​12 Day Photo Expedition Coipasa Uyuni Salt Flats & Potosí Mines Photography Tour 12D/11N

Typically, flights to Bolivia depart late in the evening from the USA or Peru or any other country you will   arrive in La Paz the next morning. Depending on your airline, you would arrive at different times on day 1 in La Paz. Please let us know your flight info, so we can coordinate pick-ups and other services. Then the following hours  we will start with the photography trips  in and out of this beautiful country.
From the world’s highest capital city to the greatest salt flats on earth and beyond, this epic 4WD trip is full of superlatives, experiencing something different and unique every day. On this exclusive 7-day, La Paz to Salar de Uyuni 4WD expedition, you’ll travel across a remote, secret and unspoiled part of the Altiplano (high plateau) countryside en route to Sajama National Park to fully explore this hidden gem. Later, you will traverse not only the mighty Uyuni Salt Flats, but also the Coipasa Salt Flats (second-largest), walk on the shorelines of colored lakes, view multicolored deserts, photograph unique Andean wildlife in Eduardo Avaroa Reserve and simply discover the best that western Bolivia has to offer, Lakes,Mountains,Sunset ,Sunrises, Reflections, Astrophotography.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in La Paz, Bolivia – City Tour

Photography Focus: Majestic cityscapes, mountain backdrops, and dramatic viewpoints
Upon arrival in La Paz, you’ll immediately be struck by the city’s dramatic setting. Nestled at the foot of the towering Illimani Mountain, La Paz is a photographer's paradise. The contrasting landscapes of high-altitude Andean peaks and the bustling city below create endless opportunities for breathtaking photos.
As we begin the city tour, we’ll explore the winding streets, vibrant markets, and historic colonial buildings—ideal for capturing the dynamic energy of La Paz. But it’s the surrounding mountain landscapes that truly set the scene for incredible shots.
 Photography Stops:

• Mirador Killi Killi: This hilltop viewpoint offers unrivaled panoramic views of the city with Illimani’s snow-capped peaks looming in the background. Capture wide-angle shots of La Paz’s steep terrain and colorful rooftops contrasting with the rugged mountains.
  
• Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna): Known for its otherworldly landscape, this area is a photographer’s dream, with unique rock formations that resemble lunar craters. Early morning light can cast beautiful shadows, perfect for adding drama to your photos.
  
• Plaza Murillo & San Francisco Church: Capture the vibrant culture of La Paz through candid shots of locals, colorful street scenes, and the magnificent San Francisco Church, framed by the towering mountains in the background.
  

 Golden Hour Tip: As the sun sets over the city, the warm glow of golden hour can turn the mountain peaks and cityscape into a stunning silhouette, perfect for wide-angle shots with a moody, atmospheric feel.

Day 2: La Paz – Tiwanaku & Lake Titicaca – La Paz

Drive time: 4–5 hours (round trip)
Photography Focus: Ancient ruins, sweeping high-altitude vistas, serene lakescapes, and stunning mountain backdrops
After a hearty breakfast in La Paz, we set off early for Tiwanaku, an ancient archaeological site that offers a blend of historical mystery and incredible landscape photography opportunities. As we approach, the expansive Bolivian highlands unfold before us, with vast plains and distant mountain ridges that are perfect for wide-angle shots.
📸 Tiwanaku Ruins:The Tiwanaku ruins are set against a dramatic backdrop of the Andean mountains. The Pumapunku complex, with its massive stone blocks, offers opportunities for detailed shots of the site’s intricate carvings and towering monoliths. Capture the interplay of light and shadow across these ancient structures, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the soft light enhances the textures.
The surrounding open plains add a sense of vastness to your photos—capture wide vistas that show the contrast between the monumental ruins and the endless sky.
 Lake Titicaca – Sun and Moon Islands:Continuing our journey, we head toward Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. As we approach, the vastness of the lake against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains creates one of the most iconic landscape shots in the Andes.
On the shores of Moon Island, take panoramic photos of clear blue waters stretching to the horizon. The silhouettes of the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) in the distance, framed by the Andean peaks, create a mesmerizing composition—especially in the soft early morning or late afternoon light.
 Best Photography Tips for the Lake:

• Capture the mirror-like reflections of the mountains on the still waters, especially during the calm morning hours.
  
