Death Road + Uyuni Salt Flats 4 Day Tour

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SALT FLATS 2
SALT FLATS 3
DEATH ROAD 1
DEATH ROAD 2
SALT FLATS 1
SALT FLATS 2
SALT FLATS 3
DEATH ROAD 1
DEATH ROAD 2

Death Road + Uyuni Salt Flats 4 Day Tour

  • Travel with the most experienced drivers on new 4x4 Toyotas

  • Well maintained bikes, helmets and full protective gear for a safe, comfortable ride

  • Professional guides present at all times

This is a unique 4 day tour combining two of Bolivia´s greatest adventures. The most dangerous road in the world by bike is the tour that you must not miss in La Paz city. Experience the natural wonder that is the Uyuni Salt Flats, and see the largest salt flat on Earth. Marvel at the giant cacti, strange rock formations, and the extraordinary landscapes. Observe first-hand the production of salt, and the salt mines. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore another part of the world!

AVAILABILITY

All year round

DURATION

4 Days

START LOCATION

La Paz Hotel/Hostel pick up

END LOCATION

La Paz Todo Turismo Bus Station

OPERATOR NAME

Pearl of the Salar

Start time

08:00

Physical Level

Moderate

ONLINE BOOKING NOT AVAILABLE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DAY 1: DEATH ROAD TOUR FULL DAY - TRANSFER TO UYUNI

The mountain biking to Coroico starts at 7:30 am when we pick you up from your hotel. We then go by transport to La Cumbre (1hr. From La Paz), which is the starting point at 4.700 m.a.s.l.

First, we start with a 22 km downhill on asphalt (tarmac) road. At the police checkpoint (after 45 min.) all tourists pay 25 Bs for the entrance to the national park. This first section is for you to develop confidence and get used to the bike. Don’t worry, the safety van is always behind the group and we have water stops, photos and bike checks.

We then hit “Death road” always in a compact group (safety first!!!). We will take some snack breaks for chocolate, fruit and more. Finally, the end of the tour is in Yolosa (a town 20min. from Coroico) arriving to Yolosa at 12:00 aprox. At this point we arrive so dirty that we need a shower, so the next stop is in a hotel with showers, a swimming pool and a buffet lunch as well. We can enjoy Coroico´s weather for a couple hours. Coroico is a warm, tropical town at a much lower altitude than La Paz.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. it´s time to go back to La Paz using the new road. We will arrive in La Paz Approximately at 7:30 pm where you will be dropped off at Todo Turismo us station. The bus towards Uyini will depart at 9:00pm

On every ride, we have English speaking guides, with years of experience who are first-aid and rope rescue trained and we ride with you so we can watch your riding and offer advice, tips where appropriate, plus be on-hand to immediately attend to medical or mechanical problems.

DAY 2: UYUNI - COLCHANI - INCAHUASI ISLAND - PIA PIA ISLAND - AJENCHA

Your tour will begin at 10:30 am, at Perla de Bolivia's office. The first stop will be Uyuni's 'train graveyard', to see the first locomotives in Bolivia. You’ll then visit the small settlement of Colchani (salt miners’ workshops next to the salt flats). Here, you’ll see handicrafts made of salt, and textile art made of llama and alpaca fiber. The tour will continue onto the great Salt Flats of Uyuni, which are at an altitude of 3650m. Take photos as you cruise along the vast white expanse of salt, see Los Ojos de Agua Salada (‘salt water eyes’) and then visit a hotel made completely of salt! This amazing place currently serves as a museum.

Following this jam-packed morning, after lunch you’ll carry on to “Isla Incahuasi” (Fish Island), where you will have time to take a hike to the top of the island to see giant cacti, and rock formations made of petrified coral. Make sure you and your group pose for some fun perspective- and proportion-distorted photos, taken against the backdrop of the striking white surface of the salt flats.

