. The next day, we head for the colorful chullpas of Macaya, ancient funerary towers with surprising hues, testimonies of ancient Andean civilizations. We then reach Sajama, a small town set at 4250 m of altitude, dominated by the Sajama, Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes, all rising to more than 6000 m. Night in Sajama (4250 m).
dia 13
Sajama National Park
In the morning, departure towards an isolated valley that marks the beginning of our hike. The route crosses the natural border with Chile to explore three high-altitude lakes, in a mineral environment. Highlight of the day: the Chiarcota lagoon, perched at 5
dia 14
Sajama - La Paz
In the morning, departure towards the North-East in the direction of La Paz. The road is punctuated by several stops: discovery of an astonishing stone forest, visit of chullpas (ancient funerary towers) and stop in Curahuara de Carangas to admire its remarkable colonial church. Arrival in La Paz in the afternoon. We say goodbye to the team of drivers, who take the road back to Tupiza, then check-in at the hotel. Dinner and night in La Paz.
dia 15
La Paz - Return flight
Depending on your flight schedule, free time for a final immersion in the capital: quick discovery of the historic center and a cable car ride to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding peaks. Transfer to El Alto airport and return flight. Meals at your own expense.
dia 16

Arrived at the destination, with memories full in the eyes.