• Golden hour on the lake offers breathtaking photos of the sun casting warm tones over the water, creating a dramatic contrast against the cool blue of the lake and the snowy peaks in the background.
  

 The Return to La Paz:As we head back to La Paz, keep your camera out for more wide-angle shots of the high-altitude terrain. The altiplano is dotted with small villages and Andean farming terraces, all framed by the sweeping mountain landscapes that characterize Bolivia’s breathtaking beauty.

Day 3: La Paz – Amazing Countryside Homestay

Drive time: 4–5 hours
Photography Focus: Vast Andean landscapes, rural life, traditional architecture, and rural agriculture
Today, we leave the bustling city of La Paz behind and journey into the Andean countryside, where traditional life remains unchanged. This day is all about capturing the majestic, sweeping landscapes that define Bolivia’s highlands.
As we drive through the winding mountain roads, we pass wide, open plains, rugged hills, and snow-capped peaks that stretch across the horizon. The undulating terrain offers dramatic light and shadow play, creating rich, textured landscapes perfect for wide-angle shots.
In the rural villages we visit, you’ll have opportunities to photograph traditional adobe houses, local farmers tending to herds of llamas and alpacas, and colorful market scenes. The contrast of these elements against the backdrop of towering mountains makes for incredibly striking compositions.
The golden hour light will give your images a warm glow as it bathes the countryside, and you may even capture the red and orange hues of the sky during sunset—perfect for wide landscapes.
 Homestay PhotographyAt the homestay, enjoy the authenticity of a Bolivian family and their rural lifestyle. You’ll find amazing opportunities for more intimate shots of local life, from cooking on wood-burning stoves to caring for livestock.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider getting a shot of the starlit sky above the countryside. With minimal light pollution, the night sky here offers brilliant astrophotography moments, perfect for capturing star trails or the Milky Way.

Day 4: Off-Road to Sajama National Park (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)

Trek time: 3–4 hours
Photography Focus: Andean culture, epic lake reflections, alpenglow, and astrophotography
After breakfast in the quiet village of Queropalca, we begin a scenic and gentle hike toward one of the most breathtaking locations in the Cordillera Huayhuash: Laguna Carhuacocha.
As you walk, you'll pass through wide alpine valleys framed by dramatic peaks and stone corrals. Local shepherds and herds of alpacas create wonderful storytelling photo moments. Keep your camera ready for spontaneous portraits and pastoral life in the mountains.
By mid-day, we arrive at Carhuacocha Lake, an absolute gem. The turquoise water sits beneath a towering wall of snowy giants--Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and Siula Grande. The reflections here are pure magic.
📸 Golden Hour Tip: As the sun sets behind the peaks, the last light kisses the glaciers, creating a soft alpenglow that dances across the lake’s surface—perfect for long exposures and dreamy compositions.
 Night Photography at CarhuacochaAs darkness falls, Carhuacocha becomes a remote and silent sanctuary under the stars. With zero light pollution, this is a top spot for astrophotography.
 Best Shots:

• Milky Way rising over Yerupajá
  
• Star trails above the snowy ridgelines
  
• Illuminated tents with mountain silhouettes
  

Tip: Use the lake as a foreground element for stunning milky reflections. If you're lucky, calm conditions can double your night sky in the water—pure visual poetry.

Day 5: Sajama National Park – Full Day Photography Adventure

Altitude: ~4,200–4,500 m (13,780–14,764 ft)
Focus: Landscape, Wildlife, Night Sky Photography
Morning: Sunrise Over SajamaStart your day early with sunrise at Sajama National Park—one of Bolivia’s most stunning natural reserves. As the sun rises over the park, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to capture the silhouette of Mount Sajama (the highest peak in Bolivia) against the soft colors of the morning sky. The surrounding high-altitude plains and Andean valleys provide dramatic backdrops for wide-angle shots.
Photography Tips for Morning:

• Golden hour: Capture the soft, warm light on snow-capped mountains and rugged terrain.
  
