Photographic Safari – Salar de Uyuni, Atacama desert, Bolivia(PBOL)

6 days and 5 nights
Starts San Pedro, Chile and ends Uyuni, Bolivia.

Photographic Safari – Small group 4wd tour through the wilderness and high deserts of Southern Bolivia.

Itinerary

Day 1 This morning we meet up in San Pedro de Atacama, northern Chile, to set off on our adventure through this stunning landscape. We recommend that you spend several days here prior to the tour in order to be fully acclimatised to the altitudes.

We will head from San Pedro to the border post of Hito Cajones, here we cross the border and have our first sighting of Licancabur volcano, and at its feet the beautiful Laguna Verde. We continue on, driving through the mysterious Valle de las Damas del Desierto, and on to the hot springs at Polques, and the Geysers de Sol de Mañana. Laguna Colorada is our next stop, a stunning lake, home to three species of flamingo. The red color of the lake is produced by active algae which react with the sun radiation and wind. The pink color of the feet and feathers of the flamingos are also a result of the same algae. The desert displays an array of colours, all shades of red, orange, ochre, brass, browns and beige. The stone tree, a Dali like sculpture, will be our final stop before arriving at our hotel. We stay at teh Desert Hotel, hot water, private bathroom and heating (L, D).

Day 2 We leave the hotel heading south making our way through the Siloli Desert and its astonishing beauty. Today gives us an opportunity to fully explore this high desert, stopping off wherever we feel, photographing the wonders around us. We plan to visit a couple of nearby lakes in the morning and will stop at Black mountain to catch a glimpse of the viscachas (Andean hares) which normally bask in the sun there. We will also spend some time at the rare springs that keep this desert alive. There is an opportunity to hike in the Cañadón de la Quebrada del Silala, a moon like valley sculpted by the water over millenniums on a walk that should take around two hours. In the midst of the canon we will appreciate impressive ridges made out of volcanic rock and the melodic sound of the water all the way to the border with Chile, from where we will catch a glimpse of the water as it descends to Chile. Desert Hotel (B, L, D).

Day 3 Today we enjoy the series of lakes Ramadita, Honda, Chiarkota, Hedionda and Cañapa. They are home to a large number of flamingos of three species: Andino, James and Chilean, who share this high desert with several other species of hardy birds and mammals. Each lake boasts a different shade of bluey/green, contrasting with the warm desert hues. We will continue towards the Mirador de Ollague where we will have an open air lunch. During the afternoon we will visit Pueblo Refugio, an abandoned highland village, once refuge to the fleeing people from Pueblo Quemado (burnt village).We spend the night in the comfortable Tayka Stone Hotel with private bathroom, heating and hot water (B, L, D).

Day 4 This morning we spend some time exploring the local village and nearby corrals of llamas on foot. Part of the village was burnt during the war against Chile in 1879. Some of the ancient constructions in the nearby hills go back to a much earlier period, showing a long history of human inhabitation of this stark desert. We then head towards Galaxy Cave, a cactus sanctuary, petrified stromatolites and Chullpas (ancient cemetery). The cave has a very strange geological sub-aquatic structure from the time of the lakes Michín (30000 years ago) and Tauca (40000 years ago). We then reach the vast salt lake of the Salar de Uyuni. Driving on to the salt at Mala Mala Bay we visit Fish Island. There we walk to the top to gain a view of this expansive white desert. During the afternoon, we continue to the north to the feet of Thunupa Volcano. Here we will visit the Coquesa Mummies, and have sunset views over the salar. We spend the night in the Tayka Salt Hotel with private bathroom, hot water and heating (B, L, D).

Day 5 We continue our safari this morning with a drive to Chillima village, just north of Tahua. From here we will start to ascend by vehicle to Pucara. From this point we walk for an hour or so to reach Pucara de Chillima. Over a thousand years old these ancient stone constructions draw us back to dwell on the way of life of those hardy communities that survived out here many generations ago. The view over the Salar, its island and bays and far distant snow covered peaks, is breath taking and unforgettable. Breath deeply, of this vast, pristine environment. We either return to the vehicles or take an ancient walking trail, back to the hotel. This afternoon we once again set out onto the Salar, to Incahuasi Island. We walk to the top of the island, through an extraordinary cactus forest, the only green in this sparkling white landscape. At sunset, as we are immersed in the unique evening light of the Bolivian altiplano, we spend some time photographing the Salt pyramids, a product of the salt extraction industry based here at the nearby village of Colchani. We drive to Uyuni for out last evening together (B, L, D).

Day 6 Tour ends after breakfast. Please let us know if you would like to arrange any extensions.(B)

Getting there and away

The nearest airport to San Pedro is Calama in northern Chile (from where we can help with a transfer in and also hotels in San Pedro) and the best way to get there is to book a flight from Santiago in Chile.

