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Leica Store Miami has once again partnered with Explora Hotels to offer a unique, small group adventure to one of the most remote regions on Earth. From the otherworldly desert landscapes of Chile to the surreal salt flats of Bolivia, this Travesía Atacama Uyuni takes you on a journey of contrasts. We’ll travel from the driest desert in the world to the high plains of the Altiplano, and immerse ourselves in the diverse landscapes of this remarkable region. During this adventure, we will cross the desert in 4×4 vehicles, led by expert Explora guides and local drivers. We’ll go out each day in search of amazing photography locations and, on most nights, we’ll have the chance to capture the milky way under incredibly clear skies!
We’ll explore these amazing regions of Chile and Bolivia with open minds and a spirit of adventure. We’ll have a framework of destinations/activities, but we’ll take each day as it comes and adjust to weather, shooting opportunities, etc.
For an interesting perspective on this journey, take a look at this Travel & Leisure article.
About Explora Hotels
Explora crafts in-depth explorations and nomadic journeys in South America’s most remote corners, using award winning lodges as bases from which to go deeper into each territory, and using exploration journeys to drive conservation. Their lodges in Atacama, Ramaditas, Chituca and Uyuni will act as our home bases as we explore the unique landscapes and places of the Altiplano. This adventure offers a profound connection with the environment and insights into the unique heritage of these lands.
Explora has been traveling the desert and the Altiplano between these two countries for over 15 years and has the necessary equipment and infrastructure to ensure safety to travelers. The vehicles used for the Atacama & Uyuni Travesía support satellite communication systems, VHF radio, satellite navigation system (GPS), and oxygen. Guides, on the other hand, have Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification that endorses their knowledge and skills to aid people in remote areas.
Because of the altitude (over 14,000 feet in certain locations) and hiking involved in this journey, it is essential that you are actively fit and healthy. While there are no scheduled long hikes, the altitude makes everything seem more difficult. All hiking will be done at a relaxed pace, as we will have plenty of time to get to our locations.
We will be traveling through high elevation deserts on this trip and the temperatures can feel very warm during the day (80s°F), and quite cold at night (30s°F). It is very important to stay hydrated on this trip due to the altitude, low humidity and intense sun. A quality sun hat, UV protective clothing and warm clothing for the evenings are recommended.
Due to the remote location visited during this trip, it is a requirement of booking that guests provide evidence of comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including evacuation), personal accident, injury, etc.
Getting there
You’ll need arrive at Explora Atacama on or before mid day on May 1st. You’ll fly to Santiago de Chile International Airport (SCL), and take an approximately 2-hour connection flight to the northern city of Calama (CJC). We advise you to book an early flight in order to be able to relax at the hotel and participate in an easy exploration during the afternoon. You will be picked up from Calama airport and driven to Explora Atacama Lodge (1.5 hours).
Departure
This is a one way traverse from Chile to Bolivia. On day 7, we will fly from International Joya Andina Airport (UYU) in Uyuni to La Paz (LPB), tour the city, have dinner and spend the night. You can catch an international flight from La Paz at anytime on or after May 8th. However if you wish to travel back to Calama, Chile for departure instead of going on to La Paz, Explora can arrange a transfer on the morning of May 7th (about an 7 hour drive) for an additional charge.
Pre & post trip add-ons
The Explora team can arrange visits to any of their other destinations in South America if you are interested.
Upon arrival into Maun International Airport (MUB), you will need to clear immigration before being met and assisted to your onward light aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta to begin your time on safari in Botswana. Upon landing in the local airstrip you will be met by your guide and game driven to your exclusive private camp.Overnight: Mababe Tented Camp – Exclusive Use
Encompassed by a vast vegetation of dry mopane woodland, the Mababe Concession lies in a privileged yet less-frequented position between two national parks on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta. Sluicing through the dry woodland is the Mababe Marsh at the end of the Khwai River, a regional highlight as it attracts a plethora of abundant wildlife, ranging from large predators to rare bird species.
Witness massive herds of up to 2,000 buffalo and spectacular migrations of zebras, a sight to behold, especially when lions engage in daytime hunts. The forests provide sanctuary for elusive leopards, while the marsh fringes teem with diverse birdlife. Additional wildlife species found in the area comprise hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, jackals, African wild cats, and servals, enriching the safari experience.
Overnight: Mababe Tented Camp – Exclusive Use
After your morning’s game drive, you will be driven to the local airstrip for your light aircraft flight to your next camp in the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driven to your private mobile tented camp. Enjoy a bite to eat and the chance to relax, before heading out on an afternoon’s game activity.
Overnight: Private Mobile Camp
The Khwai Private Reserve is a private concession north of the Khwai river, west of the Chobe NP, east of the private Delta concessions and south of the Selinda. The massive Khwai Private reserve is a joint venture partnership with the local community and offers luxury safaris with all the perks of being a private concession such as night drives, off-roading and walking.
The huge concession is relatively empty with only a handful of lodges operating within its boundaries. Its size ensures a large diversity of habitats and ecosystems ranging from riverine forests to large mopane woodland, open savannah and seasonally inundated floodplains. Also due to its size game is not as concentrated as the Khwai Community area but rather spread out among the different habitats.
The area is known for its large herds of rare sable and roan antelope, lechwe, multiple other species of plains game as well as the always accompanying predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog.
Overnight: Private Mobile Camp
Today, at a time to be advised locally, you will bid farewell to your private camp team and be driven to the airstrip in time for your light aircraft flight to Maun. On arrival into Maun Airport you will be assisted to your onward international flight, marking the end of your time on safari in Botswana.
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