Start of the three-day tour to Uyuni

At 7.20 a.m. we are ready to be picked up in front of the hostel. This takes place after a bit of waiting and we take the tour bus from World White Travel directly to the Chilean Customs in San Pedro de Atacama. Then we go towards the Bolivian border at Hito Cajon. We climb higher and higher until finally after about an hour in the middle of nowhere the easy one Bolivian customs post appears. We are called into the building one by one and receive the entry stamp.

Then the tour bus will take you to two all-terrain Toyota Landcruiser 4 × 4 rearranged. While we are having breakfast, the numerous luggage is packed in a sheet and fastened on the roof. Now press yourself into the three rows of seats 6 people each plus driver purely. We stay with the German couple Laura and Michael, their colleague Thomas and the Englishwoman Ruth with driver and guide Arno. Unfortunately Arno doesn't speak a word of English and the Spanish skills of the fellow travelers are even more limited than mine, but we will come with the most important.

A few kilometers later, all visitors have to pay the entrance fee to the nature reserve Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa pay, then it can really start.

The tour starts with the Laguna Blanca and the one next door and by far more spectacular Laguna Verde. For the time being, the name does not reveal itself to us, but when the wind weakens the water surface suddenly shines intensely green. An amazing prospect, the color varies between light turquoise and dark green, caused by the sediments blown up by the wind.

The off-road piste now leads through the barren Dieserto de Daliwhere bizarre rock formations can be seen in the distance. The picturesque landscape is said to have inspired the world-famous painter to some of his works.

At the next stop, which is now well over 4000 meters above sea level, a pool invites you to warm up Bath in the pent-up thermal water. Despite the dingy changing room, I won't let the wonderful view of the lake and mountains be taken away from me and Niki takes a few photos. A Llama group walks past with colorful earrings. The intense solar radiation ensures pleasant temperatures even at this altitude.

After just under an hour you can go to the smoking one Geyser Sol de Manana. Visitors can freely choose between all the boiling, bubbling and splashing Mud holes and sulfur chimneys walk around. Which is why, unfortunately, quite a bit of trampling. The volcanic forces are really exciting to watch. fortunately we both only have one so far slightly heavy head, others are fine - due to the enormous height of just below the 5000 m above sea level - significantly worse. The dreaded altitude sickness Soroche gets its victims. As we drive on, we see one every now and then Vicuna herd. It is amazing how the mammals cope with the adverse living conditions in the region.

Then the simple overnight rooms are driven to, the luggage unloaded and finally sausages, mashed potatoes and some vegetables are served for lunch at 4 p.m.

Now the real highlight of the day is waiting for us: It goes to bright red Laguna Colorada Where hundreds of rare James's flamingos are photogenic feeding in shallow salt water. We walk a little along the shore of the extensive lake, which is colored by algae, and take photos of the pink water birds.

Then, unfortunately, it's back to the nearby accommodation. Coca leaves and tea are said to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude still over 4400 meters. If necessary, oxygen and medicine are also in stock. There is a lot of talk during tea in the entertaining group from around the world. Outside we marvel at the one colorful sunsetwhere it gets cooler quickly.

For late dinner there is delicious vegetable soup and spaghetti. More tourists are now complaining of headaches and nausea. My head is also hammering a bit, but luckily it remains within tolerable limits. We still play some cardsbefore we lie down under the warm blankets of the six-bed dorm. Fortunately - as you keep hearing - it's not as cold as ice. In any case, I don't need the sleeping bag provided, which would be different in June-July.