The last day of our tour across across the Salar de Uyuni began with a cold 5:30am departure.
Sleeping at approximately 4500 metres above sea level I had heard from other backpackers that this was going to be the coldest night of all. Braced to be freezing and ready with my multiple layers of clothing, I was pleasantly surprised that the temperature stayed very mild. January is summer here in Bolivia and as a result the temperatures were perfect for a non-winter lover like me.
The hostel we slept in was basic but comfortable and with five of us sharing a small room and our beds all having warm blankets, we slept a pleasantly warm night.
Our first stop of the morning as the sun rose over the landscape was the Bolivian geysers. Naturally formed holes in the earth that allow methane gas to escape from far below, watching the white mist bellow from the earth was yet another spectacular site on this trip. Once again joining the many other tourists making the three day trek, the geysers were stinky spot for some great photos.
From the geysers we drove onward to the hot springs. A vast area of warm pools with one specifically designated for swimmers, the hot springs were an interesting site to behold.
Those who chose to swim stripped down to their bikinis and shorts and raced from the changing area to the warmth of the springs whilst hundreds of us who chose not to partake watched wrapped in our jackets, beanies and gloves.
The whole area is once again spectacular and one of the more unique locations I’ve found myself at 7am.
It was then onward toward Chile and across the Dali desert. With snow capped mountains in the background and sand dunes surrounding us the location is otherworldly and a perfect last stop before crossing the border.
My friend Rudy and I of course took the opportunity to run like mental alpacas across the desert, as we had done in every location we’d been in together since meeting a couple of weeks before.
Then suddenly we had reached the Bolivia border, bringing our tour to it’s end. Those of us who were crossing the border into San Pedro de Atacama had a small van waiting for us which had been organised by the tour company.
At 9:30am after getting our passports stamped and saying our goodbyes we drove 45 minutes through no-man’s land down into San Pedro de Atacama where the Chilean border is located.
Those in our group who chose to go back to Uyuni had an expected 6 hour 4WD return trip across the deserted. Unfortunately I learned that the car troubles we had experienced the previous day had returned with a vengeance and the return trip turned into 10 hours of constant breakdowns.
But now that I’ve adventured across Bolivia I’ve discovered that it’s one of the most spectacular countries in South America. I completely loved the trip and suggest anyone in the area definitely do it.
A couple things to keep in mind:
– Try and go with a reputable company, but don’t freak out too much about it. All companies go the same way, stop at the same locations and stay in the same places. All companies use worn out 4WD and drivers who likely only speak Spanish. I went with Andes Salt Expeditions and had a great time. They were one of the less expensive operators and the food included was great, the accommodation comfortable and driver was surprisingly chatty and caring.
– Make sure all your electronics are full charged before you leave Uyuni. There are so many spectacular photos to take that you will wear your batteries out fast. The first night we were able to charge our phones and cameras but the second night we had no access to power at all.
– Wear a hat and sunscreen. You’re in the desert most of the time with almost no protection from the sun whatsoever.
– Relax and go with whatever happens, it’s Bolivia!
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