• Wildlife: Look for vicuñas and llamas grazing in the fields—perfect subjects for wildlife shots against the vast landscapes.
  

Midday: Exploring Sajama’s Unique FeaturesDuring the day, explore the striking landscapes and geothermal activity of Sajama National Park. The area is dotted with hot springs, geysers, and old-growth forests that make for stunning photography subjects. The Sajama trees (known locally as Queñoa), gnarled and twisted by the harsh winds, add a unique, dramatic element to your photos.
Photography Tips for Midday:

• Textures and details: Focus on the intricate details of the Queñoa trees or the patterns in the geothermal pools.
  
• Wide vistas: Use the wide, open landscapes to experiment with composition and contrast between the mountain peaks and the foreground.
  

Afternoon: Lakes and ReflectionsIn the afternoon, head to one of the crystal-clear lakes scattered within the park, where Mount Sajama’s reflection shimmers on the surface. The light is ideal for capturing reflections in the water, so bring out your polarizing filter to make those colors pop.
Photography Tips for Afternoon:

• Mirror reflections: Capture the mountain reflections in the lake—early afternoon light provides perfect conditions for this.
  
• Composition: Focus on the natural symmetry of the lake and mountains to create powerful, balanced images.
  

Night: Stargazing and AstrophotographyAs night falls, Sajama National Park offers some of the clearest skies in Bolivia—ideal for astrophotography. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way is bright and vivid overhead, and you’ll have an unobstructed view of the starry sky.
Find a dark spot away from any artificial lights and set up your gear to capture the night sky. This is a fantastic location to photograph the Milky Way, star trails, and the Andean constellations that are visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
Photography Tips for Night:

• Astrophotography settings: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) and a high ISO (1600-3200) for clear, bright stars. Consider using long exposure settings (15-30 seconds) to capture star trails or the Milky Way.
  
• Silhouettes against the sky: Incorporate landscape features like mountain outlines or trees into your night shots to add depth and perspective.
  

End of Day Tips:

• As the night continues, take some time to relax and enjoy the quiet of the park—it's an unforgettable experience that will help inspire your photography for years to come.
  
• After shooting the night sky, you can capture some intimate firelight portraits or nighttime landscapes as the environment changes under the stars.
  

Day 6: Sold Flat Uyuni Via Coipasa – Sold Flat

Drive time: ~6-7 hours
Altitude: ~3,650 m (11,975 ft)
Morning: Departure from Coipasa
We start the day early from Coipasa, a remote area known for its vast, desolate landscapes that offer unique photographic opportunities. As we journey toward Uyuni, you'll be surrounded by the stunning, surreal vistas of the salt flats, with endless white terrain stretching as far as the eye can see. The textures and reflections on the salt will be perfect for wide-angle shots.
As we drive, the sky and land often blur together, creating dramatic horizons for photographers. Capture the ever-changing play of light and shadow on the salt crusts, and be ready for wildlife sightings like flamingos in the distant saltwater lagoons.
 Best morning photo ops:

• Wide-angle shots of the salt flats stretching to the horizon.
  
• Reflection shots in the wet salt crust, especially if there’s morning moisture.
  
• Dramatic sky with the occasional llama or flamingo.
  

Afternoon: Arrival at Sold Flat
As we continue toward Sold Flat, you’ll notice a gradual change in the terrain—more subtle, delicate textures, and less tourist traffic than the popular Uyuni area, providing an authentic feel for the salt flats.
Here, you can shoot iconic perspective photos, like capturing the "giant" effect (play with size and distance) as you walk across the endless white expanse. The light is softer in the afternoon, and you can focus on the play of colors as the sun moves westward.
 Best afternoon photo ops:

• Creative perspective shots with people or objects (cars, hats, etc.) in the distance.
  
