La Paz to Santiago

  • Days 15
  • Style Original
  • Travellers rating

    based on 970 reviews

  • bolivia

    86°F

    86°F

  • From HKD 1970 +

Start

12 Jan 2017

Finish

18 Jan 2017

OR
HKD 1970 +
Tour Code:859482

Tour Bolivia, Argentina and Chile on a trip from La Paz to Santiago.

Visit South America and travel through Bolivia, Argentina and Chile on an unforgettable adventure through the soaring Andes. Meet friendly locals and discover the rich culture and breathtaking scenery of this remarkable region. Starting in vibrant La Paz, this incredible journey takes in some of Bolivia's most spectacular scenery including the mesmerising salt flats of Salar de Uyuni and the fiery-red Laguna Colorada before crossing into Argentina. Indulge in some world-renowned wines in Cafayate, then explore the Pampas on horseback and savour the succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue while staying on a working cattle ranch. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Mendoza before finishing the adventure in sensational Santiago. This amazing journey is the perfect way to experience the best of this magnificent region.

Schedule & Pricing Details

  • Date
  • Start

    12 Jan 2017

    Finish

    18 Jan 2017

    OR
  • Options

Attention

Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights)
Camping (with facilities) (5 nights)
Hostel (4 nights)
Hotel (9 nights)

  • Highlights

    Location

    City:bolivia

    Name:Tour Bolivia, Argentina and Chile on a trip from La Paz to Santiago.

    Address:bolivia

    Tel: 00852-31158515

    Itinerary

    Day

    1

    information: if
    joining in
    enter Bolivia

    Border information: if you are joining in La Paz, you will most likely enter Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport. 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. On the following day we will have a free day to explore the city or take part in optional activities. In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre. Hotel for the night: Estrella Andina Estrella Andina Avenida Illampu 716 Zona El Rosario La Paz Bolivia Tel - +591 2245 6421 About La Paz: Bolivia's largest city, La Paz lies huddled in a canyon basin, hiding from the harsh conditions of the surrounding a...

    Day

    2

    an extinct
    volcano
    natural

    Today we will leave La Paz and head to Ojo del Inca, the eye of an extinct volcano and a natural hot spring. In Ojo del Inca we will camp by the hot springs. Estimated Drive Time - 9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are approximate estimates only and are given with the best intentions - however please be aware that the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).

    Day

    3

    colonial
    highest
    abundance

    Today we will head to the colonial mining town of Potosi, the highest town in the world, and once famous for the area's abundance of silver! We will have free time to explore Potosi, and there will be a chance to visit the infamous silver mines of Cerro Rico near to the town. In Potosi we will stay in a friendly local hotel. which is a great place to learn more about Potosi's history and the story of the mines Estimated Drive Time - 30 minutes. About Potosi: Potosi is a colonial mining town, founded in the sixteenth century after the Spanish discovered huge silver deposits in the nearby Cerro Rico mountain. Situated at over 4000m altitude, high up on the Bolivian altiplano the city can claim to be one of the highest in the world. Whilst in Potosi you can arrange to visit a mine that is still being worked, which offers a challen...

    Day

    4

    gateway
    incredible
    friendly

    Today we will drive south to Uyuni, the gateway to the incredible salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni. In Uyuni we will stay in a friendly hotel, famous for serving the highest pizzas in the world! Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours. About Uyuni: Arriving in Uyuni feels a bit like you've reached the end of the road, which in many ways is true. This remote small town sits on the edge of the high altiplano, a wilderness that extends for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. So it's hardly surprising that the town can have a bit of a wild-west feel about it. Affectionately nicknamed 'La Huja Predilecta de Bolivia', which means "Bolivia's favourite daughter", Uyuni is perhaps best known for its proximity to the Bolivian salt flats known locally as the "Salar de Uyuni". Also in the area and definitely worth a...

    Day

    5

    will venture
    spending
    exploring

    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! About Salar De Uyuni : The Bolivian Salt Flats are a truly unforgettable sight, this is a landscape quite unlike anything you're likely to ever have seen before. The Salar de Uyuni is a dry lake of over 12,000 sq kms made of blinding white interlocking salt crystals. It is Bolivia's largest salt pan and when there's a little water on the flats, it reflects the bright blue sky of the altiplano perfectly, acting like a mirror and making the horizon disappear. The effect is positively eerie. When dry, the Salar becomes a b...

    Day

    6

    surreal and desolate
    landscape
    stretches

    Today we will head off across the wilds of the Bolivian altiplano, a surreal and desolate desert landscape that stretches all the way to the Chilean border. We will visit the spectacular coloured lakes of Laguna Colorado and Laguna Verde en route. In the Bolivian Altiplano we will stay in a basic mountain refuge. Estimated Drive Time - 8 hours. bout Bolivian Altiplano: The high Bolivian altiplano stretches hundreds of kilometres from the small town of Uyuni out across to the borders with Argentina and Chile. This is real wilderness, there are no roads up here, just a few tracks to follow and you're more likely to see a flamingo or llama than another human being. The only way to cross the altiplano is by travelling in a specialist expedition vehicle like one of our trucks, or local jeeps. The crossing is an adventurous one, with...

