Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tours
There's an ever-increasing number of operators in Tupiza offering trips through the South-
west Circuit ending in Uyuni or back in Tupiza (or, in some cases, San Pedro de Atacama
in Chile). Tupiza is a great place to do this trip from, as you get to explore the lesser-
known wild lands of Sud Lípez as well as seeing the well-established highlights at differ-
ent times to the large convoys of 4WDs that visit them out of Uyuni.
The downside is that you may have to wait a while in Tupiza to get a group together
(although the larger outfits have departures almost daily). Expect to pay between B$1200
and B$1350 per person for the standard four-day trip, based on four people in a jeep dur-
ing the high season. This price typically includes all meals, transport and basic accom-
modations, but does not include the B$150 entrance to the Reserva Nacional de Fauna
Andina Eduardo Avaroa (
Click here
)
, snacks, sleeping-bag rental (yes, do it!) or bottled
water. Customized trips, many including climbing options, will cost a bit more but they're
worth the surcharge.
While most tour operators display enthusiastic comments from satisfied customers, the
truth is that standards vary widely. Many people end up choosing the agency based on
their accommodations' choice, but it's well worth getting out there and chatting to a few
different operators. Professionalism, honesty and flexibility are the things to look for,
rather than willingness to haggle on the price. The same safety precautions apply as in
Uyuni when looking for the right tour operator for you.
All agencies offer
horseback riding
(per 3/5/7 hr B$105/175/245, per 2/4 days
B$380-480)
. Longer rides include a sleepover in basic accommodations in the villages of
Espicaya or Quiriza. Also on offer by all the agencies is the
triathlon
(per person incl
lunch B$200-300, based on 4 people)
, an active full-day tour of the surrounding area by
jeep, horseback and mountain bike. You can also arrange a
jeep tour
(per day B$450-600)
or a
guided trek
(per half-day B$100-150)
. Note that in low season, you'll often find the
rates negotiable but don't haggle too much, as the quality is also likely to go down.
These tours and activities are offered by the following agencies:
La Torre Tours
(
694-2633;
www.latorretours-tupiza.com
; Chichas 220, Hotel La Torre)
Run by a
friendly couple, this agency offers personalized tours of Tupiza's surroundings and into
the
salar
. During the dry season it rents bikes for B$70 per day.
GUIDED TOUR
Tupiza Tours
GUIDED TOUR
