From Bolivia's high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina's grasslands, this trip takes you through some of South America's most beautiful landscapes. Most stunning of all is the dramatic expanse of the salt plains of Salar de Uyuni and we will cross the Altiplano along remote, seldom travelled routes, criss-crossing wild plateaux studded with volcanoes and lakes full of flamingos; it is truly spectacular. Bolivia was the economic engine of the Spanish empire and nowhere more so than the historic city of Potosi with its giant silver and tin mines and the political centre of La Paz. We descend from the Andes into Chile's Atacama Desert, to visit the atmospheric town of San Pedro before crossing the Andes again and heading into the beautiful arid regions of Argentina and the wonderful colonial city of Salta. Argentina's route 40 is truly spectacular cutting through remote red mountains beset with vine covered valleys. No trip to Argentina is complete without getting under the skin of Gaucho life and we have a unique Estancia stay for two days of horse riding on an idyllic country ranch. To cap it all off we have time to explore the cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires.
Off the beaten track adventure, through remote wilderness; a mix of high altitude Andean crossings, with Argentinean local life. Plenty of urban exploration (Salta, Buenos Aires, Mendoza) and time to explore magnificent scenery. Horse riding and easy walks, not physically challenging.
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
Take the epic journey across the Altiplano - an incredible high-altitude adventure through a surreal desert landscape taking in bizarre rock formations and stunning lakes
Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley
Visit the impressive rock formations of 'El Amphiteatro' and 'La Garganta del Diablo' en route through the primeval landscape of the Quebrada de las Conchas
Visit the Quilmes ruins
Border information: if you are joining in La Paz, you will most likely enter Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).
Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia's seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in La Paz before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring La Paz.
A note on altitude: If you are joining in La Paz, we strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before the trip begins to allow additional time to acclimatise.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we have a free day to enjoy La Paz.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Optional Activities
Take a trip out to the mountain resort of Chacaltaya and the other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley near La Paz
Full day tour: 130 BOB
Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico
Full day tour (not incl 50 BOB road fee): 125 USD
Guided tour to explore Tiahuanacu Inca Ruins
Full day tour: 220 BOB
Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz
City tour: 150 BOB
Enjoy some zip lining in Coroico
Price: 220 BOB
Today we will leave La Paz behind and head to the colonial mining town of Potosí, the highest town in the world, and once famous for the area's abundance of silver!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
After some free time in Potosi, we will continue our journey to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats.
In Uyuni we will stay in a friendly hotel, famous for serving the highest pizzas in the world!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Optional Activities
Visit the the Casa de la Moneda museum in Potosí to learn all about its colonial past and the silver that once flowed from the area
Tour incl camera fee: 60 BOB
Head down into the tunnels of the Potosi silver mine
Tour: 120 BOB
Today we will venture out onto the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, spending a full day exploring this phenomenal location by jeep and on foot. En route we will explore the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island', and take all the time we need to get plenty of perspective-bending photographs!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Included Activities
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
Today we will head off across the wilds of the Altiplano, a surreal and desolate desert landscape that stretches all the way into Chile. We will make plenty of stop for photographs on the way and at the end of the day we aim to cross the border into Chile, making camp soon afterwards.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Included Activities
Take the epic journey across the Altiplano - an incredible high-altitude adventure through a surreal desert landscape taking in bizarre rock formations and stunning lakes
Border information: Exit Bolivia and enter Chile at Ollague
After breakfast we will break camp, and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa on the Chilean part of the Altiplano, stopping off en route for photographs. Afterwards descending down to San Pedro de Atacama.
Please note: The weather in this region can be unpredictable and has been known to close the road to the border. On these occasions we will take an alternate route across the Altiplano, crossing into either Chile or Argentina at a different border point. Your Tour Leaders will keep you informed of any changes that may be necessary.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will have a free day to explore the incredible highlights of the Atacama desert surrounding San Pedro. In the evening we will take an included trip out to the extraordinary Moon Valley, where we will hopefully see an incredible sunset. At night we will also have the chance to go stargazing, in one of the world's premier regions for astronomy (please note that this is only possible when there is not a full moon).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Included Activities
Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley
Optional Activities
Discover some of the interesting ancient ruins near San Pedro and the artifacts found in the area on an archaeological tour
Tour: 25,000 CLP
Hire a bike to explore the incredible deserts surrounding San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace
Half day: 5,000 CLP
Discover the incredible deserts of San Pedro on horseback
Riding: 13,500 CLP
Take a tour of the stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas backdropped by the incredible deserts and volcanic scenery of the region
Entrance: 35,000 CLP
Observe the night skies at a Chilean observatory
Tour: 25,000 CLP
Border information: Exit Chile at Paso Jama, enter Argentina at Paso Jama.
Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Argentina, and reach the beautiful village of Purmamarca next to the aptly-named 'Hill of Seven Colours'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today we will drive to the beautiful colonial city of Salta, where we will have time to freely explore on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we will have a free day to explore the town of Salta, visit its many museums, or explore the beautiful surrounding hills on foot or by mountain bike. We will also have the chance to take the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernardo Hill overlooking the town, taking in some of the incredible mountian scenery nearby.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Optional Activities
Explore the beautiful mountains and forests near Salta on a mountain biking trip
The Bull circuit: 1,300 ARS
Rainforest Circuit: 900 ARS
Downhill Cuesta del Obispo: 2,000 ARS
Bike Rental (full day): 600 ARS
Take the cable car up to the top of San Bernardo Hill and take in the breathtaking views out over the city of Salta below
Return cable car: 200 ARS
Go trekking in and around Salta
Rainforest Trek: 1,100 ARS
Urban Trek: 700 ARS
Today we will have a short morning drive to a campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining!
Tonight we will continue our drive a short distance to wild camp in the stunning mountains nearby, or camp at the rafting base in Cabra Corral if preferred.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Optional Activities
Fly through the stunning valleys above the Juramento river on an exciting 4-cable zip-lining course
Zip line: 750 ARS
Get the adrenaline pumping with some white water rafting in Salta
Rafting: 950 ARS
Rafting & BBQ: 1,150 ARS
Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate.
This small unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentina's principal wine producing regions, famous for the quality of its Torrentes and Tannat wines! Over the next two days we will have the opportunity to go to a few of the vineyards nearby to see how the wine is made, and of course to try them!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Visit the impressive rock formations of 'El Amphiteatro' and 'La Garganta del Diablo' en route through the primeval landscape of the Quebrada de las Conchas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate
Wine tasting: 150 ARS
Today we will drive south over some more spectacular mountains and arrive in the lush flat pampas that Argentina is famous for. We will visit the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes en route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Included Activities
Visit the Quilmes ruins
Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights.
During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding, taste the excellent wines produced by their vineyards, be entertained by a local musician, learn some of the skills of the gauchos, and enjoy a traditional asado (Argentine BBQ). This isa magical experience in a beautiful and atmospheric location, and many people's highlight of the trip!
Please note that some of these activities are subject to weather conditions. Please also note that there is a strict weight limit of 15 stone (210lbs) or 95kg to partake in the horse riding - if you should weigh more than this, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate in the horseback riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today we will have a full day drive to the wonderful city of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Today is a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!
Tour: 85 USD
Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires
Tour: Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
Entrance: Free
See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists
Tour: 20 USD
Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires
Lesson: 25 USD
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Show: 650 ARS
Try some of Argentina's most delicious wines on a top-level wine tasting afternoon in Buenos Aires
Price: 52 USD
Border information: if you are finishing in Buenos Aires, you will most likely exit Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Buenos Aires. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you would like to arrange some extra nights of accommodation here after your trip.
Meals: Breakfast
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