Tour of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia

20 days

Argentina & Chile

5,785 p.p.

During this versatile tour through Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, you will discover the colourful northwest of Argentina, the rugged north of Chile, and the impressive Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia—the largest salt flat in the world and, together with the Andes, an absolute highlight of this extraordinary journey.

Trip highlights

Vibrant world cities Buenos Aires and Santiago

Nature, culture, and wine in Salta and surroundings

The Atacama Desert and Salar de Uyuni

Bienvenido a Buenos Aires! Your journey begins in Buenos Aires, the country's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. If arriving on an early flight, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or start getting acquainted with this fascinating metropolis.

Each neighbourhood has its own distinct character. Discover tango culture in San Telmo and La Boca, the green parks and charming boutiques of Palermo, and the iconic Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo in the historic centre. Book lovers will also feel right at home at El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a former theatre converted into an impressive bookshop.

Conclude your day in an authentic parrilla, where you will experience one of Argentina’s finest culinary traditions: an exquisite Argentine steak.

Discover Buenos Aires by bike during a relaxed, approximately four-hour cycling tour, led by an experienced guide who has lived in the Argentine capital for years. You will explore the historic and colourful southern neighbourhoods, getting an active introduction to the versatile character of Buenos Aires.

Admire the iconic Plaza de Mayo and the historic buildings surrounding the square, cycle through colourful La Boca, and immerse yourself in the passion of Argentine tango. You will then visit modern Puerto Madero and the charming, bohemian district of San Telmo, renowned for its colonial architecture, antique shops, and lively atmosphere.

An ideal cycling tour for those wishing to discover Buenos Aires actively, locally, and authentically.

Today you travel to Salta, one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Salta is renowned for its charming colonial architecture, historic buildings, and relaxed atmosphere. In the heart of the city lies Plaza 9 de Julio, the central square bordered by impressive churches, museums, and characterful buildings. Thanks to the absence of high-rise developments, Salta retains an inviting appeal and almost feels like a large, welcoming village.

Take your time to stroll through the historic centre, enjoy an open-air terrace, and gather your first impressions of Northern Argentina's rich culture and traditions. Salta also serves as the ideal starting point for discovering the region's spectacular landscapes.

Today marks the start of one of the most stunning self-drive legs of this tour. From Salta, you drive up through the spectacular Quebrada de Escoipe to the Cuesta del Obispo, situated at over 3,700 metres altitude. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views over deep valleys and rugged mountain scenery.

Next, you descend into Los Cardones National Park, where thousands of impressive cardón cacti dominate the landscape. Passing through the picturesque village of Payogasta, you will ultimately reach Cachi, one of the most beautiful towns in the Calchaquí Valley.

Good to know: the final stretch consists of an unpaved gravel road with potholes and loose stones. During the rainy season (mid-December to mid-March), we recommend a vehicle with higher ground clearance.

Today, drive along the spectacular Ruta 40 from Cachi to Cafayate through the vibrant Calchaquí Valley, one of the most scenic regions in Northern Argentina. En route, visit the Camino de los Artesanos, featuring artisan workshops where ponchos and hand-woven textiles are crafted. Via Molinos and the dramatic Quebrada de las Flechas, continue to Cafayate, a charming wine town famous for its high-altitude vineyards and exceptional Argentine wines.

Hiking enthusiasts can enhance their journey with an excursion to Cuevas de Acsibi, complete with a picnic lunch.

Today you have plenty of time to explore Cafayate at your own pace. The inviting town centre is compact and ideally explored by bicycle. Cafayate is best known as one of Argentina’s premier wine regions. Visit a local bodega, learn how wine is produced in this high-altitude terroir, and taste the signature Torrontés, the aromatic white grape intimately linked to Cafayate.

You will stay at Viñas de Cafayate, an eco-conscious hotel where local traditions and nature take centre stage. The property was constructed using traditional materials such as adobe, thatch, and brick, while solar power, rainwater harvesting, and an on-site vegetable garden ensure sustainable operations. The restaurant works with fresh local produce, and the entire team consists of local experts eager to share their deep knowledge of the region, culture, and traditions.