    Day

    7

    information: Exit
    Bolivia
    altiplano

    Border information: Exit Bolivia at Uyuni, enter Chile at San Pedro de Atacama. Today we set off early from our altiplano refuge, cross the remainder of the Bolivian Altiplano, and then descend all the way into the Atacama desert. Estimated Drive Time - 8 hours. On the following day 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). In San Pedro de Atacama we will stay in a centrally located hostel. About San Pedro De Atacama: San Pedro is a small oasis town in the A...

    Day

    8

    information: Exit
    Argentina
    border into

    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 town of Salta. In Salta we will stay in a local hotel or guesthouse. Estimated Drive Time - 12 hours. About Salta: Salta is an attractive town in the north west of Argentina. Nicknamed "Salta la Linda" (or "Salta the fair") the city is well known as a handsome town in a beautiful area. Home to some fantastic colonial architecture, the old town centres around the main plaza which is lined with cafes and restaurants, a great place to while away a couple of hours people-watching over a traditional morning snack of a cafe con medialunas (coffee and small croissant like pastries). It is an elegant and relaxed city, with a nice relaxed atmosp...

    Day

    9

    explore
    beautiful
    surrounding

    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, or take the famous 'Train to the Clouds' through some of the incredible mountian scenery nearby.

    Day

    10

    through
    spectacular
    formations

    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! 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! In Cafayate we stay at a campsite with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours. About Cafayate: Cafayate is a small town in north-west Argentina and an important wine- growing area. The surrounding vineyards produce some of the best quality wine in South America, and you should look out for the Torrontes in particular, a distinctive white wine that is typically Argentinian and similar in style to a Sauvignon Blanc or...

    Day

    11

    spectacular
    mountains
    Argentina

    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. Tonight we will aim to wild camp en route. Estimated Drive Time - 11 hours. About Quilmes Ruins: The ruins of Quilmes are located in Tucaman province in north-west Argentina. The people of Quilmes were an indigenous tribe who inhabited this area as far back as 1000AD, resisting Inca invasions in the 15th and 16th centuries and even holding out against the Spanish for over one hundred years, before finally succombing to a siege led by the colonial powers in 1667. After the siege Spanish took the area over, deporting the few surviving indigenous people to a "reservation" close to Buenos Aires. The 2000 remaining Quilmes Indians w...

    Day

    12

    out horseback
    the excellent wines
    produced

    Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours. 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. In the Estancia we will camp with facilities in the gro...

    Day

    13

    stunning
    town of
    nestled

    Today we will have a very early start for a full day's drive to the stunning town of Mendoza, nestled in the dry flats underneath the shadows of the largest mountains of the Andes. Mendoza is the centre of Argentine wine production, and one of the nine 'Wine Capitals of the World' - it is especially famous for its Malbec, grown at some of the highest-altitude vineyards to be found in the world. Estimated Drive Time - 13 hours. The following two days will be free time to explore the incredible region, head out on various adventure activities, or of course take a tasting tour of the incredible wineries in the region. In Mendoza we we stay in a centrally located hostel in dorm accommodation. About Mendoza: Mendoza is a vibrant city full of pleasant leafy boulevards and leafy plazas where the locals catch up over coffee in the many...

    Day

    14

    information: Exit
    Argentina
    Paso Cristo

    Border information: Exit Argentina at Los Libertadores, enter Chile at Paso Cristo Redentor. Today we will drive over the stunning Cristo Redentor pass in the high Andes, passing Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere) and heading to the Chilean capital of Santiago. In Santiago we will stay in a centrally located hostel. Estimated Drive Time - 10 hours. Hotel for the night: Happy House Hostel Happy House Hostel Moneda 1829 Santiago Chile Tel - +56 2 2688 4849 About Santiago: Bisected by the Mapocho River, Chile's capital is a large, modern city with a very European atmosphere. In the centre of the city wide tree-lined boulevards lead to pleasant plazas and leafy parks and on a clear day the snow-capped peaks of the Andes provide a magnificent backdrop to the Santiago skyline. Much of the centre is pedestrian...

    Day

    15

    information: if
    finishing
    exit Chile at

    Border information: if you are finishing in Santiago, you will most likely exit Chile at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. Today is a free day to explore the cosmopolitan Chilean capital. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight, so please contact the Dragoman Sales Team if you would like to arrange some extra nights of accommodation here after your trip.

    Inclusions

    Included activities
    • Meals

      n/a

    • Transport

      Overland vehicle

    • Accommodation

      Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Hostel (4 nights), Hotel (9 nights)

    • Insurance

      This day tour excludes fee of insurance.

    Important notes

    Q&A

    Supplier may change time and services due to a special circumstances,so all reply following are for reference only.Please note the relevant information on Web in case of change.

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