• Close-ups of the salt crust’s intricate patterns.
  
• Soft light over the endless expanse—perfect for contrast photos.
  

 Night: Sold Flat Stargazing & AstrophotographyAs the day fades and the sun sets over the flats, the salt desert comes alive with starlight. This is prime astrophotography territory. The lack of light pollution and the vast, empty horizon give you unparalleled views of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and the occasional planet.
We’ll set up in a quiet spot to catch the clear night sky—you’ll have plenty of opportunities for long-exposure shots of the stars above the flat, using the salt as a dramatic foreground. The starlit reflections on the flat will create an ethereal feel, perfect for creative nighttime photography.
 Best night photo ops:

• Long-exposure shots of the Milky Way with the salt flats as a reflective foreground.
  
• Star trails if you’re shooting with a longer exposure.
  
• Dramatic sky and star photography as the salt desert remains still beneath.
  

Day 7: Exploring Uyuni – Salt Flats and Starry Night

Daytime Photography Highlights:
Uyuni Salt Flat (Salar de Uyuni) – The world’s largest salt flat is an unparalleled photography wonderland. The vast, endless white surface stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a perfect natural mirror on sunny days. Explore the flat during the midday light, when the expansive reflection creates incredible symmetry between the sky and the ground.
Take creative shots of the islands and rock formations that rise out of the salt, such as Isla Incahuasi, covered with ancient cacti. The salt flats offer endless opportunities for wide-angle landscape shots and quirky, artistic photos, especially with your group and equipment placed creatively in the vast expanse. The vastness of the landscape and the sense of isolation make for surreal, striking photos.
 Best time to shoot: Midday light for reflections and creative perspectives, particularly with a wide-angle lens. Don’t forget a polarizer to enhance the sky and salt textures.
Nighttime Photography Highlights:
As night falls, the Uyuni Salt Flat transforms into one of the world’s best places for astrophotography. The dark, clear skies above the salt flats are perfect for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and celestial events. The mirror-like surface of the salt flat, when it has a little moisture, can reflect the stars, making for a breathtaking shot of the stars both above and below.
The lack of light pollution in Uyuni makes it a photographer’s dream for long exposure shots. Position your camera to capture star trails or shoot in timelapse mode to capture the transition from dusk to dark. If you're lucky, you may also get an incredible view of the Southern Cross and other constellations unique to the Southern Hemisphere.
 Best time to shoot: After sunset, during the blue hour and the first hours of darkness for star photography. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) and a high ISO to capture the night sky in all its glory.

Day 8: Lakes, Deserts & Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

Trek time: Full day of exploration
Altitude: ~4,000–4,800 m (13,123–15,748 ft)
This is a photographer’s dream day as we explore the stunning Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. With dramatic landscapes ranging from colorful lakes to vast salt flats and volcanic deserts, the day promises endless opportunities to capture awe-inspiring vistas.
Morning: We start by visiting the Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), a striking lake with vibrant red waters due to algae and mineral deposits. It’s home to pink flamingos, so have your long lens ready for wildlife shots. Early morning light enhances the colors, creating incredible reflections on the water and the surrounding mountains.
Next, we head to the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), a stunning emerald-colored lake sitting at the base of the Licancabur Volcano. The contrast between the vibrant lake, the desert landscape, and the volcano makes for dramatic landscape photos. Look for the play of light and shadow on the water’s surface and the surrounding dry terrain.
Afternoon: Explore the vast Desierto de Dalí (Dali Desert), named after the surreal painter for its otherworldly landscape. This area is dotted with strange rock formations, including the famous Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree). The wind-swept desert, with its jagged rocks and sparse vegetation, offers incredible opportunities for wide-angle and minimalist compositions.
Throughout the day, keep your camera ready for the ever-changing light of the high-altitude desert: from the soft morning hues to the harsh midday sun, and finally the golden hour glow before sunset.
Night: As the sun dips behind the mountains, we set up for astrophotography. The clear, high-altitude skies in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve are ideal for capturing the Milky Way. Without light pollution, you’ll have a perfect canvas for long-exposure shots of the starry sky, with the silhouettes of volcanic peaks and desert landscapes in the foreground.
 Photo tips:

• Use a wide-angle lens for capturing the vast landscapes and lakes.
  
