4x4 Expeditions
Visit Sajama Park, Uyuni Salt Flat, Abaroa Reserve and Tupiza
  • From 5 to 10 days
  • Natural Wonders
  • Medium

 

About the 4x4 Route

Bolivia has become a privileged destination for 4×4 expeditions thanks to its challenging routes and landscapes that combine imposing volcanoes, brightly colored lagoons, and extensive highland areas. Sajama National Park, located in the northwest of the Oruro department, protects the Nevado Sajama, the highest mountain in the country at 6 542 m above sea level. In addition to its summit, the park shelters queñua forests (Polylepis tarapacana) that reach over 5 200 m, becoming the highest woody formation in the world, and a network of hot springs and mountaineering routes. Numerous archaeological sites are found in its surroundings, including polychrome chullpas and pictographs from the Inca period in the Río Lauca valley, which reveal the deep cultural footprint of the area. The journey to the Eduardo Abaroa Reserve contains the beautiful circuit of high‑Andean lagoons that includes the famous Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Blanca, each with a unique coloration and rich avifauna of Andean, James, and Chilean flamingos. The reserve extends between 4 200 and 6 000 m of altitude, also covering the Salar de Coipasa, the town of Salinas de Garci Mendoza, and the iconic Salar de Uyuni, allowing travelers to combine the salt flat crossing with the exploration of lakes and the geysers of Sol de Mañana, an active geothermal zone with fumaroles and hot springs. The diversity of fauna — vicuñas, guanacos, Andean foxes — and high‑mountain vegetation make this reserve a spectacular setting for adventurers seeking off‑road experiences in environments of great ecological and scenic value.
The route from the Lípez Desert to Tupiza crosses arid landscapes, rock formations, and multicolored valleys. In Tupiza stand out its reddish canyons, such as Quebrada de Palala, historic equestrian routes linked to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and a natural environment ideal for trekking and photography.

 

Program

Day 1

La Paz ➔ Sajama Park

Arrival at Sajama National Park, where you can admire the Nevado Sajama volcano (6,542 m), visit the colonial church of Curahuara de Carangas – "the Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano" – and enjoy the Manasaya hot springs, located one hour from the town of Sajama.

Day 2

Sajama Park ➔ Salinas de Garci Mendoza

After breakfast in the town of Sajama, the itinerary continues along the road that connects the park with the salt flat area. The route covers the Salar de Coipasa (≈ 20 km to the northwest) and arrives at Salinas de Garci Mendoza, capital of the Ladislao Cabrera province, located 280 km southwest of Oruro. Here you can observe the quinoa fields that give the locality its name and prepare the vehicle for the next stage.

Day 3

Salinas de Garci Mendoza ➔ Coquesa

From Garci Mendoza you can access the southern flank of the Tunupa volcano (5 321 m) and advance along the road that leads to the towns of Ayque, Coquesa and Jirira. Coquesa, a settlement at the foot of Tunupa, serves as a base to explore the archaeological remains of chullpas and, if time permits, to start a light hike to the volcano's crater.

Day 4

Coquesa ➔ Villamar

The road continues southeast crossing the area of the "Palala canyons" (≈ 4,200 m) and the "Sillar," a rock formation sculpted by erosion. By late afternoon you arrive at the small town of Villamar, located at the western edge of the Great Lipez Desert, where you can observe multicolored rock formations and prepare for the highland crossing.

Day 5

Villamar ➔ San Pablo de Lípez

From Villamar the Lipez route continues, passing through the towns of Alota and San Cristóbal before reaching San Pablo de Lípez, the main locality in the area (≈ 4 250 m). There you can visit the remains of ancient silver mining and pre‑Columbian sites, as well as acclimatize before the final stretch.

Day 6

San Pablo de Lípez ➔ Tupiza

The final stretch of the itinerary covers about 88 km of gravel road that gradually descends toward the city of Tupiza. The route passes through the "Sillar" and the Quebrada de Palala, offering spectacular views of the arid landscape and the possibility of spotting condors. Arrival in Tupiza.

Day 7 (Optional)

Tupiza ➔ Villazón ➔ Potosí or return to La Paz

  • Villazón: Continue southeast (≈ 150 km) along the road to the Argentine border and explore the Atacama Desert.
  • Potosí option: Take the northeast route (≈ 200 km) to visit the historic mining city, World Heritage Site, and its silver mines.
  • Return to La Paz option.

Important notes

Availability:

✅ Tours are available every day of the week.

Requirements:

🪪 You may be asked to present identification, such as your passport.

Important data:

⛰️ Sajama Park is located at high altitude and involves walking on steep slopes.

Health information:

⚠️ Make sure you are in good health and have sufficient stamina to participate without difficulty.

💡 Our recommendation:

Detailed Visits

  • Visit to Ghost Town, Morejón Lagoon, Uturuncu Volcano Viewpoint.
  • Entry to the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna Reserve and visits to: Sol de Mañana, Hedionda Lagoon, Challviri Salt Flat, Hot Springs, Dali Desert, Laguna Verde, Licancabur Volcano, "Sol de Mañana" Geysers. Arrival at Huayllajara and basic accommodation.
  • Visit Laguna Colorada, Stone Tree, Siloli Desert, Lagoons: Honda, Chiarcota, Hedionda, Cañapa, Ollague Volcano Viewpoint, Cueva de las Galaxias, San Juan Chullpas. Arrival at Puerto Chuvica. Basic accommodation in Salt Hostel.
  • Entry to the Uyuni Salt Flat, Incahuasi Island, Tunupa Volcano, Coquesa Mummies, Eyes of Salt, Salt Hotel, Colchani, Train Cemetery and arrival at Uyuni.

Optional Visits

  • Volcano Climbing: Uturuncu, Licancabur and Tunupa.
  • Visit to Lagoons, Amarilla and Celeste in Quetena Chico.
  • The program can end in Potosí, Sucre, Oruro, La Paz or with transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).

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4x4 Expeditions

From 5 to 10 days