This brand new luxury dome camp sits directly on the Salar, at the foot of Tunupa Volcano. From the outside, the pods look like futuristic spaceships, but on the inside, you’ll find a cozy, charming atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.
Kachi Lodge provides the modern comforts of a hotel with private bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and quality heating, while also transporting you back to the “good old days” of community camping. You’ll dine with other guests at a shared community table where you’ll be served cuisine from Gustu, an award-winning Bolivian restaurant and culinary school. Gustu was named the best restaurant in La Paz and uses delicious Bolivian ingredients.
At night, a transparent panel on top of the dome will offer an expansive look at the Salar’s starry night sky. It’s like camping in your own little observatory. The Lodge also provides a telescope, just in case you want to give the stars an even closer look.
During the day, Kachi Lodge guests can take part in activities that guide them off the beaten path and far away from nearby tourist traps. You can join in on hikes, biking, expeditions to local villages, and adventures through nearby archaeological sites.
Kachi Lodge stands to provide a wonderful sense of depth and experiential adventure to Salar de Uyuni visitors. It’s the perfect blend of the thrill of nature and the delights of home, all in the most otherworldly of settings.
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ARRIVED UYUNI AIRPORT
On arrival in to Uyuni airport or bus station, please look for your local representative holding a sign with your name.
You will be transferred to the Kachi Lodge located approximately 1 hour by car.
Kachi Lodge is a luxury dome camp located on the Uyuni Salt Flats, at an altitude of 3,600m at the foot of Tunupa Volcano.
Remainder of the day is at leisure. (D.)
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UYUNI
Choose from one of the included activities.
There are many options to make the best out of your experience on the Salt Flats.
The one not to be missed is a hike in the morning to nearby island covered with giant cactus and offering amazing views on the Salt Flat. We usually prefer to avoid the Island of Inca Huasi, the most famous but very, very heavily trafficked.
An afternoon option is a visit to the charming village of Coquesa and its mummies sheltered in a cave 600mts / 2000ft over the village, again with beautiful views on the Salt Flats.
At about an hour drive away lies the interesting archaeological site of Alcaya, an old pre-colombian city near Salinas.
Enjoy an active hike to the lower lip of Tunupa volcano crater. (+/- 2 hrs)
Staying more "local" you can also borrow one of the mountain bikes and experience the flatness of the Salar around the camp.
At night, a telescope is at your disposal to observe the starry night of the Altiplano.
During the wet season, when the level of water allows it, enjoy a stand up paddle ride on the flooded Salar. (B. L. D.)
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DEPART UYUNI
Today you are transferred back to Uyuni for your onward travels.
Why not add a night or more to your Salt Flat stay? Ask your destination expert for options. (B.)
Designed by Amazing Escapes. Kachi Lodge domes offer the comfort of a hotel room with a private bathroom, comfortable bedding, interior decoration and proper heating. Inside the domes, a wooden screen has been mounted to protect the shower area, the ceramic washbasins and the restrooms. Covered in soft beige carpet, the interior feels cozy; the double bed centrally placed for maximum view. A wooden trunk is placed on the side of the bed to host lanterns, while light wooden stools and a small ladder compose a minimalist set-up around the central stove. The décor naturally embraces the cold outside.
In the central dome, a long wooden table comes enhanced with a line-up of multi-colored Moroccan lanterns, directly attached to the metallic structure. Around, dozens of oversized hemp cushions stitched with bright threads on the edges are arranged around copper floor-lanterns. A few indigenous plants and bushes, low tables and primitive wooden bowls mix cultures and influences with style. Outside, old cactus trunks are intertwined to compose a natural, protective barrier: wooden banquettes and bayadere cushions in bright Altiplano hues are placed next to them under a white triangular sail. White against white, the set up is quintessentially perfect.
Dining
Food is another way to discover a country and its culture. Who else could be the best at delivering authentic and inventive cuisine at Kachi Lodge if not muti-awarded Gustu Restaurant in La Paz?
Gustu restaurant was established in early 2013, aiming to become a showcase of the great potential of Bolivia’s production, culture and biodiversity, with the dream of making Bolivian gastronomic culture an engine for national development.
Aknowldged as one of the best restaurants in the continent, this team works uniquely and exclusively with Bolivian products. Gustu generates respectful relationships with each of its suppliers, seeking to consolidate the Bolivian productive chain, beginning with the boost of fair business activities.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Return transfers from Uyuni airport or town to the lodge
- 2 nights in Luxury dome tents
- Full board provide by GustuTM including soft drinks, tea, coffee and wines
- All activities as listed
- All local taxes
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
NOTES
DRY SEASON
Late April to end of October
During the dry season, you will experience crystal clear skies, sunny weather…and cold temperatures at night (down to -15°C/5°F) The domes are heated. During the day temperature rises to about 12°C/50°F. Driving on the flats at that time of the year is easy
WET SEASON
November/December till beginning of April
During the rain season, temperatures are much higher during the day and can reach 20°C/ 68°F with night temperatures reaching 0°C/32°F. Rain usually falls during thunderstorms at the end of the day. At that time of the year, with higher chances during January and February, you can experience the amazing mirror effect on the Salt Flats, when the flats are flooded with a few inches of water. It’s still possible to drive on the Salar at that time, but depending on the level of water, a longer route to access to Kachi Lodge from Uyuni and to some other sites may be required.
ALTITUDE
We would recommend you spend time at altitude to acclimatize before heading to Kachi Lodge so you can get the best out of your experience. There are no strenuous activities, so if you’re in acceptable physical condition, you’ll be all fine. Kachi Lodge provides medical oxygen bottles, masks and an inflatable hyperbaric chamber in case of an emergency.
DINING
Meals are a set menu. Dishes on offer are with local products only, we respect the seasonality of the products and the producers. We’ll be happy to cater to specific dietary requirements or allergies when possible. Tables settings offer a communal table for those who want to share their experience of the day at Kachi Lodge with other guests of 2 to 4 being seated separately for those preferring a more private atmosphere.
