This is one of the Tayka hotels provided for the more expensive trips across the Salar de Uyuni. Compared with the backpacker hotels this is LUXURY. However if you are expecting 5* accommodation, forget it. This is in the middle of the Bolivian desert miles form the nearest town.
It is a fantastic location close to Laguna Colorado and surrounded by desert. It is so quiet and the stars at night….
It is a long low stone building with large reception and dining area. The en suite rooms are arranged off a long corridor. The rooms were large with smaller shower area off with basin and toilet. There were plenty of towels.
The rooms are basically furnished – no frills here. We had three single beds in our room. There was a light but exceptionally warm duvet on each. We had read reports of getting very cold at night and going to bed in all your cloths. In fact we were very warm in bed. There was also a heater in the room which we didn’t need to use.
Electricity is provided by solar panels. Once all the hot water is used up at night that is it. If you want a shower make sure you have it when you arrive as hot water will have run out by morning. The electricity is also turned off about 10pm, so make sure you have packed a torch in case you need to get up in the night….
You’ve guessed no TV or internet either – but then who needs those on a trip like this?
Meals were basic ‘home cooking’ style with no choice. They were filling but don’t expect haute cuisine.
This report may seem negative – it’s not meant to be. This place is not for shrinking violets who want all the trimmings of a 5* hotel.
It is also over 4500m (exact height varied depending on who you talked to) so watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness.
We had been warned this was basic before we arrived. We were very pleasantly surprised. It’s a great place and a great experience.
The Tayka website is here: tinyurl.com/5w2g6y8
Our pictures (and the next 3) start here:
http://homepage.mac.com/wasleys/sth_amer_10_mw/04ToSPdQ/image-html/01IMGP3392.html