Then, we’ll head to Pia Pia island, to see the beautiful sunset over the salt flats. Finish off at the village of Ajencha, and enjoy the unique experience of spending the night in a hotel made almost entirely of salt, called "Santiago Jukil".

Accommodation: Salt hostel "Santiago Jukil" in Agencha - double rooms. Rainy season ( from January to April): Hotel in Culpina (No access to the Salt Hostel during these months)

DAY 3: CHIGUANA DESERT - CAVES - LAGOONS - EDUARDO AVAROA NATIONAL RESERVE - RED LAGOON

Start the morning off at 7:00 am with breakfast, before going to visit the Chiguana Desert, located on the south side of the Uyuni salt flats. It is surrounded by volcanoes, such as the Ollague Volcano (5840m), one that is still active, and that can be seen from the lookout.

Next, we’ll continue along a rocky road - Pasito Tuntun - to the beautiful Andean lagoons, inhabited by 3 species of Andean flamingos. Marvel at three lagoons on the way: ‘Cañapa’ where you’ll spot the first pink flamingos, ‘Hedionda’ where lunch will be served, and ‘Chiarcota’ where you’ll see a wider variety of birds and altiplanic fauna.

We’ll then enter the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, and visit the Desert of Siloli, at 4550m (the highest and driest desert in the world). Make sure you take a photo next to the 'Rock tree', a lava rock formation. Before arriving to your final destination of the day, we will stop at the view point by the Red Lagoon, where you can spot more pink flamingos in their natural habitat, and admire this intense, red-coloured lake. Stay the night at a shared family lodging, "Los Lipes".

Accommodation: Thermal waters "Los Polques" basic lodge (dorm of 6 beds shared bathroom), You can see the stars in the thermal waters during the night.

DAY 4: SOL DE MAÑANA GEYSER - DALI DESERT - GREEN LAGOON - TRANSFER TO LA PAZ

Get off to an early start at around 5:00 am to visit the Sol de Mañana Geyser, at 5,000m. You’ll walk alongside fumaroles, and steaming craters filled with boiling pots of mud at 150-200 Cº. Continue to the open air hot springs, and take a bath in 35ºC water, before enjoying breakfast. The next place to visit is the Dali Desert, where Salvador Dali found inspiration for his work from the scattered boulders in the middle of the desert. You’ll then see the Green Lagoon - toxic copper water at the foot of the big Licancabur volcano, which sits at 6000m, a few kilometres from the Bolivia-Chile border.

Finally, you’ll head back to Uyuni, passing beautiful scenery along the way, and eating a picnic lunch next to the roadside. You’ll go by the Valley of the Rocks, the Alota settlement, and the San Cristobal Village, where you’ll visit the church, and see the exquisite colonial paintings.

You will arrive back to Uyuni by 6:30 pm and the operator will take you to the bus station where you will embark on the 8:00 pm bus towards La Paz arriving at approximately 6:30 am.

Important: Due to the rainy season (from January to April), it is not possible to access Incahuasi Island. However, there is the possibility of visiting the island, if on the day of your tour it does not rain.

Important: During the winter season (from June to August), it is not possible to access Eduardo Avaroa national park (red lagoon, Dali dessert, green lagoon). However, there is the possibility of visiting black lagoon and rock valley if on the third day of your tour it does not snow. We also may sleep in a different location due to road access.

Note 1: Please make sure to double check your ticket and select the one including the transports you wish to purchase.

