Things To Do
in Villa Martín Colchak

Baked savory pastries filled with meat or vegetable stews and a slightly sweet, spicy sauce — a common breakfast snack; available at village markets or from itinerant vendors.

Must-Try!

Dried llama or sheep meat rehydrated into stews or paired with potatoes and quinoa; traditional and energizing for shepherds and travelers alike.

Hearty quinoa soup or potato soup flavored with local herbs—warming, nutritious and widely available in small eateries.

A spicy tomato-and-aji-based salsa served with many dishes; paired often with locally made cheeses and bread.

A small market where local farmers sell potatoes, quinoa, cheese, eggs and occasional prepared snacks like salteñas; best in the mornings when vendors arrive with fresh goods.

Simple stalls near transport hubs offering baked goods, roasted corn and empanadas — ideal for quick, inexpensive bites between stops.

Always greet people with a polite 'Buenos días/tardes' and a handshake; show respect to elders and community leaders when entering homes or communal spaces.

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in indigenous communities — a small payment or exchange of goods is sometimes appropriate.

Be mindful of traditional Andean customs such as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) — observe quietly and do not interfere with ritual sites or offerings.

Dress modestly and avoid loud, disruptive behavior; remove hats indoors if requested and refrain from public displays that may be seen as disrespectful.

Tipping is modest and discretionary in small villages. Round up taxi fares, leave a few bolivianos for helpful guides or servers, and offer 5–10% in tourist-oriented restaurants in larger towns.

Cash (Bolivianos) is king in rural areas; ATMs are scarce and card acceptance limited. Plan to carry sufficient cash and exchange in larger towns. Some tourist operators accept cards or USD, but expect a small surcharge or prefer bolivianos.

Clear skies, colder nights and minimal precipitation make this the most reliable time for travel, photography and 4x4 excursions; daytime sun can be strong but temperatures drop sharply at night.

Afternoon thunderstorms and occasional road washouts can disrupt travel — some unpaved tracks become muddy or impassable; however, the landscape is greener and some lagoon colors intensify.

Colder daytime highs and frigid nights with potential frosts and occasional snow at the highest elevations; dress in warm layers and expect very dry air.

Variable weather with comfortable daytime temperatures but still significant diurnal swings; good windows for travel before or after the main dry season crowds.

The nearest small domestic airport serving the Uyuni area; useful for connecting to 4x4 tours and overland travel — expect onward road transfers of a few hours depending on exact location.

Major international hub for western Bolivia; longer overland transfer required (several hours by road) but offers frequent domestic and international connections.

Indigenous highland peoples with strong cultural traditions, languages and agricultural practices — they form the cultural backbone of the area.

Mixed indigenous and European heritage residents involved in local commerce, services and small-scale farming.