Kachi lodge Uyuni Bolivia tour
Kachi lodge Uyuni salt flats tour
»»〉♦ Unfortunately the Kachi Lodge has closed its doors. Contact us for upmarket alternatives. ♦ 〈««
The Kachi lodge Uyuni Bolivia tour includes a stay at the Kachi lodge and turns your Salar de Uyuni trip into the most luxurious adventure.
For a booking check out the new special offers for your next Kachi lodge Uyuni tour in 2021 further down this page by clicking the tab: SPECIAL rates.
The Kachi lodge is a brand-new luxury lodge located on the immense Uyuni salt flats. As if the surroundings of Salar de Uyuni were not out-of-this-world enough, this dome camp set on the very Salar is somewhat of a science fiction adventure and something truly unique. From a distance, the futuristic white pods of the Kachi lodge look like a space station. The 6 luxury domes are composed of repeated equilateral triangles and lit up at night, with solar panels placed in between the domes. This is a viewing station unlike any you will ever experience in such an arid area.
The dome camp also has something of an observatory built for a passionate astrophysicist! In front and on top of the dome, a transparent panel offers wide-open views on the Salar and its starry night sky. Kachi lodge is any stargazer’s dream.
White against white, the set up is perfect.
The Kachi lodge is a surreal wild vision, out of this world. From inside your cozy warm dome you will be able to enjoy the unique views over the never-ending expanse of the Salar. Something nowhere else can give you.
This is the place where you will be able to enjoy sunsets, sunrises and starry nights!
Mindful and green design:
Every element design of Kachi Lodge is linked to its natural environment. The shape of the domes perfectly matches the moon-like environment and their structure stands the strong high-altitude winds. Artwork of one of the Bolivian most well-known contemporary artists Gaston Ugalde, can be found everywhere across the lodge.
The preservation of the fragile environment of the Salt Flats has been an important element since the beginning of the project. No excavation was done in the salt crust. The whole lodge is secured on a wooden floor (Local FSC certified wood has been used to bring a natural flair inside the lodge) whose pillars are simply standing on the Salar. The entire lodge operates on solar energy and a windmill. The water system working in a closed loop prevents any discharge of wastewater into the environment and minimizes water consumption. Kachi Lodge has a strict 0% plastic policy. No plastic bottles or packaging. Even the cover of the domes is recyclable and the lodge is working on their own waste treatment structure in the near future.
Awards:
AD (Architectural Design) has listed Bolivia’s salar de Uyuni on the: Top 20 Places to Travel and awarded the Kachi Lodge with a 2020 Great Design for Hotels Award: “Situated amid otherworldly terrain, this remote getaway is a meditation on land and sky. Geodesic domes erected atop simple timber platforms reveal haute-hippie interiors by Swiss duo Marina Cardis and Marine Luginbuehl.”
Kachi Lodge stands on the front cover of the edition of Time Magazine: The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019 and it has recently been awarded as a runner-up for the National Geographic Traveller Big Sleep Awards 2020. The Big Sleep Awards acknowledge the latest tastemakers, trendsetters and game-changers in the hotel industry, highlighting everything that makes hotels special, from exceptional service to cutting-edge design.
Time magazine world's 100 greatest places of 2019
REFERENCE PROGRAM & INFO
Kachi lodge
Kachi Lodge has a capacity of 6 domes /18 guests maximum. It’s operational all year round. The lodge is sold as an all inclusive experience with a minimum stay of 2 nights/3 days. For a booking see price info below.
Standard rates (min. 2 nights):
Flat season rate 2021 (11.04.21 – 16.12.2021): 2280 USD per night per dome based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome): free.
High season rate 2021 – 22 (17.12.21 – 03.01.2022): 2690 USD per night per dome based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome using this rate): 250 USD.
Wet season rate 2021 – 22 (04.01.21 – 10.04.2022): 2405 USD per night per dome based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome): free.
Flat season rate 2022 (11.04.22 – 30.06.2022): 2280 USD per night per dome based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome using this rate): 250 USD.
ONE NIGHT RATE season 2020 (01.12.2020 – 30.06.2021): 2450 USD per night per dome based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome): free.
SPECIAL rates valid until 30.06.2021 ⇒ PAY 2 GET 3 nights Or PAY 3 GET 4 nights ⇐:
(2 nights+ 1 FREE) or (3 nights + 1 FREE): Base standard rate per night (Flat season/High season/Wet season) based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome): free.
– Round trip transfer from Uyuni airport.
– Accommodation in luxury dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request).
– Full board including snacks, picnics during visits, water, tea, coffee, house wines and spirits.
– Visits and activities with private guide and car (w/Spanish speaking driver). One private English/Spanish speaking guide per dome for the length of the stay (Other languages on request).
At the end of your stay you can connect to your onward destination. Contact us for price info of additional transfer services (other destinations or pick up locations: La Paz, Chilean border, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, or an evening transfer to Uyuni airport).
