La Paz - Cochabamba

We will leave La Paz and go south toward Oruro. After about 125 miles at a constant altitude of about 13,100 ft., through which we’ll be able to admire the surprising landscapes of the Altiplano, the adobe (dry soil) village houses, the herds of sheep and the small towns bordering the main road. We will turn left at Caracollo and head to the east toward Cochabamba, then cross the Royal Cordillera. The winding ascent will take us to about 16,500 ft., after which we will start a vertiginous yet beautiful descent toward the city of Cochabamba, the third largest city in Bolivia, located at at just over 8000 ft. Its climate, landscapes and the sweetness of the air you breathe (finally!) will remind you of the Mediterranean shores. Dinner and accommodations in Cochabamba.

Cochabamba - Sucre

We will leave Cochabamba by the east toward Santa Cruz, by what is known as “the old road”. After about 80 miles, we will turn south and cross the pretty, colonial village of Totora, unfortunately badly damaged by the earthquake of 1998. We will pass through a great number of spectacular landscapes before reaching, after quite a long journey, the city of Sucre at about 9000 ft. Dinner and accommodations in Sucre.

Sucre - Potosi

After a free morning in Sucre, where many visits can be made, we will head south again toward the city of Potosi. A relatively short and easy road. Arrival in the early evening in Potosi, located at about 13,000 ft. and where the climate is usually very cold and windy. One of the largest and richest cities in the world in the XVIth century thanks to its silver mines, which have been exploited practically to exhaustion, and which make this city, economically speaking, a shadow of itself. However, the sumptuous buildings built in its time of glory remain. Visiting them, as well as the surrounding mines, will bring lasting memories to those who take their time to do so.

Getting to know Potosi

Meals and accommodations in Potosi.

Potosi - Uyuni

We will leave Potosi toward the south-west. 150 miles of good trail will lead us through valleys, oases hidden between peaks, canyons, rivers - all at an altitude which will remain high the whole day until we arrive in Uyuni, a town that reminds us of the Far West. A great day for motorcycling. Dinner and accommodations in Uyuni.

Uyuni - Jirira

In the morning, before leaving Uyuni, we will visit its remarkable locomotive cemetery. Then we will head north for about 12.5 miles toward Colchani before turning left and penetrating the largest salt desert in the world! Total sunscreen and high filter sunglasses are essential. We will turn to the west toward the island of Inkawasi, after a stop in a hotel made entirely of salt, including its furniture. Picnic on the island before taking to the north toward the village of Jirira, at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. It will be the perfect opportunity to test high speed at an altitude of over 13,000 ft.
Accommodation on location.

Uyuni Salar

A ride around Jirira, visiting the nearby villages will allow us to admire a colony of pink flamingos or some mummies found in a cave. Then, we will cross part of the Salar to reach the Island of the Fish whose highest point offers an amazing 360º view of the Salar. Picnic on the island, ride, siesta and return to Jirira after watching a memorable sunset. This programme is just a suggestion. Great liberty will be given to the participants for other possible activities (climbing the Tunupa volcano, for example).
Dinner and accommodations in Jirira.

Uyuni Salar – Sajama Vulcano

A long road toward the north-west which will make us cross another salt desert, much smaller than the one in Uyuni, the Coipasa Salar. A difficult road with many kinds of tracks, sand, fording rivers and majestic landscapes. Arrival at the Sajama reserve at the end of the evening, at the foot of this volcano whose height reaches 21,500 ft. The night will be spent with local inhabitants or in a refuge.

Sajama - La Paz

Before heading back to La Paz, we will visit some geysers and the Sajama National Park. There are about 60 miles of trail before finding the asphalted road from Oruro to La Paz. We will reach the Bolivian capital in the evening and end the journey around a friendly glass of wine.