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Bolivia & Chile: Andes to Atacama Discover some of the world’s most amazing landscapes on this new high-flying adventure! In Bolivia, explore the astounding Salar de Uyuni, a 4,700-square-mile expanse of shimmering white salt flats that are the largest in the world. Once a gigantic prehistoric lake that covered most of southwestern Bolivia, the “salar” provides habitat for many bird species, including three species of flamingos who feed in the mineral-rich lakes dotting the flats. And just when you think you’ve seen all the weird topography imaginable, there’s something more to discover! You’ll venture on to the almost mystical expanse of Chile’s Atacama Desert (the closest thing to Mars!) to explore its landscape of soaring volcanoes, stark moonscapes, salt pans, and geysers. To add to this incredible adventure, you’ll visit Tiahuanaco, Bolivia’s most important archaeological site; Lake Titicaca, legend-filled birthplace of the first Inca king; and hike in the mountains of the Cordillera Real, Bolivia’s “royal range.” TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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 Itinerary: Andes to Atacama
Day 1 - Meet in La Paz, Bolivia (12,000'). Day 2 - Visit the impressive pre-Inca ruins of Tiahuanaco, site of one of the oldest cultures in the Americas. Continue to Lake Titicaca and overnight in the town of Copacabana. Day 3 - Travel by boat to the north end of Isla del Sol for a hike across the island. Along the way you’ll visit the Chincana ruins and enjoy the fantastic mountain-and-lake scenery. Day 4 - Drive to Condoriri National Park in the Cordillera Real. Day hike to a base camp (15,092') used by climbers attempting ascents of the local mountains. Continue to Puerto Perez for overnight. Days 5-6 - Drive across the Bolivian altiplano to Oruro, known for its folk celebrations and carnivals, followed by a visit to natural hot springs. Continue to Jirira, a small town at the base of Thunupa volcano at the edge of the vast Salar de Uyuni. Day 7 - Travel across the flats to Isla del Pescado, a rocky outcrop with 30-foot-tall cacti. Camp overnight. Days 8-12 - Enter the desert paralleling the western volcanoes that form the natural border between Bolivia and Chile. Stops include brick-red Laguna Colorado, with its great concentrations of pink flamingoes, Sol de Mañana, a beautiful volcanic crater with active geysers and fumaroles, the hot springs of Laguna Salada, and blue-green Laguna Verde at the base of Licancabur volcano (19,455'). On Days 11-12 you’ll have intense explorations in the environs of San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama Desert, with its geysers, lagoons, natural thermal springs, and archaeological sites. Day 13 - Transfer to the airport at Calama and fly to Santiago. Fly home.  Detailed Itinerary - Bolivia & Chile: Andes to Atacama 1. Download detailed itinerary in a PDF format 2008 Detailed Itinerary (PDF files require that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. This program can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website.) 2. Or email us your itinerary request at sales@mtsobek.com 3. Or call us at 1-888-831-7526 (USA and Canada) or (510) 594-6000 We’ll email you a copy (Word or Acrobat document), fax, or mail you the itinerary as you prefer. For more information and reservations, please contact: Mountain Travel Sobek 1266 66th Street, Suite 4 Emeryville, CA 94608 USA Toll Free (USA and Canada): 1-888-831-7526 Phone: +1-510-594-6000 Fax: + 1-510-594-6001 Email: info@mtsobek.com |