A project that Luxury Travel Advisor has been keeping tabs on, Kachi Lodge—a luxury dome lodge on the Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia—has made its grand opening. Located at the foot of Tunupa Volcano at an altitude of 11,800 feet, Kachi Lodge was designed to offer views of the world’s largest salt flats and the star-filled sky.
The six individual pods offer guests the comfort of a hotel room with a private bathroom, plush and cozy bedding and stylish interior decoration. Guests are invited to dine in a central dome filled with lanterns and oversized hemp cushions. Kachi Lodge partnered with the award-winning Gustu Restaurant and school in La Paz to create is gastronomic program.
Adventure opportunities include downhill mountain biking on the edge of the Tunupa Volcano, trekking to the volcano’s crater, viewing the giant cacti of Incahuasi Island and hiking to the peak of Kachi Island for views of the sunrise and sunset. In the rainy season (from December to March), guests can paddle board across the Salar, enjoying the natural mirror that the flooding creates. (In certain seasons, guests might even see pink flamingos crossing the flats.) For a glimpse of local culture, guests can visit the village of Jirira, where guides show them daily llama-herding routines; guests also have the opportunity to participate in the seasonal planting, harvesting or processing of quinoa. The impressive colonial constructions of Coquesa, the archaeological site of Alcaya and an antique train cemetery are each a short drive from the lodge. For star-lovers, Kachi’s telescopes and expert guides provide access to constellations and insight into Andean cosmology and ancient cultural beliefs about the night sky.
Good to know: Gaston Ugalde, a well-known contemporary artist in Bolivia, has created pieces of art that are installed throughout the Kachi Lodge, as well as outdoor art installations on the Salar that are also available for sale.
Kachi Lodge is a low-environmental-impact structure and in addition to its water treatment unit working in a closed loop, all of the systems are powered by solar energy only. Rates include airport transfers, activities and full board by Gustu. A two-night minimum stay is required.
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