TWO UNIQUE ROUTES DESIGNED TO CHALLENGE AND AMAZE
Discover Bolivia’s most impressive landscapes while conquering gravel routes crafted to offer a blend of challenge, adventure, and reward. Each kilometer brings you closer to the vastness of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.
SHAKE UP
RIDE
ACCLIMATIZATION WITH A TOUCH OF ADVENTURE
This initial journey allows you to adapt to the altitude and familiarize yourself with the terrain before the main challenge. A technically non-demanding route that immerses you in the vastness of the Altiplano and the Salar de Uyuni.
- Distance: 45 km
- Total Elevation Gain: 165 m
- Terrain: Hardpack and compact gravel
- Altitude: 3,650 meters above sea level
KEY POINTS OF THE ROUTE
- Passage through small agricultural estates
- First encounter with the infinite horizon of the Salar
- Opportunities for photography and exploration stops
DESCRIPTION
This 45 km route is the perfect introduction to the Bolivian Altiplano. It begins with stretches of rural roads crossing small agricultural estates and gravel terrains, ideal for adjusting your bike and finding the right rhythm for the altitude.
The gradual ascent to 3,740 meters above sea level offers spectacular views of the surroundings before initiating a gentle descent, designed to check bike stability under real conditions. It’s an exploration and acclimatization stage, intended to be enjoyed without pressure as the group prepares for the true adventure.
MAIN
COURSE
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IN THE SALAR
This epic route combines speed, endurance, and technique into a single challenge. From the roads surrounding the Salar to its vast whiteness, each kilometer immerses you in a surreal landscape where the earth merges with the sky.
- Distance: 115 km
- Total Elevation Gain: 700 m
- Terrain: Compact dirt, gravel, clay, sand, and, of course, salt
- Altitude: 3,650 meters above sea level
KEY POINTS OF THE ROUTE
- Gentle ascents with panoramic views
- Passage through quinoa fields and llama herds
- Entry into the Salar de Uyuni, covering kilometers on its white surface
DESCRIPTION
Spanning 115 km of pure adventure, the Main Course embodies the essence of the Uyuni Gravel Experience. The journey begins near the hotel, advancing through compact dirt and gravel roads in the rural areas of the Altiplano.
The route takes a historic detour used in the Dakar Rally, venturing into changing terrains that will challenge both endurance and technical skill. As the ground darkens, the transition to the vast white expanse of the Salar becomes almost imperceptible, until you find yourself riding on an infinite horizon at 3,650 meters above sea level.
Key checkpoints in this journey include the Salt Sculptures, the Island of Flags, and the Dakar Monument, before completing the circuit and returning to the hotel. With terrains ranging from compact gravel to sandy stretches and the legendary salt surface, each pedal stroke will test your skill and determination.
Undoubtedly, the ultimate challenge for any gravel enthusiast.
TERRAIN & RECOMMENDATIONS
In the Uyuni Gravel Experience, you’ll encounter an incredible diversity of terrains that will challenge your technique and endurance. You’ll start by riding on firm and compact dirt, ideal for maintaining a steady pace, followed by sections of hard clay that offer unique stability under your wheels. As you progress, you’ll find stretches of loose sand, where control and traction are crucial, and gravel sectors, varying from fine to coarse, adding a technical component to the experience.
The highlight of the route will be the Salar de Uyuni, completely dry this season, with its solid and uniform surface allowing for incredibly fast and stable riding. Each kilometer presents a unique contrast, providing a perfect blend of challenge, technique, and visual reward in the world’s most surreal landscape. 🚴♂️✨