TRAVESÍAS explora Our travesías are unique trips that we have ...

TRAVESÍAS explora
Our travesías are unique trips that we have offered since 2005
for those who have traveled extensively and seek new
experiences.
Our nomadic journeys are multi-day trips through diverse and
remote regions that are extraordinarily beautiful -- yet littleknown.
During the journey we will cross international borders
and lodge in accommodations specifically designed for explora,
in a simple yet comfortable style. We will also enjoy highquality
cuisine created to satisfy the physical demands of the
trip, along with good conversation.
We use well-equipped vans with satellite communication for
groups of up to 6 people, accompanied by an expert guide,
chef and support staff. Each journey starts or ends at one of
our hotels in the Atacama Desert or in Patagonia.

Travesía explora to Uyuni
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Length:
11 days /10 nights.
Departure:
From the Hotel Larache, explora Atacama.
Trip season:
April to December.
Trip dates:
Dates available according to calendar. Please check
availability with our Reservation Department.
Description:
This travesía allows us to explore for several days
one of the most inhospitable and fascinating places
on the planet: the Bolivian Altiplano. After reaching
altitudes of more than 4,000 meters, we end the
trip at the port town Iquique, at sea level.
After 4 days of exploration in the Atacama Desert,
where we use our Hotel Larache as a base to
experience the profound natural and cultural richness
of the area, we begin our travesía to Uyuni.
We will follow little-visited routes through the
Bolivian Altiplano and explore its singular natural
landscapes. Through mountain valleys we will visit
lakes, wetlands, geothermal fields, and sites of great
historical and cultural value, and view diverse wildlife
that inhabit this inhospitable land. On the seventh
day, we will arrive at the Salar de Uyuni, the largest
and highest salt flat in the world. Here we will spend
several days exploring the area, and lodging in our
camp on the shore of the Salar. We then descend
from the heights of the Chilean and Bolivian Altiplano
to the port town Iquique on the Pacific coast, where
the trip ends.
PROGRAM
• Day 1: Arrival at the Hotel de Larache, located in
the San Pedro de Atacama desert at 2,500 meters
above sea level.
• Days 2/3/4: Guests at the Hotel de Larache may
choose from a variety of excursions. By foot, by
bicycle, or by horseback, for a few hours or a full
day, low-key or demanding. Our excursions allow
our guests to adjust to the altitude and prepare
themselves for crossing the Bolivian Altiplano, and
experience the complete geography of the Atacama,
its wildlife and ancient local culture.
At the end of each excursion, our hotel awaits as
the place to relax and recharge.
• Day 5: We leave the Hotel de Larache early in the
morning. We then cross the Bolivian border at Hito
Cajón, in the extreme southeast corner of the country,
passing an impressive volcanic mountain range that
Volcan Lincancabur is a part of. We walk through
the geothermal area Sol de Mañana at 4,700 meters
above sea level, and then continue past a series of
salt flats, wetlands and lakes, the highlight being
the Colorada Lake, an ideal site to view flamingoes.
We will have lunch at a lookout point with spectacular

