Best of Bolivia & Argentina
Experience Overview
Get exploring South America on a 15-day small-group experience that takes you deep into Bolivia and Argentina. Beginning in La Paz, journey from whimsical potion-filled markets through Sucre’s landscaped streets to the once-rich silver ore mines of Potosi. Take on the Bolivian desert as you embark on a 4WD adventure across the salt pans of Salar de Uyuni, winding up among the cactus-filled valleys of Bolivia’s wild west. Cross the border into Argentina to discover indigenous cultures in Tilcara, before spending a few days at leisure in the fiery capital of Buenos Aires. Local knowledge will lead the way, and plenty of freedom to explore will give you the power to see South America in your style.
Highlights
- La Paz gives insight into the many sides of Bolivian culture. While young people flock to the city for its booming industry, traditionally dressed residents sell ancient potions at the Witches Market.
- Elegant architecture, political history in spades and the hilly neighbourhoods dotted with terracotta roofs – Sucre might be Bolivia’s most beautiful city.
- Discover the Bolivian mining town of Potosi – once a hive of activity due to its nearby abundance of silver ore, and now a historical snapshot of small-town industry.
- Take an unforgettable 4WD adventure across the Salar de Uyuni – some of the largest salt lakes in the world. Pass cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with flamingos.
- Get under the skin of Buenos Aires with plenty of time to explore. With its eclectic neighbourhoods, emphasis on food and wine and huge theatre scene, it’s the perfect place to travel independently.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1843
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Plane,Overnight bus,Local bus,4x4
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGBJ
Starts: La Paz, Argentina
Finishes: Buenos Aires , Argentina
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12), Lunch (2), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel ( 11 nights),Dormitory (2 nights),Overnight Bus ( 1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,352 ($157 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Bolivia! Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the side streets of La Paz, or alternatively, venture out of the city in search of crisp mountain air. You could hop on a local bus out to the extraordinary landscape of Moon Valley – this maze of canyons and colossal clay spires, make for staggering views. Alternatively, why not take a cable car to the Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches Market)? Though we can’t guarantee the potions, incantations and voodoo dolls will work their magic, the experience is fascinating, and the locals will be happy to tell you about their significance. After your meeting this evening, you might like to head out with your new travel buddies for a group dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’re free to discover La Paz at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Museo de la Coca, which isn’t too far from your hotel. This unusual museum delves into the history of the coca plant that grows in the region – a plant that’s played a huge role in the rise and fall of governments, and was one of the original ingredients in one of the world’s favourite soft drinks. You may also like to check out the cuisine scene in La Paz on a food tour – taste fish fresh from Lake Titicaca as well as a variety of intense flavours on a chocolate stop. Late in the afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Sucre (approximately 9–10 hours).
Optional Activities:
- La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market' - Free
- La Paz - Coca Museum (15 BOB)
- La Paz - Tiawanaku Tour (50 USD)
- La Paz City Tour & Moon Valley (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Bus (Number of Nights: 1)
On arrival in Sucre, drop off your luggage at the hotel before heading out to explore in your own time. Bolivia’s World Heritage-listed capital is a hub of local cultures and Spanish colonial architecture. You might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta – a 400-year-old convent which provides great views over the city and is home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings. If you have time, head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to rub shoulders with Sucre's affluent residents and check out the extravagant interior of the Senora de la Merced.
Optional Activities:
- Museo de la Recoleta (15 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy another free day to see the sights of Sucre. Resting in a mountainous valley and overflowing with white-washed buildings and well-preserved architecture, Sucre is not only Bolivia’s official capital city, but also the most beautiful. Wander the pretty streets and snap photos of the quaint houses and medieval churches, or for something more active, hike along the pre-Inca path known as the Chataquila trek – which is mostly downhill and offers stunning views of the surrounding Andes. For something completely different, discover a prehistoric landscape and compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko, where footprints millions of years old have been preserved. This is the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world, with over 12,000 of them. There’s also a food culture in Sucre, so enjoy some delicious empanadas at a restaurant or a fresh juice at the Central Market.
Optional Activities:
- Sucre - Dinosaur footprints at Cal Orcko (Admission Fee) (70 BOB)
- Sucre - Casa de la Libertad (28 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a local bus to the colonial mining town of Potosi (approximately 3–4 hours) – once the wealthiest city in the Americas thanks to its location at the base of silver ore-rich Cerro Rico (Rich Hill). The discovery and extraction of the silver led to a financial boom for the Spanish empire; however, the city’s riches quickly diminished and its citizens soon slipped into poverty once the silver dried up. A tour and brief history of Cerro Rico is definitely a highlight to consider here. Another place of interest is the Santa Teresa Convent Museum, where you can observe the art and treasures on display inside the convent’s original walls.
Optional Activities:
- Potosi - Santa Teresa Convent Museum (33 BOB)
- Potosi - National Mint of Bolivia (60 BOB)
- Potosi - Cerro Rico mine tour (150 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, leave Potosi behind and travel to the city of Uyuni (driving time approximately 3–4 hours). This remote town sits on the edge of the high Altiplano – a wilderness area extending for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Apart from being a gateway to the Salt Flats, Uyuni also happens to sit above the world’s largest lithium reserve of about 100 million tons! While it won’t help you if you’ve arrived with a flat battery, Uyuni’s lithium, once extracted, could potentially provide enough fuel for the entire planet’s smart phones and electric cars for the next century. Enjoy free time on arrival – perhaps take the opportunity to rest up before you kick off your exciting excursion to Salar de Uyuni tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Uyuni this morning and venture out on a three-day 4WD excursion – be prepared for a busy few days ahead. The first stop will be Cementerio de Trenes (the Train Cemetery) for an eerie look at abandoned locomotives that have been engulfed by the desert. Then, continue on to the highlight of Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. This vast desert-like landscape of blinding white salt and cactus-studded islands is the remains of a dried-up prehistoric lake. The desolate and dehydrated eco-system hosts very little wildlife, however it is home to pink flamingos. Make the most of your time on the salt flats, pose for some snaps and explore Inca Wasi – an island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.
Included Activities:
- Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
- Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
Accommodation:
- Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue driving through the spectacular landscape of the Bolivian Salt Flats with another day to explore this natural phenomenon. Depending on the time of year, the reflections themselves are nothing short of extraordinary, and you and your travel pals can take some seriously cool images. Your local leaders will stage your poses to ensure you capture the best optical illusions. Tonight (weather depending), consider booking into a stargazing experience, where you’ll go spotting shooting stars deep in the Bolivian wilderness. The skies are so clear, and with no light or smoke pollution out here, the constellations will shine bright.
Included Activities:
- Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada
Accommodation:
- Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
Venture out of Bolivia’s wilds and back to Uyuni town today. Once arrived and settled back into your accommodation, you’ll have a free day to check out the town or just simply relax and check out your photos after an action-packed couple of days in the desert. If you’re still up for adventure, be sure to ask your local leader for their recommendations on what to do here – there’s the Archaeology and Anthropology Museum as well as other mining towns that you may have bypassed on your way to the salt flats. After recharging your batteries (as well as your devices), why not head out to stock up on supplies and have a bite to eat with your travel group – keep it low-key tonight as you’ve got a full day worth of travel tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine and prepare for a long travel day as you cross the border into Argentina. Set off at 6 am from Uyuni town to La Quiaca. Arriving around 1.30 pm, cross into Argentina by foot and then jump in a taxi to the bus station. You’ll have a chance to stop briefly for lunch with your group, before jumping on another bus to Tilcara, arriving at approximately 6 pm. Nothing is planned on arrival, but if you’re not too exhausted from today’s journey, perhaps head out for dinner – your group leader will be able to point you in the right direction for a feed.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore this dusty and enchanting town. Nestled in the mountain valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca, Tilcara is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Argentina with an indigenous culture dating back more than 10,000 years – and the influx of tourists hasn’t stopped the age-old customs and rituals from flourishing. You might like to marvel at the pre-Inca ruins at Pucara de Tilcara, or perhaps venture out of town and check out the colourful hills of Purmamarca. If you’re keen for an authentic lunch, visit the vibrant local market, Mercado Municipal de Tilcara, to try some local street food favourites, like the traditional empanada.Your tour leader will be able to provide suggestions and help you make the best of your time here.
Optional Activities:
- Quebrada de Humahuaca - Free
- Purmamarca Town - Free
- Garganta del diablo (Devil's Throat Waterfall) - Free
- Quebrada de las Señoritas & Hornocal Hill (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, enjoy a relaxed morning in Tilcara before you are transferred to Jujuy for an evening flight to Buenos Aires. Fiery Latin passion, European elegance and superb cuisine combine to make Buenos Aires one of the world's most enthralling cities. You’ve got the next few days to choose your own adventure – nibble on alfajores, wander San Telmo's cobblestone streets, talk football with Portenos (people from Buenos Aires) in a cafe or get a history lesson at the quirky Museo Evita. Alternatively, you might like to walk among the tombs at the La Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Eva Peron – or check out some of the great museums in the Recoleta district. Visit the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, Boca Juniors. The hottest spot in town is Palermo's Plaza Serrano, so why not head out in the evening for a tango with the locals. There are so many things to see and do in Buenos Aires, it's simply a matter of trying to fit them all in.
Optional Activities:
- Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)
- Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
- Buenos Aires - Tango Show and Dinner (120 USD)
- Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetry (5 USD)
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from (120 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 2)
- (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned after breakfast, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policies. If you would like to spend more time in Buenos Aires, be sure to ask your leader for recommendations on activities and sights in this exciting city. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Keziah - Traveled, December 2023
What a remarkable trip for Bolivia & Argentina! Big shout out to the best tour guide ever- Karina Molina. Wish we had her in our entire South America trip. She made this trip incredibly fun, interesting, enjoyable and entertaining. Thank you Karina & Intrepid for a trip of a lifetime x
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Henriette - Traveled, December 2023
Great trip bus and special the 4/4 cars they putting to many people in one car
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
douglas - Traveled, November 2023
Karina has been the best tour leader that I have had the pleasure of meeting.I have had the most enjoyable experience of my travelling even though I usually am a solo traveler.You guys have a great asset on your hands .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Todd - Traveled, October 2023
This as a wonderful way to learn about Bolivia and Argentina. A lot of time is spent exploring these places on the trip, which added to the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, September 2023
An absolutely incredible journey through the cities and deserts of Bolivia. This trip is not easy, but you will be rewarded with amazing landscapes, interesting culture and architecture, and great food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Sophie - Traveled, September 2023
A magical experience seeing the beautiful sights of Bolivia and Argentina - highly recommend for a wonderful adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Sarah - Traveled, September 2023
A brilliant trip, Bolivia is a must visit country full of kind people, unbelievable landscapes and delicious food. From silver mines to volcanic hot springs and rooftop asados- this trip was excellent! Julia our tour guide made challenging travels into the best adventure. A trip I will treasure forever. Thank you Julia and Intrepid :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Daniel - Traveled, February 2024
Everything was great, just the vehicles were cramped with 6 people, almost impossible for a tall person-to-person sit in the back.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Joyce - Traveled, January 2024
I did not expect to fall in love with Bolivia, but I did. Flying into La Paz at night, with its amber lights and aerial trams and down to earth people - was magical. Mountain biking and a charmingly elegant cooking class in Sucre. Scampering along the vast brick landscape that is the rooftop of the church in Potosi. These were just the warm up for the adventure to Salar de Uyuni, where our guide and the drivers set up a series of photo shoots in the other worldly terrain that were great fun. We periodically stopped to view the magical wildlife and volcanic geysers along the way. We sang together in good spirits as we drove through the desert and enjoyed our stay at a charming dormitory constructed of salt bricks. The description of this trip does not do justice to the many hidden gems that make up Bolivia. The magician behind it all was our extremely capable and charming tour leader, Henrry, who took care of us like a mother hen.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Andrew - Traveled, August 2023
It’s not an easy trip but if you can deal with some basic accomodation and cramming yourself into a 4x4 for a few days, you’ll be rewarded with some unbelievable sites and experiences. This is a proper adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Catherine - Traveled, August 2023
Very hard work and cold but an excellent experience that I highly recommend! Our trip leader, Julia, was simply incredible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Anja - Traveled, August 2023
Bolivia was amazing and our guide Julia showed us all the beautyness of her country and her heart. Outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Lindsay - Traveled, May 2023
Julia the Leader of Basix Best of Bolivia and Argentina on May 12, 2023 was absolutely one of the best Intrepid leaders I have had and I have done quite a few Intrepid trips. A true professional with huge in depth knowledge of Bolivia (her country) and Argentina. I know she will help you to have the trip of a lifetime, with the most incredible memories made. Thank you Julia!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2023
Jackie - Traveled, April 2023
The trip I have just done with my daughter has been amazing. The itinerary was superb. The tour leader was great. Can’t wait to do the next one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Maria - Traveled, April 2023
My mother and I took the 51 day trip to South America. It was truly amazing we enjoyed the time and all the amazing things we saw. Intrepid put together a great trip with great tour leaders. Loved it. Can’t wait to do Central America next year
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Steven - Traveled, December 2022
Karina was brilliant guild she very helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2023
Andre - Traveled, December 2023
Some long days in the 4WD for the salt flats but absolutely worth it. If you have a chance to do this tour ensure to ask for Karina, she was amazingly knowledgeable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2023
Edward - Traveled, December 2022
Bolívia needs to be seen to be believed. The scenery is breathtaking. The altitude exhilarating. The closeness of nature awe inspiring. The people humbling. Highly recommend you go see for yourself
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2023
Keziah - Traveled, December 2023
What a remarkable trip for Bolivia & Argentina! Big shout out to the best tour guide ever- Karina Molina. Wish we had her in our entire South America trip. She made this trip incredibly fun, interesting, enjoyable and entertaining. Thank you Karina & Intrepid for a trip of a lifetime x
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
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