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Old 13 Oct 2008
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alternate salar routes in bolivia
Here's an alternate route to the Salar's in Bolivia if you want to avoid corrogation, though admittedly, I only did part of it. You'd start in Chile, and after crossing the Colchane/Pisiga border you head east 10 k until reaching a tiny pueblo on the right hand side. There's a tiny dirt track that begins just beyond the pueblo, and quickly heads away from the main corrugated road (which if you follow goes to Oruru). After 1 1/2 hours of powder, no services and just a few houses here and there, you'll reach Villa Vitalina, a small pueblo. You can't get supplies here during the winter, as most people leave and head for better grazing for their animals.
You'll see Salar de Coipasa and there's a map of sorts at the main entrance which leads you first across the Salar, then across to Jirira, the entrance to Salar de Uyuni.

You can also get to Salar de Coipasa from Oruru, Bolivia by turning off at Sabaya, but the track is a few hours of corrugation. You can buy supplies in Sabaya and there's a hotel there too.

I did this route in my 1978 Chevy van during the dry season and had no problems. But again, services are scarce.

Lorraine
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Old 15 Oct 2008
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Lorrain,

Thanks. You answered a question that was knocking around on the AdvRider sight. I hope you didn't mind me referencing your suggestion over there.

A friend and I will be in that area in January or February on the way south. We will likely explore your suggested route if we forego a stop in La Paz after leaving Cusco.
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Old 15 Oct 2008
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Whats the best route to do this solo and/or in the wet season?
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Old 15 Oct 2008
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Pockethead,
You can get to Salar de Coipasa from Oruru, Bolivia on a hard track but corrugated road in the wet season, and when you get to Sabaya, head over to Villa Vitalina. I have no idea of the crossover from Coipasa to Uyuni is like when wet, or if Salar de Coipasa is passable. Since there's villages on the other side of the Salar which need supplies, I would think so...

Lorraine
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Old 16 Oct 2008
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Lorraine,

I see you are still on your mission...cool.
We did not cross paths last year - maybe this year.
Glad to hear you are still keepin' on.

Jeff
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Old 16 Oct 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lorraine View Post
Pockethead,
You can get to Salar de Coipasa from Oruru, Bolivia on a hard track but corrugated road in the wet season, and when you get to Sabaya, head over to Villa Vitalina. I have no idea of the crossover from Coipasa to Uyuni is like when wet, or if Salar de Coipasa is passable. Since there's villages on the other side of the Salar which need supplies, I would think so...

Lorraine
Thanks mate, I'll check that out
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