views of the surrounding area, before
continuing our travesía. At midday, we will
arrive at our camp, Cañapa, located at 4,300
meters above sea level.
• Day 6: At dawn, we will take a walk around
the area before continuing our journey through
the Bolivian altiplano, at altitudes that vary
between 4,300 and 3,600 meters above sea
level. We will pass by old mineral mines and
walk for 2 hours around a lake, where we can
appreciate the wildlife of the region.
A midday we will arrive at Chituca, our second
camp located at 3,750 meters above sea level.
• Day 7: We will begin our walk at dawn,
passing through old cultivation areas and a
beautiful forest of cactus that flanks our camp.
We continue our journey and view strange
geologic land formations. Slowly, we let
ourselves discover the Salar de Uyuni. With a
surface of more than 10 thousand square
kilometers and located at 3,665 meters above
sea level, this is the largest and highest salt
desert in the world. Surrounded by absolute
silence and solitude, we advance toward this
mythical salt lake. We can talk walks on the
surface and later climb a hill on the highest
island on the Salar, where we will have a
panoramic view. We will then continue our
journey until we arrive at Tahua, a small village
on the shore of the Salar, where we will find
our third camp, close to 3,300 meters above
sea level.
• Day 8: We begin our walk early, about 3 to
4 hours toward the base of the Tunupa volcano,
at 5,432 meters in altitude. At this point there
exists the alternative of visiting numerous sites
of interest in the surrounding area, or climbing
to the peak of Tunupa to enjoy sweeping views,
the latter of which implies extra time.
In the late afternoon, we will visit small villages
on the shore of the Salar: Tahua, Coquesa and
Jirira. We then return to have dinner and sleep
at the same Tahua camp.
• Day 9: We leave early headed toward the
Chilean/Bolivian border, passing the town Llica,
where we will stop to buy exquisite “salteñas,”
a traditional Bolivian empanada. Lunch is at
the estancia Irpa, on the shore of the Salar de
Coipasa, at 3,600 meters above sea level. We
continue toward Pisiga, the Bolivian border,
and then to Colchane, on the Chilean side. We
border the Isluga River until we reach a wetland
that is home to a rich array of wildlife. Later
in the afternoon, we will arrive at Aravilla, in
Isluga National Park, and our camp, at 4,020
meters above sea level.
• Day 10: Early in the morning, we begin our
walk through a wetland, and continue along
a hill close to the small village Mauque, where
we will find the ruins of ceremonial
constructions made of stone. Here we will
have a picnic. Beginning our descent from the
altiplano to Iquique, a Chilean port city on the
Pacific Ocean, we will travel from 4,000 meters
to sea level. You may swim here at Iquique’s
beaches if you wish. We will have dinner and
spend the night here in Iquique.
• Day 11: We will transfer you to the airport in
the morning, unless you decide to visit the city
on your own.

Climate
Uyuni features a similar arid climate as San Pedro de
Atacama, however due to its higher altitude it is
colder. Day temperatures vary between 2 ºC and 15
ºC in winter (May-August), and -20 ºC in the evening,
between 5 ºC and 20 ºC from September to
December. Between January and March, the
“Altiplanic winter” can make roads impassable, the
reason why the Uyuni journey is available from April
to December only.
In San Pedro, the Altiplanic winter is weaker, with
occasional rain, and a good year-round climate and
more than 90% sunny days. Day temperatures on
average are 8º C to 23º C during winter, and 12º C
(54º F) to 25º C during summer.
Requirements
Physical health compatible with walking at high
altitudes between 2,500 and 4.700 meters above
sea level and in temperatures that during the day
can drop to 0 ºC (32 ºF) and -20 ºC (68 ºF) at night.
A spirit of adventure, good attitude and flexibility in
the face of unexpected occurrences.
• Necessary equipment, principally:
• Trekking boots.
• Trekking pants.
• A base layer of thermal underwear, with thick socks.
• A thin fleece as a second layer.
• A wind-proof jacket as a third layer.
• A goose-down jacket as a fourth layer.
• Thick gloves, and ideally an additional thinner pair.
• Sunglasses with UV protection, ideally with lateral
protection.
• Sunblock (factor 30 minimum).
• Small backpack for trekking (20 to 30 liters).
• Casual shoes.
**Visitors can buy necessary equipment in our store
at the Hotel de Larache.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to get there?
After arriving at the Santiago airport, you must take
a connecting flight to Calama, about 2 hours. At
Calama, our staff will welcome you at the airport and
transfer you via van to the Hotel de Larache, about 1
hour.
Once we have crossed the Chilean and Bolivian altiplano,
the journey continues to the city of Iquique. During
the morning of day 11, an explora van will transfer
you to the airport, where you may catch one of several
flights to Santiago, about 2.5 hours.
What medical services are available?
All of our guides have Wilderness First Responder
(WFR) certifications, meaning they are qualified to
assist during situations in remote areas. Guides travel
with an extensive first-aid kit and oxygen. At explora
safety begins by not taking unnecessary risks, and
by preparing our expert guides, who have in-depth
knowledge of the area. During the entire journey
there are no hospitals nearby, and helicopter rescue
is not available.
How can my friends and family get in touch
with me in the event of an emergency?
By contacting the Hotel de Larache (56 55) 851110 /
(56 55) 851115. The hotel can reach our vans by
satellite telephone.
What services are included in the program?
Daily excursions from the explora hotel in the
Atacama, with bilingual guides. Daily excursions at
Uyuni and the Bolivian Altiplano. Lodging, 3 meals
per day, open bar, airport transfers.

