A C T I V I T I E S
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T H E ANCIENT M O M MIE S O F A LC AYA DRIVE: 1 ½ HOURS EACH WAY FULL EXCURSION: HALF DAY, LUNCH INCLUDED The ancient archaeological site of Alcaya is revered as sacred grounds for the local Bolivian communities: it is believed to have been a unique city for one of the oldest pre-Inca civilizations in the Andes. At 3800 meters high, set on a hillside next to a bucolic river, the pre-Colombian citadel is an open-air museum: one strolls around dozens of small circular stone houses and silos (grain storage units). Set amongst terraced fields and irrigation system, most have been kept intact. In the lower part of the village, small tombs and skulls attest of the size of the necropolis. Kept intact, a few mommies – perfectly wrapped in foetal positions - are displayed alongside ceramics and woven objects dating back to the 12th century. Coming down along the ancient pathways, one truly feels the spiritual nature of the Alcaya site. Respectfully, lunch is served near the river inside a stonewalled field: a feast of fresh vegetables, quinoa, avocado, home-cooked delicacies and coca tea perfectly echoes the ancient way of life of this settlement’s ancient inhabitants.
T OP OF TH E WO R LD: T U N U PA V O LCAN O DRIVE: 1 ½ HOURS EACH WAY FULL EXCURSION: HALF DAY, LUNCH INCLUDED A hike up the Tunupa mirador or summit is one of the highlights of a stay at Kachi Lodge. Towering at 5321 meters high with its ochre and reddish coloured slopes, the sleeping volcano is revered by locals as the feminine deity that give birth to the salar. Heading out to its giant slopes, takes the 4x4 across the salar to the city of Coquesa where a scenic winding road takes visitors straight up to the basis of the volcano’s crater at 4600m. As the road climbs across fields and boulders, the sight of the Salar expanding infinitely is breathtaking. Surrounded by unusual multi-coloured terrain, one walks up to a first crest at 4900m; despite the altitude the views are worth the trip. For the more resistant, climbing up along the wind exposed crest is an option. It takes adrenaline lovers on the edge of the caldera with 360° views and a unique peek inside the volcano’s crater. Heading down is an easy straight line down a sandy rock-covered slope: heels first, one freerides down in no time. Set up in a protected corner, next to small stone house, lunch is served wholeheartedly: facing the endless salar, a feast of wine, fresh salads, home-cooked delicacies and quinoa rejoices the mind, and body!
Q U I N OA FIE LDS & H E R DS O F LLAMAS ONE HOUR EXCURSION, JIRIRA VILLAGE
A daily visit to Celia and her quinoa fields is a unique way to apprehend the local culture and the vitality of the Jirira community. A pillar of the community, Celia takes visitors through the many steps needed to grow, harvest, beat and separate the quinoa grains from the wooden stems it grows on. Using a plate and the direction of the wood, she sorts the tiny grains from other organic debris. Visitors are invited to take part in that process. Also fighting the extreme climate, Julian, a local farmer, welcomes visitors amongst his herd of llamas. While grazing along the shores of the salar, one learns more about the quality of the wool collected, the importance of llama meat for local communities, the desertification at stake with climate change and the llamas’ breeding season.
(so as to share the support evenly across the community, you may visit other villagers to the ones mentioned above!)
S U N R IS E H IKES 1 - 2 HOURS AROUND THE LODGE
Sunrise is one of the most beautiful moments on the salar as the light reflects on the surface of the salt flat like millions of little crystals. Heading out to hike up cacti-covered Kachi Island near the lodge or hopping on the 4x4 to hike up small hills on the rim of the salar offer specular vistas. Unique encounters with 80 to a 100 year old cacti and their strange bodily silhouettes are also part of the journey. On your return to the lodge, breakfast ready for you freshly baked breads, steaming hot coffee and exotic fruits are a treat after a morning walk
S U N S ET TH RILLS TWO HOURS, SUNDOWNER INCLUDED
A sunset drive, chasing the sun around the extremities of the salar is an adventure in itself. Every time, catching the last rays of light is spectacular: behind small salt extraction sites that turn to pink, near a body of water where end of the day reflexions are true works of art, or in the middle of the salar from where the edge turn to orange, each sunset is mesmerizing. Comfortably installed with a glass of wine or cocktail prepared on the spot, one stares at the sun like never before, and sometimes even, at the (full) moon, coming up on the edge of the salar. Finally your drive back to Kachi Lodge will be under the first stars.
S T AR RY NIG H TS 30 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR
At night, when the telescope is out, the sky seems to open up and pour stars above one’s head: thanks to the lack of pollution and the altitude, the stars and milky way appear to be brighter than ever. The salar almost seems like a constellation of its own at night as the salt crystals created myriads of little sparks: in this context, learning about constellations in the Southern sky is unforgettable.
M O U NTAIN B IKIN G – O N T HE S ALAR O R A DO W NHIL L ADV E N T URE TIME FLEXIBLE A selection of high quality mountain bikes (Kona brand, front suspension) are available at Kachi Lodge: an ideal way to explore the surrounding islands or venture out in the open, a bike ride is made easy as the surface of the salar is perfectly flat. Whether it is just heading out from the lodge or driving out to the centre of the salar for a truly remote ride, it will be one to remember.
For the more adventurous, there is also the option to drive the bikes up the side of the nearby Thunupa volcano, for an adrenaline filled downhill adventure – not for the faint hearted!
4 X 4 ACR O S S T H E S ALAR HALF DAY ADVENTURE – TIME FLEXIBLE
We cannot forget the salar itself, and all the wonders it brings. Of course your arrival to the lodge necessarily involved a traverse by 4x4 of the flats, however the budding photographer in you will almost certainly want to go back for more. Whether it is driving across the salar for the sheer adventure, searching for “ojos de sal” – small pools which provide impressive salt crystals, or trekking up one of the many islands which exist across this expanse, is a must. Your guide and driver will help with the choreography of some entertaining perspective photos if you are so inclined – make sure your camera/phone has plenty of memory spare!