• For wildlife, like flamingos, use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing them.
  
• At sunset, experiment with backlighting to create stunning silhouettes of rocks and mountains.
  
• For astrophotography, bring a tripod and remote shutter release for long exposures. The Milky Way will look incredible over the desert's dark skies.
  

Day 9: Gaiser Hot Springs – Colorful Lakes

Trek time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: ~4,000–4,300 m (13,123–14,107 ft)
Photography Focus: Landscape shots, vibrant colors, reflections, and water textures
We start the day with an early breakfast, ready to explore some of the most photogenic spots of the region. Our first stop is the Gaiser Hot Springs, where steam rises from the ground, creating mystical scenes in the cool morning air. This is a photographer's dream—capture the contrast of hot steam against the cold Andean environment. The volcanic landscape, the way the light plays off the steam, and the surrounding rugged terrain create unique textures and compositions.
From there, we head to the Colorful Lakes, a series of vibrant, mineral-rich lakes in varying hues of turquoise, green, and blue. These striking colors are a photographer’s paradise, offering plenty of opportunities for wide-angle shots and close-up details of the lake's surfaces and surrounding flora. As the sunlight shifts, the colors of the lakes become even more saturated, offering fresh perspectives throughout the day.
In the evening, we capture the changing light as the sun begins to set behind the mountains, reflecting off the lakes' surfaces. The golden hour creates a magical glow over the landscape, perfect for capturing silhouettes and dramatic landscapes.
 Night Photography: Starry Skies & Long Exposure ShotsLocation: Near the Colorful Lakes
As night falls, we’ll set up for some astrophotography. The remote location, far from city lights, offers a perfect stargazing opportunity. Use long exposure to capture the brilliant Milky Way arching across the sky or the stars circling around the North Star. The reflection of the stars in the still lakes adds a surreal quality to your night shots.
 Photo tips for night:

• Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to gather more light.
  
• Set a long exposure to capture star trails or the Milky Way.
  
• Consider using the lakes for reflections, enhancing the beauty of the night sky.
  

Day 10: Uyuni – Potosí

Drive time: ~6 hours
Altitude: Uyuni (3,650 m / 11,975 ft) – Potosí (4,067 m / 13,344 ft)
After an early breakfast, we depart from Uyuni and embark on a scenic drive towards Potosí, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in colonial history and stunning architecture. The journey itself is a photographer's dream, with open landscapes stretching to the horizon, punctuated by rugged mountains, small adobe villages, and the occasional herd of llamas or alpacas.
As we approach Potosí, the city's dramatic mountain backdrop becomes more prominent, offering countless opportunities for wide-angle shots of the colonial architecture set against the Andean peaks.
Photography Highlights:

• The Journey:
  The drive to Potosí provides multiple photo stops along the way. Capture vast salt flats, distant mountains, and wide-open roads that stretch into the horizon—perfect for creating expansive landscape photos.
  
• Mountain Views:
  As you near Potosí, the towering Cerro Rico mountain (rich in silver history) dominates the landscape. It’s a perfect subject for capturing the contrast between rugged nature and the colonial city below.
  
• Potosí Streets & Architecture:
  Once in Potosí, take your time exploring its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. The cityscape offers rich textures and colors, ideal for close-ups and architectural shots. Look for vibrant doors, decorative facades, and historical details.
  

 Night Photography in Potosí:

• Starry Skies:
  As night falls, Potosí’s higher altitude provides crystal-clear skies, ideal for astrophotography. If the weather cooperates, you can capture incredible long exposure shots of stars and the Milky Way stretching across the Andean sky.
  
