Kachi Lodge

Bolivia

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Philosophy & sustainability

At Amazing Escapes, we believe that sustainable tourism, even top-of-the-range, is the best way to raise travelers' awareness of environmental conservation while bringing sound economic development opportunities to isolated communities.

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Apart from the privileged relationship with the community, the preservation of the environment has been at the heart of our concerns since the beginning of the project. Before settling on the Salar, we wanted to be sure that we could deploy a building with the least possible impact. We have therefore invested in cutting-edge technologies in both water and energy management systems.

Although Kachi Lodge is a permanent structure, it remains mobile. The whole lodge is secured on a wooden floor whose pillars are simply standing on the Salar. No anchoring or drilling was done in the salt crust. The entire lodge is designed to operate on solar energy. The panels are being installed and are already heating the entire water supply. Studies are underway to complete the energy supply with a wind turbine. For water management, a complex system of pumps brings the greywater back into a dirty water tank that is eventually connected to a unique closed-loop filtering system (using reverse osmosis. The system already prevents any discharge of wastewater into the environment and ultimately minimizes water consumption.

In each room, an incineration toilet instantly burns all organic matter, leaving only a small ash residue after a few days of use, so there is no black water to discharge or treat.

Waste management is a priority for Kachi Lodge. It is done first of all upstream, by organizing as much as possible the packaging of supplies in recyclable packaging and by putting pressure on our suppliers to do the same.

Kachi Lodge aims at a 0% plastic policy. No plastic bottles or packaging.  Waste sorting is the rule and we hope to be able to set up our own waste treatment structure in the near future.

For the construction and operation of Kachi Lodge, we focus on Bolivian companies and buy as much as possible locally. The wood used for the Kachi Lodge platform is a Bolivian wood with FSC certification.

We highlight Bolivian cultural heritage, for example through collaboration with Nativa restaurant, who's mostly works with Bolivian producers, or by exhibiting the work of Gaston Ugalde, the most famous contemporary Bolivian artist. This cultural heritage is also discovered through activities offered by Kachi Lodge in collaboration with the local community.

We hire local guides whom we train with the help of professionals with years of experience in tourism.

For transportation, we use drivers from Uyuni, whom we once again train to meet the expectations of high-end customers.

Kachi Lodge is aiming at being a model of sustainable tourism development thanks to its environmental approach and its interaction with local communities, through joint development projects, training in tourism-related jobs and exchanges between Kachi Lodge hosts and community members.

Location

In the remote corners of the world, an hour flight from la Paz, Bolivia offers some of the most exhilarating vistas: at 3660m high, the salar is one of them. Set on a wooden platform near a cacti covered island, the six suites turn a stay on the altiplano into the most luxurious adventure.

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One where comfort and designed interiors meet the great outdoors: from the warmth of the dome-shaped suite, the salar unfolds like a mirror in the rainy season, or crystalline landscapes the rest of the year. At Kachi Lodge, the visionary mind-set of its founders – Amazing Escapes - pushes the boundaries of sustainable travels further: cutting edge green infrastructures, commitment to local culture and communities are a daily reality. Operational all year round, Kachi Lodge has teamed with the best in the region: unique food prepared by Bolivia’s most celebrated chef, one of a kind land art with Gastón Ugalde and an endless list of bespoke activities enhance every day at the lodge. Ready for a once in a lifetime adventure?

Accommodation

Composed of repeated equilateral triangles, the metallic structure is the very essence of mathematical elegance. Set up in a harmonious, rounded shape that echoes to local beliefs and cosmology, Kachi Lodge believes in a holistic approach. Staged by Swiss interior-decorator duo Marina Cardis and Marine Luginbuehl, the interiors convey a bohemian chic atmosphere: sourcing sustainable objects.

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In each dome, large bay windows offer panoram-ic views on the Salar and its star-studded sky. Lit up at night, they are one of the coolest, and most surrealist viewing station ever seen in the arid region. Lined up in the main dome, the same elements create the perfect lounge atmosphere: huge straw hanging-lamps, large sofas covered with dozens of stripped bayeta cushions and large reclaimed wooden furni-ture are all one needs to enjoy the salar’s endless vistas. At each end of the dome, Gastón Ugalde’s show stopping art works add a unique flair: two gigantic cactus woven sculptures personify local deities, while a green coloured figurative painting further welcomes the al-tiplano spirit.

