Redefining travel in the Chilean and Bolivian Altiplanos, including the Salar de Uyuni

In March 2007 we suggested a visit to the highlands of south-western Bolivia, calling it an Adventure of a Lifetime. In late 2007 we revisited the region to re-experience this journey – only this time our travel experience was taken to an entirely new level.

Thanks to the Explora company’s special journey: Travesia to the Chilean and Bolivian altiplanos, and the Salar de Uyuni, visiting this enigmatic region is now more comfortable than ever. We were not only marvelled by the virgin wilderness and mind-blowing scenery of this unique region; but we also were delighted by all the fabulous details that have been incorporated into the travel experience. Explora transports guests overland through pristine and remote wilderness and brilliantly integrates creature comforts from their luxury hotels along the way. The days are spent exploring with Javier, the Explora guide (he is pictured above), who accompanies guests every step of the way. His combination of technical expertise; local knowledge and sharp sense of humour perfectly equip him to lead explorations he mostly designs himself. Imagine climbing the sacred Tunupa volcano in the middle of the Uyuni salt lake. From the summit of the volcano, the beauty and mystery of Uyuni can be blinding.

While in Bolivia, guests enjoy a camping experience like no other in South America. Alpaca blankets, hot showers and gourmet food are just some of the highlights. Just to give you an idea of the logistics involved, a chef from the Explora Atacama hotel (Marcelo is pictured below) travels ahead of the group so that he can arrive at each campsite in advance to prepare fresh and elaborate meals designed with the altitude and excursions in mind. A dedicated staff accompanies him to set up camp while the chef is busy in the kitchen. This means that when guests arrive, a warm and inviting campsite welcomes them with a hot cup of tea, fresh towels, a hot shower and warm tent. Dinner and drinks shortly follow.

To compliment the overland journey and to give a further overview of this stunning region, a stay at the Explora Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile is incorporated into the itinerary.

The Travesia is nothing short of a logistical miracle in a rugged terrain where you must expect the unexpected.

If you would like to would like to hear more about the Travesia to the Chilean and Bolivia alitplanos, including the Uyuni salt lake, contact us. We are constantly testing out new itineraries like these so that we can travel consult from experience and from the heart.