Puno to Uyuni: A Review of the Aymara Route Tour

So, you might consider visiting the Altiplano, and figuring out the journey between Puno in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, and those otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats? You are probably curious about the “Aymara Route” tour. This review, hopefully, gives you the lowdown, drawing from what some folks actually experienced plus some insights that I wish someone had told me beforehand. This really will give you a much better feel for the tour and whether or not it is a match for you.

What Is This ‘Aymara Route’ Thing, Anyway?

Typically, actually, the Aymara Route links Lake Titicaca (sitting near Puno) with the Salar de Uyuni. The route takes you through a land overflowing with history, natural wonders, and of course the fascinating Aymara culture, like your neighbor. Rather than simply zipping straight between spots, tour packages using this name try to fully surround you within the culture and landscapes of this high-altitude region.

A big highlight, apparently, is the cultural immersion. So it usually includes village visits, interaction with locals (with maybe some awkward but always funny language barriers), plus learning about Aymara traditions. Expect stops, apparently, at places with beautiful views of landscapes, unusual rock formations and chances to glimpse wildlife. But the end goal – often – is a mind-blowing look at the Uyuni Salt Flats. The whole experience seeks to be a lot more involved than just hopping on a bus.

Tour Options: What Can You Really Expect?

Tour companies can certainly vary wildly in what they offer, so do your homework. Some things stay fairly constant between most options. You almost certainly will be covering long distances by road (prepare for a bumpy, very bumpy ride) so that can be between Puno, La Paz, and Uyuni. The length tends to be around 3-5 days total, usually. Accommodation tends to vary too it’s almost from basic hostels to more okay-ish hotels depending, but expect simple comforts.

Trips generally feature cultural stops with a chance to observe, you know, traditional Aymara life. This could include market visits or even demonstrations of local crafts. It’s worth asking very directly about exactly how the tour supports those local communities. Look to see if it appears ethical in how the local interaction is setup, and does the tour seem to, very, prioritize those interactions over everything else.

A lot of tours run from Puno to La Paz with a stop in Uyuni. Other tours just involve travel from La Paz to the Uyuni Salt Flats. It really all depends on what places you need to start and finish.

The Good Stuff: What’s Great About the Aymara Route?

Okay, there are some genuine reasons why folks choose this tour option.

Unbelievable Scenery: The Altiplano is home to landscapes that, in some respects, just seem like they are pulled from a dream. Between the seemingly endless Salt Flats of Uyuni, to vividly colored lagoons dotted with flamingos, and volcanic peaks rising up far away – your camera will have a workout.

A Look Into Culture: Rather than, arguably, being a faceless tourist, you actually can learn a bit about Aymara people, their customs, plus their history. That really deepens your overall experience, instead. It can also humble you greatly to, very, see their ways of life.

Unique Experiences: Is that, you’re thinking about going on this trip for a reason? You actually might get to visit remote villages. You probably can witness traditional ceremonies. It’s quite likely you will see things very different from what you usually see in your normal routine.

The Less Great Stuff: Things to Keep In Mind

This route isn’t necessarily all perfect sunshine, yet. Some things can pose some serious issues, alright.

Altitude Adjustments: Parts of this trip go seriously high – like over 4,000 meters above sea level (that’s over 13,000 feet!). Altitude sickness could happen to anybody. Give yourself extra days in Puno or La Paz to become at least partially used to this altitude before starting. Consider medication, and of course drink way more water than usual. Don’t feel pressured to keep up. Let people know if you’re not feeling alright.

Those Roads…: Don’t think that it is all perfectly paved highways, that. This trip can involve a lot of time spent driving over unpaved, seriously bumpy, very dusty roads. Be mentally ready, for example. Motion sickness could also become an issue – take preventative medicine, get fresh air when possible and keep your eyes focused ahead. Seriously, the road conditions, anyway, can be pretty awful in parts. Consider noise-cancelling earphones or music to distract you, clearly.

Bare Bones Comforts: In parts of the Altiplano, that, tourist infrastructure is still growing, apparently. Expect simpler accommodations, not high luxury ones. Hot water is often unreliable (or non-existent). Be ready to unplug in some respects, since wifi could be absent too it’s almost in many of the remote locations. Embrace it – that’s kinda the point. Yet if you absolutely demand those types of services, you need to readjust what you expect. Prepare yourself with the kind of gear you take camping like soap that you can wash in streams.

Essential Things to Consider Before You Book

So, here are some very direct points, that can actually shape how you go on this adventure, so pay attention.

Pick the Best Season: Seasons, arguably, make a big difference out here, as I was saying. The dry season (around May to October) provides clearer skies for, frankly, seeing those landscapes, but it will be much colder too it’s almost (especially at night). Rainy season (November to April) can lead to the Salt Flats being covered in water, so that makes mind-bending reflection pictures a sure thing, anyway, however some roads could also become impassable, too. Check the specific conditions very near to your travel dates and come prepared.

Budget Realistically: Tour prices fluctuate quite a lot, just a little. Factor in potential extra costs too it’s almost like entry fees, maybe tips, definitely for sure snacks/drinks, and things you want to purchase from local sellers, too. Factor in more cash than you typically would – you are visiting places with less easy access to ATMs.

Pack Smart: Layers, actually, are now your friends. The temperatures actually vary widely between day and night. Sunscreen is a must (that sun hits hard at high altitude). Good walking boots are really, really necessary. And don’t forget things to help you with altitude. Bring all the things you actually need. Also, it’s likely luggage space is more limited so pack the least that you can and expect you will be buying stuff while you’re travelling anyway.

What You Might Want to Pack In Your Bag

• Layers of warm clothing: Think thermal underwear, fleece jacket, warm hat, gloves.
• Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hat with a brim.
• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
• Altitude sickness medication: Consult your doctor before your trip.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated!
• Snacks: For those long drives between meals.
• Toiletries: Including wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
• First-aid kit: With pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
• Cash: Small denominations for buying souvenirs and snacks from local vendors.
• Camera: To capture those amazing views!
• Power bank: To keep your devices charged, as outlets may be limited.

What Else Should You Expect From the Tour?

You probably will not speak the same language. In more remote regions, anyway, Spanish is much less common. Brush up on some very basic phrases or consider using a translation app, so. Having the ability to at least try is helpful plus deeply respectful. You, too it’s almost, may want to learn a few Aymara greetings.

Be prepared for the lack of options for food. A lot of meals are covered through your tour. When available, actually, consider purchasing food from family-run restaurants, however do not expect the levels you can expect from, say, more major urban cities, too. (Tell your tour company ahead of time if you have some strong food concerns or very significant allergies – they could probably better address them).

The restroom conditions could possibly surprise you (in a negative way) Be prepared, you know, particularly in more remote areas. Consider packing tissues, hand sanitizer and potentially even those portable toilet seat covers (yeah, people take them!). Lower your standards a bit in some respects.

So, Is The Aymara Route for You?

If you crave those experiences which actually reach beyond generic tourism, anyway, this actually could be it. If you welcome being in situations not completely comfy, that’s cool. Yet you totally need to go in with those wide-open eyes, aware that there is bumpy roads, physical requirements from elevation, plus places being not full of frills.

So, in short? Go for it with tons of research, good prep, plus a seriously can-do outlook on seeing new things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)