Altiplano & Gaucho Wanderer

Buenos Aires - La Paz

21 days through Argentina, Bolivia, Chile

FROM: $1630 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Jeep

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 4 nights
Multishare Hostel 3 nights
Camping 7 nights
Basic Hotel 5 nights
Wild Camp 1 night

Meals:

Breakfasts x 20, Lunches x 9, Dinners x 8

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZZB

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the witches market & the dizzy heights of the world's highest capital city, La Paz

Day trip on the surreal Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats

Visit the Uyuni train graveyard

2 day crossing of the desolate and surreal Altiplano

Star gaze in the Moon Valley at San Pedro de Atacama

Take the cable car for a spectacular view of Salta

Spectacular drive down Route 40 to see Quebrada de las Conchas

2 nights to visit vineyards in Cafayate

Walk around the ruins of Quilmes

3 night stay in a traditional isolated Argentian estancia with the Gauchos

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life

Visit the Quilmes ruins

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

Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley

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

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Buenos Aires (12th December 2020)

Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also commonly known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! 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 Buenos Aires 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 Buenos Aires.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Buenos Aires (13th December 2020)

Today we have a free day to enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

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

Day 3 - Cordoba (14th December 2020)

Today we will have a full day drive to the lively university city of Córdoba.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11

Day 4 - Estancia (15th December 2020)

Today we will have a free morning to explore Córdoba, before driving to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia after lunch, 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 is a 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.

At the Estancia we will camp with facilities in the grounds near the main house.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life

Included

Day 5 - Estancia (16th December 2020)

Full day at the Estancia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 6 - Estancia (17th December 2020)

Full day at the Estancia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 7 - Tafi Del Valle (18th December 2020)

Today we will drive north across the lush flat pampas and start climbing into the drier mountains, stopping near the town of Tafí del Valle, near the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 8 - Cafayate (19th December 2020)

Today we will have an included visit to the Quilmes Ruins en route, then arrive in 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! 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): 4

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Visit the Quilmes ruins

Included

Day 9 - Cafayate (20th December 2020)

Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach our campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate

Wine tasting: 150 ARS

Day 10 - Salta (21st December 2020)

Today we will have a short drive to the beautiful town of Salta, with a free afternoon to explore upon arrival.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Daily Activities

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

Included

Day 11 - Salta (22nd December 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

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

Day 12 - Purmamarca (23rd December 2020)

Today we will have some more free time in Salta before heading up to the small village of Purmamarca, at the base of the aptly-named 'Hill of the Seven Colours'

In Purmamarca we will camp at a local campsite.

Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 13 - San Pedro de Atacama (24th December 2020)

Border information: Exit Argentina and enter Chile at Paso Jama.

Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Chile, and then descend all the way into the Atacama desert.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Day 14 - San Pedro de Atacama (25th December 2020)

Today we 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

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley

Included

Optional Activities

Take a tour of the stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas backdropped by the incredible deserts and volcanic scenery of the region

Entrance: 35,000 CLP

Head out for an exciting sand-boarding excursion in the sand dunes of the Atacama Desert

Tour: 23,000 CLP

Observe the night skies at a Chilean observatory

Tour: 25,000 CLP

Visit the incredible salt plains of the Salar de Atacama and take a swim in the salty pools of Laguna Cejar

Entrance: 15,000 CLP

Relax in the blissful natural volcanic hot springs of Puritama in the hills above San Pedro

Entrance: 15,000 CLP

Day 15 - Altiplano (26th December 2020)

We will depart San Pedro de Atacama early today to drive to the world's highest Geyser field, at 4300m above sea level, the El Tatio Geysers are an impressive sight first thing in the morning. After time to explore, we will continue our journey into the Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, we will have plenty of opportunities for photographs along the way on this scenic drive.

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, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Daily Activities

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

Included

Optional Activities

Experience the incredible El Tatio geysers in the mountains high above the Atacama Desert

Entrance: 10,000 CLP

Day 16 - Uyuni (27th December 2020)

Border information: Exit Chile and enter Bolivia at Ollague

After breakfast we will break camp and cross the border into Bolivia. We will take our time to enjoy the views on the way to the town of Uyuni, the gateway to the incredible salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 17 - Uyuni (28th December 2020)

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

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats

Included

Day 18 - Potosi (29th December 2020)

Today we will head to the colonial mining town of Potosí, the highest town in the world, and once famous for the area's abundance of silver!

This afternoon there will be a chance to visit the infamous silver mines of Cerro Rico near to the town.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Daily Activities

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

Day 19 - La Paz (30th December 2020)

Today we will drive north to La Paz, Bolivia's seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world!

On the following day we will have a free day to independently explore the fascinating city and take part in some optional activities.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 20 - La Paz (31st December 2020)

Today we have a free day to independently explore the fascinating city and take part in some optional activities

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

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

Discover Bolivia's history art and culture in some of La Paz's many museums such as the San Francisco Museum and the Museum of Ethnography

Entrance: 20 BOB

Guided tour to explore Tiahuanacu Inca Ruins

Full day tour: 220 BOB

Enjoy some zip lining in Coroico

Price: 220 BOB

Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz

City tour: 150 BOB

Day 21 - La Paz - End Date (1st January 2021)

Border information: if you are finishing in La Paz, you will most likely exit Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in La Paz. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities on offer.

Meals: Breakfast

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

12 Dec 20 Buenos Aires

01 Jan 21 La Paz

$1,630 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

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Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

05 Jan 21 La Paz

25 Jan 21 Buenos Aires

$1,630 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Open

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Duration: 21 days Add to basket

02 Jun 21 La Paz

22 Jun 21 Buenos Aires

$1,630 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Open

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Duration: 21 days Add to basket

23 Jun 21 La Paz

13 Jul 21 Buenos Aires

$1,630 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Open

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Duration: 21 days Add to basket

01 Jul 21 Buenos Aires

21 Jul 21 La Paz

$1,630 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Open

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Duration: 21 days Add to basket

11 Dec 21 Buenos Aires

31 Dec 21 La Paz

$1,660 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Closed

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Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

18 Jan 22 La Paz

07 Feb 22 Buenos Aires

$1,660 USD + 800 USD Kitty

Status: Open

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Duration: 21 days Add to basket

Contact Us

Altiplano & Gaucho Wanderer

Buenos Aires - La Paz

USEFUL INFORMATION