The trip ends in Uyuni (nearest airport La Paz), and from there the best way to get out is to travel by bus or train to La Paz and depart from there on your international flight.

From Uyuni to La Paz you can take a night bus - this departs Uyuni at 2000 each evening. There is a train on 29th at 0130 that takes you to Oruro and then a connecting bus takes you onwards to La Paz. If there is a consenus it will be possible to share a private jeep to get to La Paz.

Requirements

Fitness

This is primarily a photographic workshop, where the majority of the time will be spent photographing some stunning locations. The area we cover is large, and we will be transported by 4wd jeeps to utilize our time there to a maximum. Some of the journeys are long and rough, and it can be hot and dusty.

Clothing

We will be travelling at altitudes in excess of 4,000 metres. This can provide some stunning photographic opportunities, but it also means that you must be prepared for extreme weather. I would recommend that you take good quality warm clothing with you. A decent windproof jacket, windproof trousers, gloves and hat are essential. Good walking shoes or boots are a must also. I would suggest that these items are carried in a day backpack which we will store in the vehicle for you if it isn't needed at any time.

Camera equipment

It is not essential, but the following camera items would be useful and I can give you tuition on them: polarizing filter, neutral density graduated filters (3-stop hard grad preferred), cable release, sturdy tripod and obviously a camera. I have no preferences for camera equipment – it is purely up to you what you bring, but please bear in mind that this trip is for the passionate photographer, so something that provides control over exposure and has the facility of different focal lengths would be best. Typically, a 35mm, medium format, large format, or DSLR would be suitable.

Flying with camera equipment

The main concern is with film. All film to be used on the workshop must be carried on as hand luggage. Do not check film into the hold as there is a high chance it may be damaged by extensive x-rays used for checked in luggage.

Carrying film on as hand luggage is very safe and I've yet to have film fogged in this way. I've travelled extensively, often re-using film stock that I've had left over from a previous flight, taking the same stock through numerous hand baggage x-ray machines. I've yet to see any fogging. Provided the film is of a sufficiently low ISO (less than 800 ISO), you should be fine.

In order to speed up the security checks, take all film out of it's cardboard packing and in the case of 35mm, leave the film in it's plastic tub. With medium format and large format film, leave it in the silver foil wrapper. This will allow security staff to see what it is.

Due to carry on restrictions, if you can manage to keep your camera system compact and combine it with your film, then it's advisable to carry both camera and film on as hand luggage. If the systems too heavy for carry on, or too bulky, I would recommend the use of a Pelican case with foam insert to transport the camera equipment. This will need to be checked into the hold. Ensure that you take out sufficient insurance for your equipment.

In my own case, I take a camera system that is compact and light enough to take on board the plane. My film is also carried in the same bag that contains the camera. For a one or two week shoot, I will take around 40 to 60 rolls of medium format film. My tripod is packed into my checked in luggage. I will remove the ball head and wrap it in some clothing and if need be, remove some of the leg columns in order to fit the tripod into my case. Again, ensure that you have sufficient insurance for your camera equipment.

About Bruce

Travel, landscape and portrait photography are passions for Bruce and he often combines them in his yearly escapades to the far reaches of the world.

He is an experienced photographer who has travelled to Bolivia, Peru, Iceland, Patagonia, Easter Island, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Cambodia and Cuba. His photographs have been published in many travel and history publications throughout the world and he occasionally writes for photographic magazine in the UK.

He is versed in the use of many camera formats from Large Format right through to digital. Bruce will often spend many quiet hours before sunrise waiting for the magic light to appear. He is a keen educator and loves to share his techniques with others. To see more of his images, see his website.

Bruce has visited Bolivia on several occasions and has a good knowledge of the area. Bruce was blown away when he first visited Bolivia - saying " I thought I'd experienced a wide range of landscapes until I saw and felt the Bolivian altiplano. I could have been walking on Mars for all I knew."

Included

5 nights accommodation, all meals (excluding drinks) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, entry fees, photographer/tutor (Bruce Percy).

Due to the nature of the park and the accommodation on offer, we are providing twin rooms. If you do not wish to share with someone, then we can offer a single room by way of a single persons supplement of £135.

Not included

Travel insurance, airport taxes, tips and additional personal expenses are not included. Flights are not included in the price of the trip, but can be arranged and booked through Andean Trails. Flights should get you to San Pedro de Atacama at least 2 days before Day 1. The closest airport to Uyuni is in La Paz. Allow a day to get to La Paz from Uyuni and it is worth staying a day or so to have a good look around there. We can help with accommodation before / after and transport to and from the tour if you require – please ask for the options.