Today you drive from Cafayate to Salta through the breathtaking Quebrada de las Conchas. The route leads past vibrant rock faces and remarkable formations such as El Obelisco, Los Castillos, El Sapo, El Anfiteatro, and La Garganta del Diablo. Take time for short walks and photo stops; a new panoramic view awaits around every bend.

Beyond the canyon, you drive through the green Lerma Valley to Finca Valentina, located just outside Salta. This charming estancia is a wonderful sanctuary to unwind and savour excellent local dishes. Adding an extra night is definitely worth considering. You can also take part in a cooking workshop here and learn to make authentic Argentine empanadas yourself.

Today you drive from Salta to Purmamarca, in the colourful Jujuy province. The first part of the route winds along the Camino de las Yungas, a narrow paved road snaking through lush subtropical cloud forests and mountains. The landscape forms a magnificent contrast to the arid, rugged terrain of previous days.

Via San Salvador de Jujuy, continue to charming Purmamarca, nestled at the foot of the renowned Cerro de los Siete Colores. This multicoloured mountain is one of Northern Argentina's most celebrated natural wonders. Stroll through the village's narrow streets and visit the historic church, whose benches, balcony, and ceiling are fashioned from distinctive cardón wood. Purmamarca serves as the ideal gateway for exploring the magnificent Quebrada de Humahuaca.

On a stunning self-drive journey, you will explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca, an awe-inspiring canyon in the Jujuy province renowned for its multicoloured rock formations and rich history. Along the Río Grande, the hues of the cliff faces shift continually. At sunrise and sunset in particular, the red, orange, and purple tones come spectacularly to life. Visit Maimará at sunset to marvel at the famous Paleta del Pintor.

Culturally, this region is equally extraordinary. In Tilcara and Humahuaca, you will discover picturesque streets, pre-Columbian heritage, and a vibrant local culture. The warm and hospitable local community forms an essential part of the Quebrada's charm.

From Purmamarca, drive to the Salinas Grandes, the impressive salt flats on the border between the Jujuy and Salta provinces. The route leads across the spectacular Cuesta de Lipán, a steep, winding mountain pass that carves through an ever-changing Andean landscape.

From far in the distance, you will see the vast, brilliant-white salt flats emerge. The striking contrast against the surrounding mountains and arid landscape creates an almost surreal vista, making you feel as though you are entering an entirely different world. Take your time to explore and photograph these exceptional landscapes.

After your visit to the Salinas Grandes, retrace this scenic route back to Purmamarca.

Today you travel by comfortable long-distance coach via the impressive Paso de Jama from Purmamarca to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The route cuts straight across the Andes, providing a spectacular transition from the colourful landscapes of Northern Argentina to the driest desert on earth.

Upon arrival in San Pedro de Atacama, you will have time to acclimatise smoothly to the high altitude and dry desert climate. This charming desert town is set amidst a surreal landscape of salt flats, volcanoes, deep valleys, and geysers. Wander through the local streets and markets to get a glimpse of traditional life in this extraordinary region.

Conclude your day beneath the breathtaking starry skies of the Atacama, one of the darkest and clearest locations in the world for stargazing.

In the afternoon, join a small-group excursion to the remarkable Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) near San Pedro de Atacama. Set amidst rugged red rock formations, sand dunes, and sweeping valleys, you will feel as though you have stepped into an otherworldly realm. From various viewpoints, take in panoramic vistas across the dramatic Atacama Desert.

The highlight of the excursion is the sunset. As the last rays of sunlight bathe the rocks in warm hues, the landscape constantly shifts, creating an unforgettable spectacle. A refreshing cocktail while watching the sunset completes the experience.

Today you will discover some of the most stunning natural areas around San Pedro de Atacama on an impressive full-day excursion. You will visit the vast Salar de Atacama, the colourful highland lakes of the Altiplano, and the spectacular red rock formations of Piedras Rojas. The interplay of white salt plains, deep-blue lakes, volcanic peaks, and scarlet stone formations creates a landscape of unparalleled beauty.