Outside, the vast terrace welcomes wooden banquettes and coffee tables: an ideal set-up for a sunbath at 3600m high!

Each of our six domes offer all the comfort you can expect from a luxury lodge: 28 sqm bedroom, comfortable bedding, private bathroom, with running hot water. Inside design includes bespoke furniture crafted out of regional materials, bespoke textiles and a unique painting by Gastón Ugalde – internationally known as the Bolivian Andy Wahrol – set the tone in each suite. Decorative details also add a welcome twist to the interiors: state of the art bedding comes with a handmade woven blanket (in naturally dyed lama and alpaca wool), hot bottle cover and pair of cushions made and designed in La Paz by Andi’Art. On each side of the bed, handcrafted lamps are made out of reclaimed cactus wood, old water sieves or woven in straw.

In front of the bay window, a small table is sculpted out of Bolivian wood: next to it, is a rattan lounge chair and a low wooden stool. Small wooden trunks echo to the latticed wooden wall installed behind the bed to separate the shower and washroom from the room. A pellet stove delivers a comfortable temperature between 19 and 23°c. 

Dining

Following a first culinary journey with one acclaimed restaurant in La Paz, Kachi Lodge continues its exploration of Bolivian gastronomy by entrusting the reins of its restaurant to Proyecto Nativa, Sucre’s must-taste restaurant. At its head, Juan Pablo Gumiel brilliant-ly blends local flavors and international influences, selecting the best organic products, grown locally.

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But above all, through original dishes and creative recipes, Juan Pablo speaks with passion about the cuisine of his childhood, the one that led him to become one of the rising stars of the Bolivian food scene.

Inspiring daily cooked meals served in unique ceramic dishes craft a unique gastronomic journey through Bolivia’s rich biodiversity: the experience is made complete with local wines and a herbal tea station.

During your day excursion, mouth-watering lunches will be prepared just for you facing the most incredible landscapes of the Salar.

Activities

As guests, the portfolio of activities within an hour of the lodge is vast: it ranges from cultural and ethnic excursions to the ancient archaeological site and scared grounds of Alkaya – where ancient mommies can be seen - to high altitude hikes on the nearby Thunupa volcano (5321m), amidst ochre and red coloured earth. Breathtaking.

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A daily visit to the quinoa fields or walk to encounter lama farmers amidst their herd are a unique way to understand the local culture - and the dedication needed to fight the extreme climate and make a living out of it.

Sunrise hikes followed by a breakfast at the tip on an island surrounded by giant cacti is a unique way to start the day while sunset drives to catch the last rays of light are spectacular every time, especially when comfortably installed with a glass of wine or cocktail prepared on the spot.

Some of the endemic wildlife of the altiplano can be spotted near the lodge: flamingos, vicuñas (Kind of local antilope producing the finest wool, surpassing cashmere in quality), viscachas, Andean fox. Giant cacti can be found all around the lodge. The Echinopsis atacamensis towers up to 10m and blooms in October and November. On your way from Uyuni, you'll probably stop at the old train cemetery with its dozens of old locomotives and carriages dating back to early 20th century, then to Inca Huasi Island, covered with a forest of giant cacti.

During the rainy season, the salar turns into a thin lake where one can paddle, canoe out or simply enjoy a photographic session as clouds endlessly reflect on the surface of the water.

At night, when the telescope is out, the sky seems to open up and pour stars above one’s head. The salar is a place of endless possibilities.

The towering Thunupa volcano right behind Kachi Lodge is another landmark of the salt flats. El Mirador del Thunupa, located at the bottom of the exploded crater is reachable by driving a vertiginous track offering extraordinary views over the salar . When lit by the sun, the face of the moutain turns into a mesmerizing array of colors from bright yellow to dark red. For those who dare, they can bike down the track 'till the village of Tahua.

ll experiences are done with your own guide, private car and driver. You will arrange your program with your guide when arriving on the Lodge. It can be modified during your stay, according to your wishes and the weather conditions. Kachi Lodge is constantly extending its program of activities.

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