Explora Travesia

Arrive in Chile and transfer to the Explora Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at the hotel.

Spend the next two days exploring the best of the Atacama Desert with Explora Atacama as your base. The hotel offers a range of excursions to visit top attractions, including the Puritama Hot Springs, stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies, and a culinary experience featuring a menu crafted by renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, owner of Central, ranked the world’s best restaurant in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023.

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

After breakfast, travel from Atacama to Ramaditas Mountain Lodge, crossing the high plains and the Andes Mountains.

After leaving the lodge, cross into Bolivia and stop at White Lagoon, where a walk along the south shore offers great views and chances to see birds. Continue to Green Lagoon, then hike to Apachetas viewpoint for a wide view of the Licancabur and Sairecabur volcanoes.

Next, visit the Sol de Manana Geysers, where the smell of sulfur hints at hot underground water. Walk by the lagoons, spotting flamingos and other birds, before having lunch with views of the Altiplano and Red Lagoon.

Duration: 4 hrs
Distance: 2.1 km (1.3 mi)
Difficulty: Easy

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

Leaving the Mountain Lodge for Chituca, the scenery changes from a wide, empty Andean plain to a more welcoming area, showing signs of small communities. Along the way, dry land slowly turns into farming fields.

The route passes Honda, Char Kota, and Hedionda Lagoons, with views of nearby volcanoes. The journey continues to Turquiri Lagoon, home to many birds and surrounded by unique rock formations.

A short walk follows the edge of a wetland, where llamas and goats graze, showing a glimpse of local life. Lunch is served at a viewpoint overlooking Turquiri Lagoon and the Altiplano before heading to Chituca Mountain Lodge.

Duration: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Easy

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

Before departing for Uyuni, the journey begins with a short hike up the hills to take in panoramic views of the landscape, including local vegetation and quinoa fields.

A stop is made at San Pedro de Quemes, a village where old stone structures stand in contrast to a newly developed area. The journey continues to Las Galaxias, a grotto featuring unique rock formations created by the draining of the Uyuni Salt Flat.

Lunch is enjoyed in the heart of the Uyuni Salt Flat, followed by a walk on Pescado Island, a natural formation covered in typical Altiplano vegetation. Climbing the island offers breathtaking views of the vast salt flat landscape.

​Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
Difficulty: Easy

For the next days, enjoy all of the wonders that Uyuni Salt Flats has to offer with Explora Uyuni as your home base. The Hotel offers a variety of excursions to help you check all of the main attractions off your list, such as climbing Tunupa Volcano, biking across the salt flat, or cruising the volcano's slopes with stops at charming villages. 

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer out of the park and continue your explorations or catch your flight home.