• City Lights & Nightlife:
  The city has a vibrant atmosphere at night, with street lights casting interesting shadows on the colonial buildings. This is an excellent time for low-light photography and experimenting with nighttime street scenes.
  
• Potosí’s Historic Mining Influence:
  Consider taking shots of local markets or miners in the city’s mines for a glimpse of the past. The city’s deep mining history offers an intriguing backdrop for documentary-style photography.
  

 Best Time to Shoot: Sunset over the Cerro Rico mountain and starry night shots once the sun sets.

Day 11: Potosí – Cayara

Drive time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: ~3,700 m (12,140 ft)
Today, we leave the historic town of Potosí behind and drive toward Cayara, a remote village nestled in the rugged Andean landscape. The journey offers incredible opportunities for capturing vast desert-like plains, colorful mountain ridges, and the incredible contrast between the bright blue sky and the golden, brown, and red terrain.
Along the way, you’ll want to photograph the sprawling high-altitude landscapes with dramatic clouds and sharp peaks. As we approach Cayara, keep an eye out for the local wildlife—flocks of flamingos in the distance, grazing llamas and alpacas, and the occasional wild bird soaring overhead. This is the kind of day where every bend in the road offers a new perspective and a chance to capture the timeless beauty of the Bolivian highlands.
 Night Photography in CayaraOnce we reach Cayara, we’ll settle into this peaceful village where the night skies are pristine and the stars shine brilliantly in the absence of light pollution. This is an ideal setting for astrophotography—whether you’re capturing the Milky Way arching above the mountains or focusing on the star trails over the village.
The low, warm light of the village will contrast beautifully with the vast night sky, giving you the perfect opportunity to experiment with long-exposure shots, nighttime portraits, and cultural elements illuminated under the stars.
 Photo tip (Day): Use natural framing with the mountains and wildlife—don’t forget the wide-angle shots of the rolling landscapes.
Photo tip (Night): Set your camera for long exposures to capture star movement and the ambient light of the village.
This combination of daytime landscapes and night sky photography will make for a truly memorable and visually rich experience in the Andean highlands! Let me know if you need further details or adjustments.

Day 12: Cayara – Oruro – La Paz

Drive time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: Cayara (~3,800 m / 12,467 ft) – Oruro (~3,700 m / 12,139 ft) – La Paz (~3,650 m / 11,975 ft)
On the final day of our journey, we bid farewell to Cayara and begin our scenic drive toward Oruro, a bustling city known for its folklore and cultural vibrancy. Along the way, you'll capture sweeping landscapes of the Altiplano, the vast highland plains that stretch endlessly before the towering Andes Mountains.
As we approach Oruro, the cultural richness of the area is reflected in its architecture and the people. This city is famous for the Oruro Carnival, so look for colorful street scenes, traditional markets, and portraits of locals.
From Oruro, we continue our journey to La Paz, one of the highest capital cities in the world, nestled between the towering mountains and deep valleys. The city’s aerial views are spectacular, especially as you approach from the Altiplano. Capture stunning photos of La Paz, with its layered cityscape framed by snow-capped peaks and mountain ridges.

Information

xperience | Difficulty

• Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
• DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
• Moderate schedule
• Travel by car or minibus
• Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
• (non-photographers also welcome)

Includes

• 12 Days
• Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
• Professional photographer | guide
• Photo walks & discussions
• Small group size (1-8 guests)
• Hostels-Lodges- hotels
• Breakfasts
• All Meals
• National Park Permits
• Local transportation

Accommodations: Hotels,Lodges,Hostels.

Price per person:2025

1 person:     US$6950.00 per person
2 people:     US$4950.00 per person
3 people:     US$4850.00 per person
4 people:     US$4750.00 per person
5 people:     US$4650.00 per person
6 people:     US$4550.00 per person
7 people:     US$4450.00 per person
8 people:     US$4350.00 per person
9 people:      US$4250.00 per person
10 people:   US$4150.00 per person  .