La Paz to Buenos Aires: Andes & the Atacama Desert

5.0Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Highlights

Discover colonial cities and historic cultures.

cross the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion.

witness the stunning scenery and unique culture of northern Argentina.

Itinerary

Experience a dramatic journey from the heights of the Andes to the vibrant avenues of Buenos Aires on the La Paz to Buenos Aires: Andes & The Atacama Desert trip. Over 15 days, young travelers will breathe in Bolivia’s high-altitude air, traverse the surreal Atacama Desert, and cross the sprawling salt flats of Uyuni before mingling with sophisticates in Buenos Aires’ tango halls. This easy-paced cultural tour is ideal for those who want to balance wilderness wonders with urban elegance. The USP is its unique combination of spectacular landscapes and lively city culture, all orchestrated in a group of like-minded adventurers. With accommodations, transport, and meals included, this trip offers an effortless blend of inspiration and excitement.

day 1 - La Paz

Arrive at any time.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

day 2 - La Paz/Sucre

Get to know La Paz with a free day to wander through the city's winding streets and vibrant markets before boarding a night bus to Sucre.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Overnight Bus Duration : 14.0 hr Distance : 416 km Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities:Valley of the Moon Tour , Witches' Market Visit Learn more about the pre-Columbian Aymara beliefs at the Witches' Market. You can witness locals buying products such as dried frogs, potions, and talismans for use in rituals and offerings., La Paz City Tour Explore the city on a guided tour. Check out stunning cathedrals, impressive museums, and lively markets, learning more about the history of this fascinating city. Look for majestic Mt Illimani in the background. , Death Road Biking Adventure Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar down the 'world's most dangerous road.' Start high up in the Andes at 4,700m (15,420 ft) and wind your way down this steep, narrow road on the mountainside into the depths of the Bolivian jungle. This is not one for the faint of heart, adrenaline junkies only! Please note that the entrance fee of 53 Bolivianos (not included in this activity) must be paid directly to the National Park prior to biking, only local currency is accepted. We are unable to pre-pay this fee in advance, due to the park policy.

day 3 - Sucre

Discover the beauty of Sucre, known as Bolivia's "White City" at your own pace with a free day to explore. Set in a valley surrounded by mountains, you can choose to go hiking or mountain biking to admire this city from a different point of view.

Accommodation:Hotel Independencia (or similar)
Optional Activities:Hiking Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot., Mountain Biking Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region., Sunday Tarabuco Market On a Sunday morning, the Tarabuco market offers a glimpse into daily Bolivian life and the diversity of its people. Where indigenous groups from the surrounding area gather on Sundays to sell their goods. , Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.

day 4 - Sucre

One day in Sucre isn't enough, so take another free day to explore! Try optional activities such as hiking, mountain biking, a visit to the Textile Cooperative, or get up close and personal with real dinosaur tracks.

Meal:Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Independencia (or similar)
Optional Activities:Hiking Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot., Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'., Mountain Biking Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region., Sunday Tarabuco Market On a Sunday morning, the Tarabuco market offers a glimpse into daily Bolivian life and the diversity of its people. Where indigenous groups from the surrounding area gather on Sundays to sell their goods.

day 5 - Sucre/Potosí

Venture south to Potosí, the highest city of its size in the world.
Staying in the Bolivian highlands, we travel south to the city of Potosí. The highest city of its size in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has had a tumultuous history as a silver mining centre during colonial times.

Meal:Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Gran Libertador (or similar)
Transport:Local Bus Duration : 2.5 hr Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

day 6 - Potosí

Wake up, get out, and explore Potosí. Meander the streets, stop at the market and meet some locals!

Meal:Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Gran Libertador (or similar)
Optional Activities:Silver Mine Tour Take the opportunity to visit a working silver mine and learn more about the process of extraction and working conditions faced by as much as half of the people who live and mine in Potosí. Bring a bandana and wear protective gear (boots, helmet and headlamp) as you head deep into the bowels of Cerro Rico (Rich Hill).

day 7 - Potosí/Uyuni

It's off to Uyuni today. Breathe in the beautiful scenery while relaxing in a private vehicle. Take it easy today because your next adventure is right around the corner!

Meal:Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Samay Wasi (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

day 8 - Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Embark on a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni. Get your camera ready because the endless white of the salt flats creates the perfect backdrop for mindbending photo ops. Take a guided walking tour to the top of the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner prepared with local ingredients by local ladies. Settle in to your G Adventures-supported community salt-brick bungalow — complete with salt floors and salt furniture.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation:Jukil Lodge (or similar)
Included Activities:Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion Spend three days in the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. The salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and is one of Bolivia's main salt mining centers. Driving across the salt flats is a fantastic experience, particularly for the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. The tour takes us through the impressive large red lagoon of Laguna Colorada. The region's volcanic activity is present as we pass by numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr Volcano. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape; this includes vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos and assorted varieties of cacti., Jukil Community Experience & Lodge Visit the Santiago de Agencha community, located two hours across the salt flats from Uyuni, a rural village surrounded by towering cacti and part of a small desert oasis. The community-owned salt lodge was renovated and expanded through a major project in 2016 funded by G Adventures’ foundation, Planeterra. With many of the village’s younger residences fleeing for economic opportunities, this lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Learn about their traditional agricultural practices, including their specialization in quinoa production, and take a guided walk with a community member to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for a beautiful view of the village below and the salt flats beyond. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by ladies who were provided culinary training through the project. Leave Jukil Community Lodge knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Transport:4x4 Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

day 9 - Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Continue crossing the desert today, admiring the scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and intriguing rock formations along the route. Keep an eye out and you might spot wild llamas, alpacas, and even flamingos deep within the desert.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Quetana (or similar)
Included Activity:Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion Spend three days in the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. The salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and is one of Bolivia's main salt mining centers. Driving across the salt flats is a fantastic experience, particularly for the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. The tour takes us through the impressive large red lagoon of Laguna Colorada. The region's volcanic activity is present as we pass by numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr Volcano. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape; this includes vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos and assorted varieties of cacti.

