Food:
We consider that food is another way to discover a country and its culture. Who else could be the best at delivering authentic and inventive cuisine at Kachi Lodge if not muti-awarded Gustu Restaurant in La Paz?
Gustu restaurant was established in early 2013, aiming to become a showcase of the great potential of Bolivia’s production, culture and biodiversity, with the dream of making Bolivian gastronomic culture an engine for national development.
Celebrated as one of South America’s best restaurants, Gustu, in La Paz, believes “it can change the world through food”. Founded by Claus Meyer, the visionary behind Copenha-gen’s Noma side by side with chef Rene Redzepi, Gustu is most and before all a project led to reveal the potential of Bolivia’s unearthed, raw ingredients. Gustu - which means « a-vour» in Quechua language – strictly creates a haute cuisine from native Bolivian products, local foods and ancient knowledge. On this journey to better understand Bolivia ́s eco-systems, Gustu signed a partnership with Kachi to oversee the lodge’s food and beverage.Set up behind the main dome, a smaller dome welcomes a state of the art kitchen where resident chefs work daily
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, a herbal tea station and upcoming culinary workshops.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE?
The word Altiplano says it all. Kachi Lodge is located at 3’600 M / 12’000 Ft.and some activities will take you over 4’000 M / 13’000 Ft It takes a little while to get used to the altitude. That’s why we would recommend you to do some acclimatization at a lower altitude before coming to Kachi Lodge so you can get the best out of your experience with us. There are no strenuous activities, so if you’re in acceptable physical condition, you’ll be all fine. Kachi Lodge provides medical oxygen bottles, masks and an in a table hyperbaric chamber in case of emergency. Staff at Kachi lodge has received basic first aid training on the use of these systems.
If you’re still concerned about your capacity to cope with high altitude, you should consult your doctor. Some tests can also be performed at specific medical centers.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
The dry season usually runs from late April to end of October. The rain season starts in November/December till the beginning of April. During the dry season, you will experience crystal clear skies, sunny weather...and cold temperatures at night (down to -15°C/5°F) Our domes are heated so don’t be afraid to be cold inside). During the day T° goes up to about 12°C/50°F. Driving on the flats at that time of the year is easy.
During the rain season, temperatures are much higher, Day temperatures can reach a good 20°C/ 68°F and night temperatures barely reach 0°C/32°F. Rain usually falls during thunderstorms at the end of the afternoon. At that time of the year,with higher chances during January and February, you can experience the amazing mirror effect, when the flats are flooded with a few inches of water. It’s still possible to drive on the Salar at that time, but depending on the level of water, you might need to take a longer route to access to Kachi Lodge from Uyuni and to some other sites.
WHAT TYPE OF COMFORT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Kachi Lodge is designed to o er the maximum of comfort to our guests i.e. comfy bedding with thick duvet, private bathroom with running hot water, towels, wardrobe, ambience lightning and proper heating to keep you away from the cold. Housekeeping is done daily. However, don’t forget that you’re about to live an experience close to nature with a camp spirit, so it’s not to be compared to a luxury hotel room.