Along the way, you will also look out for the distinctive flamingos that inhabit the salt flats and lagoons. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Early in the morning, you will depart from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to the awe-inspiring Tatio Geysers. At sunrise, the geothermal landscape truly comes alive: plumes of steam rise from the geysers, creating a spectacular display against the backdrop of the Andes. The early morning temperature contrast is at its greatest, making the steam columns at their most magnificent.

On the return journey, you will stop at a viewpoint overlooking the Putana River and at Laguna Machuca, where you may spot flamingos, among other wildlife.

Today marks the start of your adventure across Bolivia's extraordinary high plains and salt flats. From San Pedro de Atacama, you will journey to the Salar de Uyuni—the largest salt flat in the world spanning approximately 10,000 km², set at an altitude of around 3,650 meters in the Andes.

You will begin at the evocative train cemetery before travelling via Colchani, where you will learn about traditional salt extraction, out onto the vast expanse of the salt flat. Along the way, you will discover unique sights such as the Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flat), characteristic salt mounds, and a hotel built entirely from blocks of salt.

An absolute highlight is Isla Incahuasi, a volcanic island set in the heart of the salt flats, adorned with giant cacti and commanding panoramic views over the endless white expanse. Depending on the available time, you will also visit the Devil's Cave and Galaxia Cristal—two remarkable natural phenomena that make this day even more special.

The Bolivia program includes: private English-speaking guide, all meals, and 3 nights' accommodation.

Today, your adventure continues through Bolivia's breathtaking highlands. Crossing the Salar de Chiguana, you will reach a viewpoint overlooking the magnificent, semi-active Ollagüe volcano. You will then traverse the colourful Silolí Desert, where rugged landscapes give way to sculpted rock formations.

En route, you will discover several high-altitude lagoons, including Laguna Cañapa, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Chiarkota. Their vibrant shades of blue, green, and pink—graced by countless flamingos—create an unforgettable natural spectacle. At the famous Árbol de Piedra, a wind-eroded rock formation standing over eight metres tall, you will take a short walk.

The day concludes at Laguna Colorada, renowned for its deep red waters and abundant flamingos. You will spend the night in simple accommodation near the lagoon, soaking in the serene silence and the brilliant night sky of the Bolivian Altiplano.

Another spectacular day unfolds on the Bolivian Altiplano. Departing early in the morning, you will head to the Sol de Mañana Geysers, where bubbling mud pools and dramatic steam vents rise from the earth. Afterwards, you can unwind in the natural thermal baths of Polques—a soothing stop in the crisp mountain air.

The journey continues through the surreal Salvador Dalí Desert towards Laguna Verde, set against the imposing silhouette of the Licancabur volcano. Nearby Laguna Blanca also offers a stunning contrast against the surrounding volcanic scenery.

On the return drive to Uyuni, you will pass through Villa Mar, Valle de las Rocas, and San Cristóbal, each boasting distinctive landscapes and unique charm. It is a fitting finale to an extraordinary expedition across Bolivia's salt flats and high plateaus.

Today, you will journey from Uyuni in Bolivia back to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Along the way, witness the striking transition from the high-altitude plains of Uyuni down into the Atacama Desert—one of the driest regions on Earth.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Today, you will take a flight to Santiago de Chile, the country's vibrant capital, dramatically positioned at the foot of the Andes. Upon arrival, you will have plenty of time to acclimatise at your own pace and take in your first impressions of this multifaceted metropolis.

Depending on your energy levels, you can spend a relaxing afternoon at your hotel or head out to explore one of the city's charming neighbourhoods. Bellavista is celebrated for its colourful streets, vibrant street art, and lively ambiance, while Lastarria is ideal for a stroll among welcoming cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Today, your unforgettable journey through Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia draws to a close—a voyage rich in extraordinary landscapes, authentic experiences, and memories to cherish.

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