Note 2: The operator provides water and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Tour given in English and spanish

TOUR TICKETS (MAY VARY BY DATE)
Ticket Price(USD)
TOUR PRICE (All ages) 345.00 (USD)
TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 - 07:30 - 08:00

Hotel/Hostel pick up


DAY 1 - 08:00 - 08:45

Bus ride to La Cumbre (start point)


DAY 1 - 08:45 - 09:30

Getting ready and bike try outs


DAY 1 - 09:30 - 10:15

Tarmac road, time to get used to the bikes


DAY 1 - 10:15 - 10:30

Load up all the bikes to hit the Death Road


DAY 1 - 10:30 - 13:00

Bike ride until San Juan Falls and snack time


DAY 1 - 13:00 - 14:30

Lunch time and showers


DAY 1 - 16:30 - 19:30

Road back to La Paz


DAY 1 - 21:00

Todo Turismo bus departure


DAY 2 - 7:30

Arrival in Uyuni


DAY 2 - 10:00 - 10:15

Meeting point at Perla de Bolivia Office


DAY 2 - 10:30

Depart Uyuni


DAY 2: 11:30 - 13:00

Visit the Train Graveyard, Colchani Village, the Salt Pyramids, and the Eyes of the Salt


DAY 2: 13:00

Lunch


DAY 2: 14:00

Visit Incahuasi Island to see the giant cacti and rock formations


DAY 2: 16:00

Visit Pia Pia Island and enjoy a spectacular sunset


DAY 2: 19:00DAY 2: 19:00

Arrive to the town of Ajencha where you will be spending the night


DAY 2: 20:00

Dinner


DAY 3: 07:00

Breakfast


DAY 3: 08:00 - 13:00

Visit the Galaxy Caves, Chiguana Desert and Ollague Volcano


DAY: 3 13:00

Lunch


DAY 3: 14:00 - 17:00

See the Altiplanic Lagoon, Siloli Desert, Rock Tree and the Red Lagoon


DAY 3: 18:00

Arrive to the basic accommodation where you will be spending the nght


DAY 3: 19:00

Dinner


DAY 4: 05:00

Visit the Sol de Mañana Geyser, and Fumaroles. Continue to the open air hot springs and take a bath


DAY 4: 06:00

Breakfast


DAY 4: 07:00 - 11:00

Visit the Dali Desert, the Green Lagoon, and the White Lagoon


DAY 4: 12:00

Lunch


DAY 4: 13:00

Return to Uyuni, with stops at small villages along the way


DAY 4: 18:30

Arrive back to Uyuni (see the sunset before you leave)


DAY 4 - 20:00

Todo Turismo bus departure


Todo Turismo bus departure

Todo Turismo bus departure


DAY 5 - 6:30

Arrival in La Paz (bus station)


INCLUDED

Death Road:
- English speaking guides, with years of experience who are first-aid and rope rescue trained
- Helmet and gloves
- Knee and elbow pads
- Jacket
- Full suspension bikes (Kona)
- A free T-shirt
- A DVD with the pictures and videos of the tour

Todo turismo bus: One way or round trip (depending on ticket)

Uyuni Salt Flats:

- 1 night in Hostel (double room), 1 night at a shared family lodging
- Transportation in a 4WD with a rooftop luggage rack
- Oxygen tank and satellite cell phone
- Local driver & English-speaking guide
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Meals: 2 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 2 dinners/snacks (2 lunches, if you finish in San Pedro de Atacama)
- Sleeping bag ( you must inform the operator before the tour starts)

*Please note that these costs are subject to change without prior notice

NOT INCLUDED

Death Road:
- Entrance ticket (50 Bs)
- Insurance
- Other not specified

Uyuni Salt Flats:
- Entrance fees: Isla Incahuasi (30 Bs*), Reserva Eduardo Avaroa Protected Area (150 Bs*)
- Galaxy cave (20 Bs)
- Natural hot springs (7 bs)
- Toilets on the way (20 Bs)
- Tips for guide, driver and cook (please keep in mind that tipping is common in Latin America, and would be greatly appreciated)
- Airport pickup
- Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile ($10USD)
- Personal expenses

*Please note that these costs are subject to change without prior notice

RECOMMENDED

Death Road:
- Insurance
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A change of clothes
- Swimming togs
- Toiletries
- Camera
- Extra money
- Insect repellent

Uyuni Salt Flats:
- Sun hat / woolly hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Coat
- Gloves
- Trekking shoes
- Warm socks
- Hand sanitizer
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Camera
- Batteries
- Torch / flashlight
- Toiletries

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 5:00 pm 2 days before the tour begins. After this time, there is a 100% change fee.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel before 5:00 pm (La Paz time) 2 days before the tour begins, a 35% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  1. How safe is Death Road?

