Explora Expeditions in the Andean Altiplano

The route connecting the desert community of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile to the stunning Uyuni salt flat in southwest Bolivia has been travelled since nomadic times. 

Previously used by native Andeans seeking food and raw materials, Explora now offers travellers the chance to experience the immersive Travesía Atacama-Uyuni. 

These are nomadic journeys, led by an expert Explora guide and a local driver, with travel in a 4×4 vehicle from destination to destination and stays in minimalist mountain lodges en route. 

The trips cross the driest part of the Atacama, the driest desert in the world, and the highland plateau of the Andes. 

There are coloured lagoons with large populations of pink flamingos, geysers spewing hot water and steam and the Uyuni salt flats stretching 10,000 square kilometers with 32 islands between them.

The Travesía can be accomplished from either end of the route, with Explora mountain lodges in Ramaditas, Chituca, and Jirira in Bolivia offering travellers the chance to rest and dine before the next day’s adventures. 

Having mountain lodges in extreme areas entailed building trust with local communities to work together on experiences that make travellers feel welcome instead of intrusive. 

Explora’s arrival in the region has inspired many community members to return, as they can now find work in their hometown. 

Explora was founded in 1993 and currently owns and operates six lodges in South America: 

• Explora Atacama in the Atacama Desert in Chile 
• Explora Torres del Paine, Explora Rapa Nui Island and Explora Valle Sagrado in Peru 
• Explora Patagonia National Park in Chile Aysén Region, and 
• Explora El Chaltén in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province. 

In addition to the lodges, Explora operates the Puritama Conservation Reserve in San Pedro de Atacama and works on two conservation projects in the El Cóndor and Los Huemules Reserves in Argentine Patagonia. 

The Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve is the expedition company’s newest real estate offering combining land ownership and conservation next to the Torres del Paine National Park. 

* www.explora.com/are-you-ready-to-start-your-journey-to-uyuni, www.explora.com/lodge-uyuni-salt-flats/ and www.explora.com 

* Andrea Schnoor at aschnoor@andreaschnoor.com