Bolivia is the next country to gain an explora lodge
explora is inviting people to explore Bolivia’s expansive Uyuni Salt Flats.
IAN STALKER
explora guests will soon have another option to explore.
The Chilean company is preparing to put the final touches on The Uyuni Lodge, which will open in June on the northern edge of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats. The lodge will be on the slopes of the Tunupa Volcano, 3,681 metres above sea level.
Up to 12 guests will be able to stay at the retreat, which will have six bedrooms, a living room, bar and dining areas.
June will also see the opening of the Chituca and Ramaditas Camps, each able to accommodate up to eight guests in four private bedrooms and which will feature common relaxation and dining areas for guests.
Chilean firm explora already has properties in northernmost and southernmost Chile, Andean Peru and Easter Island, but Dallyce Macas, who represents explora in this country, says the company is breaking new ground with the upcoming property.
explora’s Travesia eight- and 10-night private travel experiences will start or end at the 50-bedroom explora Atacama lodge, found in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert. The Atacama lodge is less than 50 km from the Chilean-Bolivian border and will visit both camps and the lodge as two guests travel in specially equipped 4X4 vehicles, spending their days in Bolivia’s Altiplano and nights in the Uyuni Lodge and the camps.
“explora has operated Travesia Uyuni for over 15 years, using temporary camp structures,” Macas reports. “With the focus on a deep exploration of remote destinations, explora has committed to providing unconventional trips with an inclination for the adventurous. The new lodge and camps provide exceptionally comfortable facilities close to the legendary Salt Flats, a place to discover the Altiplano in the Andes Mountains.”
Those who book the Travesia will have a private driver and explora guide. Guests will determine the day’s agenda with their guide, possibly opting to see geysers or pink flamingos in their natural habitat. Hiking is another option, with Macas saying participants can see “some of the world’s most spectacular, remote scenery.”
At the Atacama Lodge, guests “have the opportunity to choose explorations under the clearest sky on Earth,” Macas says, adding hiking, cycling and horseback riding are available, as are explora’s own Astronomical Observatory, swimming pools and the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
“Travesias are a private program from start to finish,” Macas says. “This means the explora guide and driver will always be at our guest’s side throughout the journey, steering their explorations into the depth of Uyuni, the Atacama desert and all in-between.”
The vehicles will have satellite communication systems, GPS technology, VHF radio and oxygen supplies. Guides have been trained at an explora school, among other things having Wilderness First Responder certification.
Macas reports explora pays commission on an all-inclusive experience, “meaning that it’s highly profitable.”
Previous explora clients who book Uyuni Travesia can receive the Explorer’s Benefit, a 10% discount.
Meanwhile, Macas reports that explora has been recognized as the world’s best expedition company of the year at the 2019 World Travel Awards, thanks to its hotels and Travesias in Chile, Peru, and Argentina. This is the first time that explora has won the award at the global level, although it was acknowledged as best expedition company in South America for eight straight years. In addition, explora has received individual honours for its hotels, including The Best Resort in Chile for explora Patagonia, and the best boutique hotel in Peru for explora Valle Sagrado.
More information can be found at explora.com.