    With our professional equipment, your positive attitude, and our expert instruction, coaching, and supervision, you can safely enjoy some of South America's most dramatic and beautiful scenery as you hurtle down the road. On top of that, you should note that since March 2007, the majority of traffic has stopped driving down Death Road, and now takes a new route... Leaving Death Road for us to enjoy, without having to battle the trucks, buses and cars! Before the actual start of the tour, you will of course get the chance to practice using your mountain bike.

  2. I can’t find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I’m makin

    This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.

  3. What should I bring to the death road tour?

    Please bring lots and lots of layers of clothing. Remember, it’s freezing at the top of most of our rides, and really warm at the bottom! Bring t-shirts, thermals, a fleece, a waterproof jacket, and glove liners to wear under or over the downhill cycling gloves provided. You’ll need to start the ride with long trousers, but on some days you can expect to change into shorts and a t-shirt towards the bottom. We don’t allow you to wear sandals during the ride, but anything from trainers to hiking boots will do. Make sure you’ve got a good pair of sporty UVA-UVB sunglasses, both for ray protection and to help keep the dust and grit out of your eyes. Goggles are included in the package, however. Bring your swimming togs if you wish to jump in the river at the bottom!

  4. Do I need to bring extra money?

    Yes. Please note that the Municipality of Coroico introduced a small charge for bikers riding the “World´s Most Dangerous Road”. It is 50 Bs now – 25 Bs at the start of the road, and 25 Bs at the end of the road. The money raised from this entrance fee will be used to fund much needed infrastructure projects such as: cleaning public toilets on the route, safety, emergency and rescue facilities, and road maintenance (since the road is not used by many vehicles now, without this fee it could be closed without maintenance).

  5. Are the guides trained in first aid?

    The guides are all trained in First Aid and Rescue. We have assessed all the risks, and have systems to minimize these risks. When things do go wrong, we have a professional team that will care for you.

  6. How does the wet season affect the tour?

    Salt flat (Salar de Uyuni) tours leave year-round, including during the wet season. In fact, many people try to visit during the wet season, in order to see the "mirror effect" of the water sitting atop of the salt flats and reflecting the sky, which is an incredible sight. This is caused when the water table below the salt flats has risen enough to cause the water to sit on top of the salt. It is fine to visit the area when there is a certain amount of water, but when it becomes too deep (after long, sustained periods of rainfall in consecutive days) some places can become inaccessible, such as Isla Incahuasi. These must then be omitted from the tours, but we can usually continue visiting other parts of the salt flats. Also, the area to the south (with the coloured lakes, geysers, hot springs etc) is usually not affected, so tours are not cancelled completely.

  7. Are there additional costs?

    For the full day tour, the additional fees will be Bs30. Also, if you would like a hot shower on the first night, there will be an additional cost of approx. Bs15. Make sure you bring small change for bathrooms along the wa

  8. What should I bring to the tour?

    Bring a torch, because the lights go out when the generator runs dry. Take coins and small bills, as the bathrooms aren't free. Don’t forget sunglasses, a camera with spare batteries, extra water, sunscreen and a hat, a sleeping bag, extra snacks (especially fruit and protein), lip balm (the sun, wind, and dry air will crack them up), and your passport. Take warm clothes (layers are best), flip-flops (for shared restroom facilities), and a raincoat (for the rainy season, from December to March).

  9. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

    Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

EXTRA INFORMATION FROM FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM

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our comments:

Stunning mountain scenery and spectacular andean landscape

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