The Uyuni Salt Flat by bike

An itinerant cycling trip is an original way of discovering the natural wonder that is the Salar d’Uyuni. 2 days’ cycling to reach the Salar, 1 day on its shores and a hike, then finally its crossing, in two days with an overnight stay on Incahuasi Island…

This trip will also take you to the Alcaya ruins, the Chiquini cave, the Tunupa viewpoint, Incahuasi island, etc.

During your journey, a 4×4 vehicle will assist you and carry your luggage, so you can pedal in complete freedom and get the most out of your trip!

At the end of the trip in Uyuni, you can continue the adventure directly with a 4×4 tour of the South Lipez, looping back from Uyuni, or finishing in Tupiza…

Overview :

Length of stay :

7 days on the spot.

Transport :

Chauffeur et véhicule privé

Entry of the sites :

variable

Guide :

English speaking driver and spanish speaking local guide

Altitude of the journey:

From 3'600 to 4'600 mètres

Best moment of year :

From May to October

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Steps and highlights:

Main steps:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Highlights:

  • A visit to Alcaya, one of Bolivia’s major archaeological sites
  • Cycling to the Salar de Uyuni
  • The exceptional route, between canyon, cliff and salar, to the Chiquini cave
  • The hike to Tunupa, with its extraordinary view over the Salar
  • Cross the mythical salt desert, passing by Incahuasi Island and its cactus

Day 1 : LA PAZ / CRATER JAYU KHOTA

More infos
Departure :

08:00

Accommodation :

Overnight in tent

Meals included :

Lunch and dinner

Altitude :

3'700 meters

Time of transport :

7 hours

Walking time :

/

LA PAZ / CRATER JAYU KHOTA

Pick-up at the meeting point in La Paz in the early morning (meeting point to be determined). Approximately 7 hours' drive to the Jayu Khota crater. It's possible to stop along the way to stretch your legs a little, for example at Quillacas, where you can climb the Calvary and admire the view over the region. Overnight in a tent close to the crater. Another option is to stay in a hotel in Challapata.

Special information :
Option: overnight at hotel in Challapata

Day 2 : CRATER JAYU KHOTA / SALINAS / ALCAYA

More infos
Departure :

08:00

Accommodation :

Suk'arani hotel

Meals included :

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Altitude :

3'700 meters

Time of transport :

45 minutes

Walking time :

1 hour

CRATER JAYU KHOTA / SALINAS / ALCAYA

We set off in the morning on our bikes for a short warm-up ride of around 4 hours on a fairly flat tarmac road with very little traffic. You'll gradually get closer to the imposing Tunupa volcano and the Salar de Uyuni. Some lovely views of the Salar and the Bolivian Altiplano. On arriving in Salinas, the quinoa capital of the world, you will have lunch before setting off for Alcaya by car. The afternoon will be devoted to a visit to one of Bolivia's most beautiful archaeological sites, the ruins of Alcaya, part of the Chullpa civilisation. A local guide will take you to the top of the lost city, where the view over the region is magnificent. After visiting the community's small museum, return to Salinas for dinner and overnight.

Special information :
Biking : 4 hours / 37km / 100 D+

Day 3 : SALINAS/TAHUA

More infos
Departure :

09:00

Accommodation :

Tayka de Sal

Meals included :

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Altitude :

3'700 meters

Time of transport :

/

Walking time :

/

SALINAS/TAHUA

Depart in the morning for a rather leisurely day on the region's dirt roads, from Salinas to the community of Tahua, located on the banks of the Salar... The road passes inland, to the west of the Tunupa volcano, or a slightly longer option, to the east of the volcano and passing through the communities of Jirira, Coquesa... On the edge of the Salar de Uyuni. Overnight in Tahua at the Tayka de Sal hotel, run by the community, with views of the Salar and Tunupa.

Special information :
Biking : 5 hours / 33km / 400 D+

Day 4 : TAHUA / GRUTA CHIQUINI / TAHUA

More infos
Departure :

08:00

Accommodation :

Tayka de Sal

Meals included :

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Altitude :

3'600 meters

Time of transport :

/

Walking time :

/

TAHUA / GRUTA CHIQUINI / TAHUA

We set off in the morning for a lovely loop around the region. We pick up a stretch of the previous day's route before branching off into a pretty valley, the road taking us through the beautiful cliffs of the region before rejoining the Salar. From here, a few kilometres along the edge of the Salar will take you to the small Chiquini cave. After a visit to the cave and a picnic lunch, return to Tahua, either by following the Salar, a magnificent road passing through the community of Caquena borders the Salar for around twenty kilometres and ends in Tahua... The other option is to cut straight through the Salar, however, this part of the Salar is often flooded until late in the year. Return to Tahua and another night at the hotel in Sal.

Special information :
Biking : 7 hours / 60km / 400 D+

Day 5 : TAHUA / MIRADOR DU TUNUPA / TAHUA

More infos
Departure :

08:00

Accommodation :

Tayka de Sal

Meals included :

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Altitude :

5'000 meters

Time of transport :

1 hour

Walking time :

6 hours

TAHUA / MIRADOR DU TUNUPA / TAHUA

A non-biking day, but a sporty one nonetheless! We set off by car for the community of Coquesa, not far from Tahua, and then begin the ascent by 4x4. This hike will give you one of the best views of both the Salar de Uyuni and the Tunupa crater. After the hike, return to Tahua by vehicle.

Day 6 : TAHUA / SALAR / ISLA INCAHUASI

More infos
Departure :

09:00

Accommodation :

Overnight in tent

Meals included :

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Altitude :

3'600 meters

Time of transport :

/

Walking time :

/

TAHUA / SALAR / ISLA INCAHUASI

Departure in the morning for the long-awaited crossing of the Salar de Uyuni... After spending several days on its shores, contemplating it from various vantage points, it's finally time to embark on the crossing! Today, we're starting with the easiest part of the journey: only 40km separate Tahua from Incahuasi island. However, the crossing can be difficult depending on the state of the Salar. Depending on the season or the year, the Salar can be wet, slightly unstable and full of holes, or sometimes completely flat and rolling... On arrival at Incahuasi, we will of course make our way to the top of the island for one of the best views of this natural wonder. Overnight in a tent on the island.

Special information :
Biking : 4 hours / 40km / 0 D+

Day 7 : ISLA INCAHUASI / COLCHANI

More infos
Departure :

08:00

Accommodation :

/

Meals included :

Breakfast and lunch

Altitude :

3'600 meters

Time of transport :

/

Walking time :

/

ISLA INCAHUASI / COLCHANI

Last day, today we finish the crossing of the Salar... A little harder than yesterday, with around 75km separating the island from Colchani. However, the Salar is in better condition on this stretch and the wind is often at your back... A few kilometres before arriving in Colchani, you will pass by the Dakar and flag monuments... End of services in Uyuni.

Special information :
Biking : 7 hours / 75km / 0 D+

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