Note: Additional transfers costs includes extra time for car and guide, extra meal at Kachi or on the road and entrance fees if applicable.
At the end of before your stay at the Kachi lodge you may want to consider adding a few days in Uyuni to explore the salt flats to their fullest. We can also arrange a combination of the Kachi lodge Uyuni Bolivia tour with other services in Uyuni or private transport to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Check out our full range of Salar de Uyuni tours (also Uyuni stargazing tours) that include a visit to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve where you can find deserts, volcanos, geysers, Polques hot springs, and laguna Verde and laguna Colorada, high-altitude coloured lakes inhabited by flamingos.
Reference program 3 Days / 2 Nights
A suggested itinerary for a Kachi lodge Uyuni tour is as follows:
DAY 1 (L, D)
Transfer from Uyuni airport, private vehicle and guides. First visit to the village of Colchani, road across salt flats / Playa Blanca / Ojos de Sal / Picnic lunch / Isla Pescado / Train cemetery. Road to Kachi Lodge to the northern tip of Salar de Uyuni at the bottom of Tunupa Volcano. Arrival with time enough to settle in.
Standing directly on the salt flats, looking like a space station on Mars, this luxury dome camp waits for you. (Altitude 3.600 m.)
DAY 2 (B, L, D)
You will spend the day on the Salar de Uyuni, one of the most spectacular settings on Earth, discovering every aspect of this unique environment. Your host will be on hand to arrange activities, visit to the charming village of Coquesa and the preserved mummies of Coquesa sheltered in a cave, the archaeological site of Alcaya, an old pre-Columbian city near Salinas and venture on a hike / trek to the crater of the nearby Thunupa volcano. At night, the sky of the Alptiplano unveils its show with thousands of glittering stars.
Night on at the dome camp.
DAY 3 (B)
Check out 10:00 am. Transfer to Uyuni (airport).
Programs are fully inclusive, with overnight on the Uyuni Salt Flats in a luxury double dome , dedicated 4×4 vehicles, transfers in/out from Uyuni airport, English speaking guide, private activities in the local areas and cuisine provided by “Proyecto Nativa” Restaurant.
Not included: Flight in and out, personal expenses and tips.
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Keep in mind that the program may change due to special circumstances like bad weather conditions.
All possible excursions are done with your own guide, private car and driver. You will arrange your program with your guide when arriving to the lodge. It can be modified during your stay, according to your wishes and the weather conditions (please check the 3 day Kachi lodge Uyuni tour reference itinerary).
SUNRISE HIKES
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 4×4 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.
SUNSET THRILLS
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.
TUNUPA VOLCANO
HALF DAY EXCURSION
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 4×4 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!
THE ANCIENT MOMMIES OF ALCAYA
HALF DAY EXCURSION
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 fetal 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.
STARRY NIGHTS
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.
MOUNTAIN BIKING –ON THE SALAR OR A DOWNHILL ADVENTURE
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 ACROSS THE SALAR
HALF DAY EXCURSION – 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 4×4 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 space!
QUINOA FIELDS & HERDS OF 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!)
- WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE? The word Altiplano says it all. Kachi Lodge is located at 3’600 M / 12’000 Ft.and some activities will take you over 4’000 M / 13’000 Ft It takes a little while to get used to the altitude. That’s why we would recommend you to do some acclimatization at a lower altitude before coming to Kachi Lodge so you can get the best out of your experience with us. 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 emergency. Staff at Kachi lodge has received basic first aid training on the use of these systems. If you’re still concerned about your capacity to cope with high altitude, you should consult your doctor. Some tests can also be performed at specific medical centers.
- WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? The dry season usually runs from late April to end of October. The rain season starts in November/December till beginning of April. During the dry season, you will experience crystal clear skies, sunny weather…and cold temperatures at night (down to -15°C/5°F) Our domes are heated so don’t be afraid to be cold inside). During the day T° goes up to about 12°C/50°F. Driving on the flats at that time of the year is easy. During the rain season, temperatures are much higher, Day temperatures can reach a good 20°C/ 68°F and night temperatures barely reach 0°C/32°F. Rain usually falls during thunderstorms at the end of the afternoon. At that time of the year,with higher chances during January and February, you can experience the amazing mirror effect, 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, you might need to take a longer route to access to Kachi Lodge from Uyuni and to some other sites.
- WHAT TYPE OF COMFORT SHOULD I EXPECT? Kachi Lodge is designed to offer the maximum of comfort to our guests i.e. comfy bedding with thick duvet, private bathroom with running hot water, towels, wardrobe, ambience lightning and proper heating to keep you away from the cold. Housekeeping is done daily. However, don’t forget that you’re about to live an experience close to nature with a camp spirit, so it’s not to be compared to a luxury hotel room.
- IS THERE A RISK OF INTOXICATION OR FIRE WITH THE WOOD STOVE? No. Our wood stoves are designed to fit in the dome. Your host will explain how to light and look after the stove or will be happy to do it for you. Each tent has a smoke and CO2 detector + a fire extinguisher.
- WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF ME WHILE STAYING ON THE CAMP? Our host team is composed of a camp leader, an operation manager, a chef, a service team and housekeeping team. During the activities, an English/Spanish speaking guide will accompany you so you can make the best out of your experience.
- DOES THE RESTAURANT OFFER A-LA-CARTE DINNER? No. It’s a set menu. We offer dishes with local products only, we respect the seasonality of the products and the producers. We’ll be happy to consider your diet requirements or allergies when possible.
- CAN I HAVE DINNER ON MY OWN? Yes. Tables settings offer communal table for those who want to share their experience of the day at Kachi Lodge with other guests or 2 to 4 seat tables for those preffering a more private atmosphere.
- IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND MY STAY? Yes, if availability allows, we’ll be happy to extend the stay, adding activities to the program. Price on request.
- ARE THE EXCURSION ON THE CAMP DONE IN GROUP? Depending on the occupancy of the camp, yes, you might join other guests to share the same activity. However, a group will never exceed 12 persons at the same time.
- WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED? Good pair of walking shoes, wind stopper fleece, down jacket, light gloves, hat and cat. 4 sunglasses. At this altitude and especially on the Salt Flats, sunlight is unbearable without sunglasses and can lead to serious eye burns.
- WHAT IS INCLUDED DURING MY STAY? The lodge is sold as an all inclusive experience. Minimum stay 2 nights.
- ARE THE TRANSFERS INCLUDED? Included in the cost of your stay is a private transfer from Uyuni airport (or town, depending on your arrival plans), and return to Uyuni at the end of your stay. Please contact us if you are interested in other tours in the Uyuni area such as visits to Laguna Colorada and Verde and/or a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
- WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GUEST CAPACITY? Kachi Lodge has a capacity of 6 domes /18 guests maximum.
- CAN I DISCUSS MY UYUNI TRIP FURTHER WITH YOU? Yes, we’re always happy to provide any information or advice about your Uyuni trip. If you have any questions or queries, contact us here. We’re ready and waiting to help you find your perfect Uyuni tour.
Find out more about our Uyuni salt flats tours, we have a complete and varied offer (including transfers to Tupiza or San Pedro de Atacama, Chile) to meet your wishes and travel plans.
SPECIAL rates valid until 30.06.2021 ⇒ PAY 2 GET 3 nights Or PAY 3 GET 4 nights ⇐:
(2 nights+ 1 FREE) or (3 nights + 1 FREE): Base standard rate per night (Flat season/High season/Wet season) based on 2 adults occupancy in a suite dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request). SGL discount*: 125 USD per night. Child rate ** up to 12 years old (max. 1 child per dome): free.
– Round trip transfer from Uyuni airport.
– Accommodation in luxury dome (DBL or twin bed configuration on request).
– Full board including snacks, picnics during visits, water, tea, coffee, house wines and spirits.
– Visits and activities with private guide and car (w/Spanish speaking driver). One private English/Spanish speaking guide per dome for the length of the stay (Other languages on request).
Possible activities (check a more detailed description of each one of them by choosing the “Activies” tab lines above) during your stay to make out the best of your experience during the Kachi lodge Uyuni tour are:
- Exploration of the Salar itself, trekking on the cactus filled islands and visiting the “Ojos de Sal”.
- Trekking to the base of the crater on the Thunupa volcano (2 hours trek).
- Cycling across the salt flats with bicycles available at the lodge.
- Visits to nearby archaeological sites of Coquesa and Alcaya.
- Interaction with the local farming and artisanal community of Jirira.
- Visit to the quinoa fields (in the dry season quinoa fields take incredible colors: green, yellow and fuchsia pink) or walk to encounter llama farmers amidst their herd are a unique way to understand the local culture – and the dedication needed to fight the extreme climate and make a living out of it.
- During the wet season, when the level of water allows it, it is possible to enjoy a stand up paddle ride on the flooded Salar.
- At night, a telescope is at your disposal to observe the starry night of the Altiplano.
Following a culinary journey through the Bolivian cuisine with La Paz’s multi-award-winning “Gustu” restaurant (listed as one of Latin America’s 50 best restaurants 2017), the Kachi lodge continues its exploration of Bolivian gastronomy by entrusting the tasty meals to Sucre’s “Proyecto Nativa” restaurant.
Experience the luxury on the salt flats and book your trip to salar de Uyuni with us including a stay at Kachi Lodge. Contact us to book a trip or to get further details on the programs.
At the end of before your stay at the Kachi lodge you may want to consider adding a few days in Uyuni to explore the salt flats to their fullest. We can also arrange a combination of the Kachi lodge Uyuni Bolivia tour with other services in Uyuni or private transport to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Check out our full range of Salar de Uyuni tours that include a visit to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve where deserts, volcanos, geysers, hot springs, and high-altitude lakes such as Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorada are located. We have a complete and varied offer (including stargazing tours) to meet your wishes and travel plans. End of the Kachi lodge Uyuni tour.