A breath of fresh air in Wild West-esque Tupiza, owners of El Grano de Oro, Ariel and Silvia Aguilar set out in April 2004 to offer travellers a different tailor-made emphasis to their tours, unlike other companies who offer the same standard packages. Friendly and knowledgeableAriel understands the needs of tourists well, having worked for other tour companies as a guide previously, and will offer useful information with no obligation. It is this honest, family-run approach along with their eco-friendly stance that makes them a great choice to explore the red-hued and and cactus-filled landscapes of this stunning area.
All tour guides are chosen for their aptitude in explaining the tourist sites well and Ariel and Silvia constantly review customer feedback forms in order to improve their service and innovate. Although most itineraries are customised, below are common examples which can be adapted upon discussion with Silvia who speaks English and Spanish. Deposits are generally not required, but to confirm a reservation (after sending an initial email) Silvia requests either a contact telephone number or a visit to their pleasant office in Tupiza. The Salt Flats tour is highly recommended, which builds up over four days to a spectacular ending in the Salar itself, unlike tours from Uyuni which visit this incredible sight first.
Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats) Tour by Jeep. Duration - 3nts or 4nts. Price - based on the classic 3nt tour in standard accommodation: Bs1000 based on five people sharing including guide, transportation, all food and accommodation plus park entrance fees. Private tours are also available for Bs2500 based on two people sharing. El Grano de Oro aim to provide a higher level of service by offering smaller group sizes, more innovative cuisine and some treats along the way! Itinerary is as follows (NB the tour is also available in the reverse itinerary)
Day 1: The morning is spent exploring the desert landscapes near Tupiza, including Palala, El Sillar, passing through llama territory of Agua Pampa, stopping at Trapiche for lunch. Then visits to Paso del Diablo sand dunes, San Pablo, Relabe and overnight accommodation in Colpani (bed in shared room).
Day 2: After breakfast, pass through Laguna Onda, Hedionda´s sulphuric region and Kollpa, amongst lunar-like scenery, the hot baths of Aguas Termales, the surreal looking Rocas de Salvador Dali, emerald green Laguna Verde, Laguna Blanca and the bubbling and steaming nearby Geisers (at 5000m altitude!) before overnighting in Huayllajara (bed in shared room).
Day 3: The impressive red lake of Laguna Colorada and its resident flamingoes is the first stop after breakfast, then the gravity-defying Arbol de Piedra (stone tree); the scenery here is reminiscent of ´The Return of the Jedi´. Drive past the five lagunas of Ramaditas, Honda, Charcota, Hediona and Canapa and through the village of San Juan before overnighting in Villa Candelaria (bed in shared room).
Day 4: Wake early for sunrise (around 6am) to catch your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Salt Flats of the Salar de Uyuni, watching the terrain appear slowly from obscurity before your eyes. The surreal island of Inca Huasi, with its hundreds of cacti (some 8m high and 1000 years old), and elevated position with the pure white backdrop of the Salar, is your breakfast stop. Next you will drive along the flats and stop to take the trademark optical illusion photos (some props provided, but you´ll no doubt have your own ideas too!) and view gigantic salt crystals. Visit the Hotel de Sal then a final at the museum site before heading into Uyuni and the end of the tour at approx 2pm. Arrange with Silvia in advance if you wish to return to Tupiza.
Tupiza
591 72208602