day 10 - Salt Flats and Desert Crossing /San Pedro de Atacama

Get a head start on your day by rising early to cover more ground on your journey through the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni. Soak in the views of unimaginable scenery including volcanoes and salt lakes. Travel to the border then kick back and relax on your descent by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation:Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Included Activity:Border Crossing (Bolivia - Chile) Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Transport:4x4 Duration : 1.0 hr Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads., Local Bus Duration : 1.0 hr Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities:Valley of the Moon Visit The sunset brings out a variety of colours over this majestic valley that experts say is the area on Earth that most closely resembles moon's surface. Explore the incredible formations created by wind and rain over millennia in this unique location between the Andes mountains and one of the world's driest deserts.

day 11 - San Pedro de Atacama

Today is full of possibilities. Explore San Pedro de Atacama on a mountain bike, cruise down the dunes on a sandboard, or chill out in the hot springs. Or visit the Valley of the Moon, an area on Earth that resembles the moon's surface. (How cool is that?)

Accommodation:Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Optional Activities:Sandboarding Hit the dunes and experience the rush of surfing down., Valley of the Moon Visit The sunset brings out a variety of colours over this majestic valley that experts say is the area on Earth that most closely resembles moon's surface. Explore the incredible formations created by wind and rain over millennia in this unique location between the Andes mountains and one of the world's driest deserts., Mountain Biking Price variance is by hour, or for a full-day rental. Most excursions are about 4 hours. , Observatory Tour Gaze at the impressive desert stars from one of the best places to see them in the world and be guided on a planetary journey with an expert astronomer., San Pedro de Atacama Hot Springs Relax in large geothermal pools surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and scenery.

day 12 - San Pedro de Atacama/Salta

Say "Adios!" to Chile because you're heading to Argentina today. Relax on the bus en route to Salta, home to empanadas salteñas—and no visit to the town is complete without trying them! Unwind at the hotel or liven it up with a visit to a Peña Folklore show to dance the night away and sip delicious Argentine red wine.

Accommodation:La Candelaria Hotel (or similar)
Included Activity:Border Crossing (Chile - Argentina) Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Transport:Local Bus Duration : 10.0 hr Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities:Peña Folklore Show Enjoy a combination of local musical, dancing, wine and food at a peñas folklóricas. The performances can take place in restaurants, open-air squares or music halls and are usually very casual. While dancing the chacarera or zamba, any guitarist can jump on stage or start to sing. Dance the night away, try some delicious Argentine red wine and enjoy the great music.

day 13 - Salta

Tantalize your tastebuds with the local cuisine today as you explore freely. Choose to saddle up and admire the scenery on horseback. Or, if you'd prefer, take a visit to the town of Cafayate to roam vineyards and sample some of the white wine produced at insanely high altitudes.

Meal:Breakfast
Accommodation:La Candelaria Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities:Quebrada de las Conchas Wind your way through valleys to the impressive layered red rock walls of the Quebrada de las Conchas, carved into high walls over time by the Las Conchas River. This is a spectacular sight, so be sure to take a few photos. , Horseback Riding and BBQ Admire the scenery while your ride slowly carries you across hills and along trails in the countryside., Cafayate Full Day Tour Travel along beautiful valleys and stop by the Quebrada de las Conchas, a beautiful red rock gorge with unique shapes eroded into its walls by wind and water. Continue on to the town of Cafayate, home to several vineyards and wineries that produce the torrontes grape. Be sure to sample some of this white wine that is produced at remarkably high altitudes. Salud!, Museum of High Altitude Archeology The Museum of High Altitude Archeology offers a peek into Inca culture in the Andes, with a focus on child sacrifices. The mummified remains of one such sacrifice is on display in the museum.

day 14 - Salta/Buenos Aires

Skip the long bus journey with a quick flight to Buenos Aires. Spend the afternoon exploring the city. Cruise around on a bike with a local or dine on a traditional Argentine meal while experiencing the art of the tango.

Meal:Breakfast
Accommodation:Millhouse Avenue (or similar) Enjoy a drink on the rooftop or hang out in the bar with your new friends. This property is right in the heart of Buenos Aires so whether it's hanging out at the hostel or going out to explore the vibrant city, there's something for everyone. Accommodations at this location are multi-share.
Transport:Plane Duration : 5.0 hr Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities:Teatro Colón Tour Explore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world. , Tango Dinner Show Discover the passion of tango. Watch the pros step and slide around the dance floor while you dine on a traditional Argentine dinner. Get lost in the music, savour the sensuality, and see why this traditional dance continues to ignite the senses of locals and visitors alike., Buenos Aires Guided City Tour Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery. , Buenos Aires Bike Tour

day 15 - Buenos Aires

Depart at any time.
Consider booking post-tour accommodation to further explore fascinating Buenos Aires.

Included Activity:Departure Day Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities:Teatro Colón Tour Explore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world. , La Boca Neighbourhood Visit Price variance depends on use of public bus or taxi. , Buenos Aires Guided City Tour Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery. , Buenos Aires Bike Tour
La Paz to Buenos Aires: Andes & the Atacama Desert

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) (10 nts), hostels (multi-share) (1 nt), overnight bus (1 nt), basic hotel/G Adventures-supported community lodge on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD345-450 for meals not included.
Transport
Local bus, plane, 4x4 truck, vanAll transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de AgenchaYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: SucreYour Discover Moment: Salta4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding area (3 days)Transportation between destinations and included activitiesInternal flight

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information

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