Road condition: San pedro de Atacama to Bolivian altiplano
 

Hello all,

We are thinking of driving the road from San pedro de Atacama through the Bolivian south-west altiplano (lagunas circuit) to Uyuni.

Can anyone give me some info about road conditions (how high of a ground clearance is needed, any technical terrain) ? We have a grand vitara: it's a 4x4 with low range but relatively limited power, and about 18-20cm of ground cleance so not as much as its big brothers...

Any tips about accomodation in the park would be welcome.

Thanks !

We did this in a Nissan 4x4 last month. Roads are atrocious and we were glad it wasn't our vehicle. There is no maintenance on the roads and often the driver went 'off road' instead of using the road so as to speak. In April the accommodation (by Laguna Colorado) was really cold..and very basic. I don't know how you book it as we took a package. Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks for your input. In case someone else is wondering, I've been told that there is an episode of 'top gear' in which they drive this road.

We drove it a good while back in a Unimog. You should manage fine. Yes, some parts are rough, but unlike the tour drivers who think they are in a tallent contest for the Dakar rally test drivers job, take your time where it's rough, spot your way through and you will be fine.

as to places to stay that are warm - not too much luck I'm afraid. we slept in the truck and were fine, but it was really cold.

do NOT get lost, and make sure you have enough fuel range for the whole trip. even the tour guys run out from time to time, and no one stops for them.

If you would like our gps route, let me know. I'm not saying it's the best one, or even the smoothest or shortest, but it will get you there. If you search for salar on our blog, Moglander's Travels - The travels of Moglander, and all that sail in her. Overlanding in a Unimog you will see the route, and a bit of a write up.

Merv.

Thanks for your advice Mervifwdc. Will definitely check your website.