6-day trek to Uyuni Salt Lake and Acotango from La Paz
Join José, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, on this 6-day hiking trip in the Bolivian Andes. Reach Uyuni Salt Lake and Acotango and enjoy amazing views!
Private
Andes
6 Days
Apr - Nov
High
Beginner
Highlights
- Discover some breathtaking Bolivian landscapes.
- Reach the top of two over 5000-meter peaks with an expert guide.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bolivian Andes and surroundings.
Description
You don’t need to be an expert mountaineer to reach over 6,000-meter summits. Here is your chance of getting to such heights, and what is best, without sleeping in tents!
The Bolivian Andes are a perfect destination for mountaineering and hiking adventures. This trip is your chance to explore the beautiful areas of the Uyuni Salt Flats and the Sajama National Park and to reach the summit of two important Bolivian peaks.
In the Andean mythology, Thunupa Volcano (5,396m) is the greatest goddess of the mountain ranges. The Strato volcano is located north of visiting the world-famous Uyuni Salt Lake, which is the largest on Earth. We will climb it to get acclimatized to the altitude. Acotango (6,056m), which is our main goal, is a volcano between Bolivia and Chile.
These non-technical ascents will allow us to enjoy breathtaking views of the Uyuni and Coipasa Salt Lakes, in the Sajama National Park (in Bolivia) and the Lauca National Park (in Chile). Although it is unnecessary to have climbing experience, we will need some equipment such as mountaineering boots and crampons. It is highly recommended to spend at least three days in altitudes similar to La Paz City or Titicaca Lake doing light physical activity.
So, if you are up for some awesome hiking ascents in Bolivia, please contact me. Let’s reach the summits of Pico Austria and Acotango together!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Included:
- Mountain guide
- Hotels mentioned
- Meals mentioned
- 4wd transportation
- Visits mentioned
- Not included:
- National Park and archaeological sites entrance fares
- Snacks
- Water or other drinks
- Single room supplements
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
Drive along the Bolivian highlands from La Paz, passing Oruro and further south to Jirira, a small village on Uyuni Salt Lake's northern coast. We will see Thunupa from the hotel's dining room and admire its colorful slopes. The trip will take eight driving hours. On the way, we will visit a meteoric crater and the ruins of a pre-Inca fortress. (L, D)
Day 2: Uyuni Salt Lake
Full day visiting Uyuni Salt Lake and its shores. Our day will start with several small hikes to visit a small cave with particular rock formations, a rock arch, and a rock tower with other fort ruins. We will have lunch in the middle of the lake, close to the salt miners. Then, we will traverse the salty surface of the lake towards the islands and hike to the top of one of them. In the night, after dinner, we will get back to the salt to admire the southern skies. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Thunupa Climb
With our 4WD car, we will drive till 4700 m. The hike follows a trail across the sand and rocky moraines to a ridge. Then, it switches between small boulders to the summit slopes. The striking colors of the volcano will greet us on top. We will get back to the hotel in midafternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Sajama National Park
Driving day to Sajama National Park. It takes eight hours to traverse the deserts between the Uyuni to the Park. If time allows us, we will visit the geysers before having an early dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Acotango Climb
We will have breakfast at 4:00 a.m. to leave the hotel one hour later. The drive takes more than one hour to the parking spot at 5400 m. The route will lead us inside the crater. Following the lower slopes, we will get to the summit ridge. We will stand on the summit near midday, admiring the magnificent views of Sajama and Lauca National Parks in Bolivia and Chile, respectively. If the wind allows us, we will eat from our box lunches up there. (B, L, D)
Day 6: La Paz
Four-hour drive back to La Paz. End of services. (B)
Details
More info
This program will take place every Friday from 5th April to 15th November.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You do not need mountaineering experience. You must be able to hike for at least 8 hours. The program is suitable for children and older people considering they can hike for 8 continuous hours.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
Our meeting point will be at the Plaza Humbolt in Calacoto, Zona Sur, La Paz.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
All accomodation, in simple hostels, and meals are included.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Remember that the entrance fee to Sajama National Park is not included. By the end of 2023, the cost was around USD 20.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
From April to November.
Can I join a group?
Yes. Check our departure dates.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
If there is bad weather the summit day, we will have to cancel the ascent.
What equipment do I need?
Boots that can take crampons are a requirement. Hiking poles are a recommended option. Warm clothing, gloves, sunglasses and a cap are a must. Windbreakers, down jackets, Goretex jackets, over-trousers, and gaiters are good options.
What is the weather going to be?
From April to November is dry season in the Bolivian highlands. June and July are the coldest and it can get down to -10C around the early morning when we will start the Acotango climb. The other months are not so cold but it can get below zero with the winds. During the day, it can range from 10C to 25C depending on the season.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
José
5.0
(3)
Mountain Guide
IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide from Bolivia
I first visited the Andes when I was 14 years old, and that's when the love of nature and Mountains started. Since then the "Call of the Hills" has not diluted and I dedicated my life to work as a mountain guide.
Proper training started in 1984 with the aid of the German government and the German Alpine Club (DAV). Then a group of Bolivians were certified as a mountain guide’s instructors. After many years of negotiation, Bolivia succeeded in becoming a member of the International Mountain Guides Association (IMGA, UIAGM, IVBV) in 2005. That's when I achieved the international Certification.
I also studied Film Making and hold a Masters degree on Script Writing and worked on some documentary projects with the BBC.
I lead trekking and climbing groups in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile and speak Spanish, English and French.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
AGMTB
What people are saying about this trip
Michael
The trip was well-organized and Jose was professional, friendly, paid attention to detail, safety conscious and always concerned about my desires.
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