What is the group size on a travesía?
The maximum group size is 6 travelers, along
with an expert crew made up of a guide and
a 4-person staff (driver, cook and assistants).
What documents do I need?
An up-to-date passport. In some cases a visa
for Bolivia (check http://www.rree.gov.bo for
visa information).
How long are the van rides?
Between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the day,
often on poorly conditioned roads.
What vehicles are used during the travesía?
We use a Toyota Land Cruiser and comfortable
van outfitted for the journey.
What communications equipment does
explora bring on journeys?
Each vehicle has a satellite telephone, as well as
a GPS, compass and maps.
What kind of food is served?
Our menu has been specially designed for high
altitudes and cold temperatures, while
maintaining the explora standard. Some of our
dishes use Bolivian recipes. During excursions in
San Pedro de Atacama our guests can review
our menus and let us know if they cannot eat
certain foods.
Is there much luggage space?
Space is limited, for that reason we ask that each
traveler bring only what is necessary.
Can I recharge batteries for electronics?
Yes, but you must bring your own recharger.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Programs include:
• Roundtrip transfer from the Calama airport and
explora and to the Iquique airport, the final
destination of
the trip.
• Lodging at explora Atacama, in traditional but
remodeled houses and in explora campsites. 1
hotel night in Iquique.
• Full board, all meals with fixed menu. Bar.
• Daily explorations in groups of maximum 8
people, with bilingual guides, and equipment.
• Rates are per person in US dollars.
• Rates in US dollars are tax exempt according
to decree D.L. 825 art. 12 for guests who are
foreigners, not residents of Chile and pay in
dollars.
Kids:
This trip is recommended for persons older than
18 years old.
Pets:
It is not possible to bring pets on any
travesía explora.
Reservations:
All reservations must be made in writing
via fax (56-2 228 4655) or e-mail
(reserve@explora.com). explora will confirm
reservations in the same manner as they were
received. Reservations will be considered tentative

until the guest confirms by paying 30% of the
total reservation fee. The remainder must be paid
30 days prior to the guest’s arrival at the hotel.
Programs at explora are non-divisible and cannot
be transferred.
Changes:
Changes to confirmed reservations are allowed
according to availability.
Penalties for cancellations are the following:
• 60 to 30 days prior to check-in:
US$ 200 per room.
• 29 to 10 days prior to check-in:
30% of the total value of the reservation.
• 9 to 0 days prior to check-in:
100% of the total value of the reservation.
Liabilities:
explora reserves the right to alter, change or
eliminate parts of the exploration itineraries
without prior notice, when advisable for the wellbeing
or safety of guests.
RATES TO UYUNI
(from january 1st, 2009 until december 31st, 2010)
(Per person in US$)
Program 10 nights
Room Tulur SINGLE DOUBLE
4 nights Atacama 3.680 2.560
6 nights Uyuni 6.150 4.200
total 9.830 6.760
Program 10 nights
Room Yali SINGLE DOUBLE
4 nights Atacama 3.972 2.760
6 nights Uyuni 6.150 4.200
total 10.122 6.960
Program 10 nights
Room Catur SINGLE DOUBLE
4 nights Atacama 5.552 3.860
6 nights Uyuni 6.150 4.200
total 11.702 8.060

travesias explora
travesía explora to Uyuni
dates 2009
• Dates are subject to change without prior notice.
• Other dates may be available upon request.
TRAVESÍA DATES
4 nights explora Atacama + 5 nights explora camp + 1 night Iquique
date
april 18 to april 28
may 18 to may 28
june 18 to june 28
july 18 to july 28
aug. 18 to aug. 28
sept. 19 to sept. 29
oct. 18 to oct. 28
nov. 18 to nov. 28
in explora
april 18
may 18
june 18
july 18
august 18
september 19
october 18
november 18
out explora
april 22
may 22
june 22
july 22
august 22
september 23
october 22
november 22
transfer Uyuni
april 22
may 22
june 22
july 22
august 22
september 23
october 22
november 22
out Uyuni
april 27
may 27
june 27
july 27
august 27
september 28
october 27
november 27
in Iquique
april 27
may 27
june 27
july 27
august 27
september 28
october 27
november 27
out Iquique
april 28
may 28
june 28
july 28
august 28
september 29
october 28
november 28