Salar

Bolivia is the undiscovered gem of the continent - yet it has some of the most exciting scenery, the oldest cities and most interesting societies in South America. The highlands of Southwestern Bolivia offers visitors the most incredible dramatic scenery and untouched wildernesses you'll ever see. Even the most cynical will be blown away as they cross the remarkable Salar de Uyuni , the world's highest and largest salt lake, in a 4X4 vehicle. This was once an inland sea, a giant salt water lake, until the water vanished into the thin high altitude air of the Andes. Today, its vastness is startling - 12,000 square kilometres of nothing but salt. At a height of 3,650m (11,975ft), the lake is twice as big as the Great Salt Lake in the USA.

Driving across the thick crust of this desert, dotted with black volcanic rock islands whose gigantic cacti pierce the deep blue sky, is definitely a surreal experience. Some have even likened it to Alice in Wonderland, a comparison strengthened by the presence of thousands of Chilean, Andean and James flamingos who flock here to feast on the microbes generated by this potassium rich land.

Once crossed, you can reminisce in luxury at the plush Explora hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Rooms are filled with quality linens and custom-designed furniture. There are four inter-connecting pools and saunas, and the food and wine are superb - enjoyed with spectacular views of the Licancabur Volcano.

Sol de Manana Geyser	Laguna Verde

The Salar de Uyuni can be visited from April to October. A week is the perfect length of time for the above itinerary, including 4 days at Explora Atacama.

For more information, please contact your Aracari representative.