Mission Impossible: South Lipez Desert

Eighteen days in Bolivia, guided, on a supplied Suzuki DR650SE, rated Hard, with five days in the South Lipez desert at the centre of the route.

Mission Impossible is described by the operator as the Wild Wild West tour plus five desert days. It covers 3,030 km, 60 percent of it dirt, and the desert sections are called simply hard: big sands, wide volcanic gravel, corrugated fields, rocky roads, and no roads at all. The South Lipez plateau sits between 4,400 and 5,010 metres, with a highest point of 5,800 metres.

The classic first half runs from the Ruta del Che to Sucre, Tarabuco, Potosi and Uyuni. From there the group enters the desert for Quetena Chica and an early start to attempt the Uturuncu volcano road, billed as the highest road in the world. Further days lead to Polques and its hot spring, Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada and its flamingos, a geyser field at 4,900 metres, the Stone Tree and a 1,000 metre wide valley. Nights include a 4-star ecological hotel in the middle of nowhere. The desert exits over the Salar de Uyuni, then Tupiza, Tarija and the Chaco, before the return to Samaipata.

Each price is per rider and covers the Suzuki DR650SE, tourist-class hotels, three meals a day, entrances, local guides, road tolls and fuel, with airport pickup at Viru-Viru in Santa Cruz and a 4WD support vehicle following the group. Scheduled groups are capped at six. Riders bring their own helmet and riding gear, book their own flights, and need travel insurance with adrenaline cover. Lodges in the desert are basic. Dates are on demand.