Bolivia: Salt Lakes and Volcanoes

Pedal across the biggest salt lake of the world and by giant volcanoes!

This is a true mountain bike expedition crossing the Altiplano from one end to the other. This two-week mountain bike trip includes two volcano ascents.

Our journey begins with a 3500 m descent from La Cumbre to Coroico (1760 m). You will also ride on local mountain trails surrounding La Paz offering breath-taking views of the city and volcano Illimani. From La Paz, you will head south by 4WD to Uyuni. Our cycling trip will truly begin in Uyuni heading south west happening upon geysers, flamingos, “vicuñas”, llamas, geysers, and multi-colored salt lakes surrounded by the highest volcanoes in the world. Along the way, you will climb up the volcano Uturuncu (6008 m) bordering Chile.

Finally, you will pedal across the shimmering Uyuni salt lake, culminating this trip with the partial ascent of the Tunupa volcano overlooking the majestic salt flat.

This is an off road adventure promising an exceptional experience!

This journey can be offered at times to suit your schedule, please contact us.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup at airport and transfer to hotel. Free day. Hotel.

Day 2: Mountain biking the Death Road to Coroico and back to La Paz. Hotel.

Day 3: Mountain biking around La Paz. Hotel.

Day 4: La Paz – Oruro – Uyuni: Transfer in 4WD. Hotel.

Day 5: Uyuni – San Cristobal – Alota – Villamar: Travel in 4WD and cycling through the altiplano (40 km). Villager’s home.

Day 6: Villamar – Quetena (60 km): Cycling through the altiplano. Villager’s home.

Day 7: Quetena – Ascent of the Uturuncu volcano (6008 m). No technical equipment required. Ascent with guide. Villager’s home.

Day 8: Quetena – Laguna Colorada (40 km): Cycling to the red lagoon. Admire thousands of flamingos that come to feed. Shelter.

Day 9: Laguna Colorada – Laguna Verde – Laguna Colorada: Visit of geyser Sol de Manana, then across a surreal Dali-esque desert landscape to the jade green Laguna Verde at the foot of volcano Licancabur. Bath in hot springs, walk around lagunas. Back to Laguna Colorada. Shelter.

Day 10: Laguna Colorada – Jewels’ route – Laguna Hedionda (70 km): Cycling across Siloli desert, by beautiful lagoons Ramaditas, Honda, Ch’arkota, and Hedionda. Ecolodge Los Flamencos (5 star hotel).

Day 11: Laguna Hedionda – San Juan (70 km): Pedal by the spectacular volcanoes Ollagüe and Tomassimil (5900 m), then across the Chiguana salt lake. Hotel.

Day 12: Chiguana – Chuvica – Uyuni Salt Flats (70 km): To Chuvica in 4WD. Pedal on the biggest salt lake of the world to the Island Incahuasi located in the middle of the salt flat. Camping.

Day 13: Uyuni Salt Flats – Jirira (40 km): Visit the island covered with giant cacti. Pedal across the salt flats to Jirira. Villager’s home.

Day 14: Partial ascent of the Tunupa volcano (4700 m): Without technical difficulties. Villager’s home.

Day 15: Transfer to La Paz by 4WD. Hotel.

Day 16: Departure. Transfer to airport.

Level of Difficulty

You must be in excellent physical condition. The cycling is not technical; neither are the distances long. In this expedition, you will be pedaling at altitudes around 4000 m except on your warming up day heading down to Coroico. All roads will be unpaved. You will be riding on flat sections, rolling terrain, and some hills of approximately 300 m elevation gain. The wind can be strong in the afternoons. The temperatures can drop to -15°C at night and go up to 20°C during the day. You will have hot showers when staying in hotels. Camping, villager’s homes, 2-3 star hotels, and the 5-star Eco-lodge. Gear will be transported by Jeep. During the tour, it is possible to leave the bike at any time to continue in the assistance vehicle.

Those who travel with us are active people who practice physical activity at different levels. Motivation, mind set, attitude, and good physical condition will make a difference.

Equipment Required

  • Mountain bike in excellent working condition
  • Helmet

(Rental of cycling equipment is available in La Paz.)

For your own security, individual insurance is obligatory.

Prices

There are many variables involved in pricing our trips. Please feel free to contact us and we can discuss your needs and the prices.

Land costs include:

  • Trilingual North American guide
  • Tour guide
  • All meals except while in La Paz
  • Collective equipment for camping (tents, cooking gear, etc.)
  • Jeep transport of equipment

Land costs do not include:

  • International round-trip airfare to La Paz, Bolivia
  • Personal Gear
  • Medical/Evacuation trip insurance
  • Meals in La Paz (from US$3–$8 per person/meal)
  • Airport taxes (US$25 per person on international flights)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Unscheduled airport shuttle
  • Alcohol and bottled drinks

Payment and Cancellation Policy

A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required at the time of booking. Full payment is required not later than 60 days prior to the first day of the trip. Should you need to cancel your trip, a full reimbursement, less the US$500 deposit, would be possible up to 60 days before the first day of the trip. A 50% reimbursement, less the US$500 deposit, would be possible if cancellation occurs up to 30 days before the first day of the trip. Notice of cancellation must be submitted by electronic mail to: