Real Bolivia & Argentina
Experience Overview
Get off the tourist trail on this extraordinary adventure through Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Kick things off in the Altiplano city of La Paz and check out the potions and artifacts at the local Witches' Market. Journey to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats – one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. Drive through the Atacama Desert past volcanoes, lakes, llamas and flamingos, then dip into San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to soak up more desert scenery. Your adventure wraps up in the lively city of Buenos Aires in Argentina, where you’ll sample some local snacks at the market and put your feet up after your wild adventure.
Highlights
- Explore Bolivian culture in La Paz, from the city’s booming industry to the traditionally dressed residents selling ancient potions at the Witches’ Market.
- Embark on a three-day adventure by 4WD across the rocky Atacama Desert in Salar de Uyuni and the largest salt lakes in the world. Pass cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with birdlife.
- Enjoy heaps of free time to choose your own adventure and take part in optional activities like sandboarding on desert dunes, biking around the city streets of Salta and soaking in thermal baths in Bolivia.
- Witness the ever-changing landscape through the Andean Desert, passing by volcanoes, lakes and mountains and spotting wildlife like flamingoes, foxes and llamas.
- Get under the skin of Buenos Aires – with its eclectic neighbourhoods, thriving nightlife, food and wine culture and huge theatre scene, this is the perfect way to end your adventure!
Trip Details
Product Code: 1953
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Plane,Overnight bus,Local bus,4x4
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGYB
Starts: La Paz, Argentina
Finishes: Buenos Aires , Argentina
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (2), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Dormitory (2 nights),Hotel (8 nights),Overnight bus (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,016 ($168 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to La Paz. The highest capital city in the world, this Bolivian hub rests on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau, 3500 m above sea level. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, why not head out to find the perfect dinner spot (your leader will have lots of recommendations) or explore the nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Optional Activities:
- La Paz - Guided City Tour (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll head out on a brief guided walk with your leader. La Paz is a city renowned for its markets, especially the Mercado de Hechiceria (the Witches' Market), which sells potions, incantations, stones and artefacts. Ask a local about their significance – most people are happy to explain. Then, you’ll have some free time to explore. Maybe visit the Coca Museum, which isn’t too far from your hotel in the Rosario district. Late this afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Uyuni. There are comfortable recliner seats on the bus, but it can be cold on board, so it’s important to bring warm clothing and wear base layers. There’s usually a toilet on the bus, and the driver will make a couple of stops along the way.
Included Activities:
- La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'
- La Paz - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- La Paz - Tiawanaku tour (min. 2 participants) (50 USD)
- La Paz - City Tour & Moon Valley (min. 2 participants) (40 USD)
- La Paz - Coca Museum (3 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight bus (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll arrive in Uyuni Town. 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. Over the next three days, you’ll explore Bolivia’s highlights and fascinating landscapes in a 4WD – an experience of a lifetime! The first stop will be an eerie Train Cemetery (a super unique photo spot), then, you’ll continue to Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. This is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world and definitely a trip highlight, so make sure you take some amazing photos, explore on foot and take it all in. Make the most of your time on the salt flats before exploring Inka Wasi Isla – a rocky island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.
Included Activities:
- Uyuni - Salt flats tour
- Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
- Uyuni - Orientation Walk
- Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
- Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada
Accommodation:
- Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
Today will be spent driving through the spectacular landscape of the Andean (Atacama) Desert, surrounded by volcanoes and lakes. Stop by the red lake of Laguna Colorada, where you’ll be able to spot wildlife like llamas, flamingos, viscachas and foxes feasting in the nutrient-rich waters. Tonight you’ll spend a night in the desert under the stars.
Accommodation:
- Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, rise and shine early to embrace the cold and stop by the desert’s natural thermal baths for an optional soak. Then head to the Bolivia and Chile border, where the Bolivian part of your trip comes to an end. Pass by geysers, salt flats and snow-capped volcanoes on your way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. As a small oasis town, San Pedro is surrounded by extraordinary scenery. Arriving around 3 pm, your night is free to find a delicious local dinner with your group.
Optional Activities:
- Bolivian Altiplano – Polques Thermal Baths (1 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Over the next two days, get under the skin of San Pedro. The local cafe and restaurant scene has grown considerably over the last couple of years, with a mix of Chilean, French and Italian influences, so you’ll definitely find a great spot for lunch and dinner. Take a self-guided walk around the old square and people-watch with a cup of coffee or consider joining an astronomy tour tonight once the stars come out and bring out your inner stargazer – just chat to your leader for details.
Optional Activities:
- San Pedro de Atacama - Astronomic Tour (35 USD)
- San Pedro de Atacama - Meteorito Museum (5000 CLP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 2)
Today will be a long day of travel as you leave San Pedro and head for Salta, Argentina. Salta's rich history, architecture, friendly locals and natural surroundings make it one of Argentina's main attractions. Grab a window seat or a good book and watch the scenery pass you by. Tonight, you’re free to rest or head out for a late dinner when you arrive.
Included Activities:
- Salta - Orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Salta - Archaeological Museum (2 USD)
- Salta - Cerro San Bernardo Chairlift (3 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, today is a free day to explore Salta and its many attractions. If you’re after something active, hike up the 1070 steps to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo, the mountain that looms over Salta. If you'd prefer, you can also take a gondola (cable car) to the top to take in the views of the mountainous city below. Either way, the view from the top is magnificent!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast and a free morning in Salta, you’ll take an included flight to Buenos Aires – Argentina's capital. When you arrive, you might like to head to a local tango show or a football match. Maybe grab a steak and glass of Malbec (the steak and wine combo are what Argentina is known for) in one of the city’s fashionable restaurants for dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Buenos Aires - Tango Show and Dinner (120 USD)
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from (120 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to San Telmo market with your leader and sample some empanadas (a must-try in Buenos Aires) and some local ice cream (Argentina’s famous dulce de leche). The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Join the tourists and walk among the tombs at the La Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. Visit the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, the Boca Juniors. If you need to rest your feet, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes to watch the world go by with the locals. Tonight, why not head out to a couple of bars with your group for some classic Argentinian nightlife?
Included Activities:
- Buenos Aires - San Telmo Market Visit with Snacks
Optional Activities:
- Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)
- Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetery (7 USD)
- Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
- Buenos Aires - Caminito Street - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today, so you can leave the accommodation at any time after check-out.
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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
Michèle - Traveled, March 2024
One highlight after an other. Amazing trip with the amazing tour leader Karina. Totally recommend this tour!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Domenico - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip where you will see a lot of things from the highest desert in the world to the largest salt lake in the world. The first week or so will be at altitude so make sure you are OK with that and enjoy long travel days. Overall a great trip. You will have many opportunities to do many day trips while spending time at various locations. Pack more warm weather clothes than cold, but bring the essentials for cold weather for those first days spent in the desert. Just remember this is a continous trip so you will be joining a group already formed so it can be tough to integrate if you are not the most socially active person. Thanks for everything Karina! From Canada
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Jade - Traveled, January 2024
Be prepared for very long travel days in return for once in a life time scenery and experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Florence - Traveled, December 2023
This is a great trip to get a taste of South America! So glad I decided to do it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Thomas - Traveled, October 2023
The trip is great for the beginning of October and visits alot of attractions on the west coast of South America. Loved it and made some great friends! Hi Anna!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Alice - Traveled, October 2023
This has been an incredible trip. I have ment such an amazing group of like-minded people. This was the prefect re-start I needed from work.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Caroline - Traveled, June 2023
Wendy Yllatarco was the best guide for my time in South America! She's fun, enthusiastic, organized, kind, and helpful and worked tirelessly to ensure that I had the best time on the trip. I cannot thank her enough for all of her effort and help!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Sarah - Traveled, April 2023
I had an amazing time on this trip and our tour guide Karina Molina went above and beyond to make it so special! My favourite parts were the Bolivian salt flats - Karina took the best pictures and videos of us with a toy dinosaur and Pringles can which was so fun - the optional tour to the Valley of the Moon and touring Buenos Aires. Would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
Emma - Traveled, November 2022
Our tour guide Mel was amazing and made the entire trip so enjoyable! I had no expectations for the trip at all but it exceeded any idea I had in my head! I could not have asked for more and I'm so glad I went and met so many fantastic people! Thank you!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2022
Abigail - Traveled, October 2022
An amazing trip from Lima to Buenos Aires, Mel and Renzo were incredible leaders who made the trip so memorable. A fantastic way to get an overview of South America, I will definitely be coming back. A truly unforgettable, jam-packed experience that I would recommend to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2022
Maria Vittoria - Traveled, July 2022
Overall great tour with amazing local guides. Quite a lot of long commutes but worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2022
Lena - Traveled, July 2022
South america in a nutshell This trip covers many different places, regions and cultures of south america. I really enjoid the tour through the bolivian altiplano, but loved to see larger cities as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2022
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