Day 1: Transport from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajón border post. Visit the Eduardo Avaroa National Reservation, which covers an area of 7147 km2 and is south west of the city of Potosí, in the Province of Sud Lípez. Its extraordinary fauna contains singular species that have adapted to the extreme conditions in the region. Some of them are in danger of extinction. Its lakes, salt flats, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, plains, thermal springs, rivers rich in algae and plankton, geothermal springs, flora and landscape in general give this zone its unique character and make it the perfect place in which to forget your daily routine and immerse yourself in the natural world.
Transport to Green Lagoon, whose waters are as green as a giant emerald. From the shore you can see the majestic beauty of Licancabur volcano (5865 m), and the dazzling colour of the lake at sunset is caused by its high magnesium content. Then a visit to the Sol de Mañana geyser, fumaroles and volcanic pools that form a spectacular sight in the strong wind that gives the visit seem more of an adventure. This area covers 1 square kilometre and is on the road to Chalviri. You can see boiling lava in the craters and the fumaroles throw out a mixture of hot water and steam to a height of 80 to 100 metres. A primitive landscape of boiling mud and lava, a throwback to the beginnings of time. This geothermal region is located at 4900 m.a.s.l.
An hour from the geysers we come to Red Lagoon: covering 60 square kilometres at an altitude of 4278 m, its beauty takes one's breath away. Its waters are reddish and it is home to flocks of pink-feathered tokokoo flamingos; the similarly pink jututu and chururu, whose plumage is almost white. The birds' synchronised movements seem like an improvised ballet that you can watch for hours. Vicuñas, llamas and vizcachas can also be seen here. Box lunch en route. Arrival at Uyuni, dinner and overnight stay in spend the night at private rooms.
Day 2: Experience the magic of the stars in the Salt flats. Watch the sunrise over the salt flat. See the light reflected on the surface of the salt flat like millions of small crystals. Hike to the cactus-covered Incahuasi Island near the salt flat, or climb the small hills at the edge of the salt flat for spectacular views.
In the middle of the salt flat, freshly baked bread, steaming coffee, and exotic fruits will be waiting for you. They are a delight after a morning walk.
The Salt flat is an out-of-this-world stargazing center! a visually stunning environment of ethereal white beauty and wide horizons make this place one of the best stargazing destinations in the world.
The white, salty surface is highly reflective and when flooded during the rainy season (Dec. & May), the thin layer of water creates a specular reflection of the night sky. You can see the sky reflected at your feet. It's like floating in open space!. Finally enjoy your transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama Chile.
