Trip Overview
This is a journey across the roof of the Andes, from the high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina’s grasslands. It crosses the spectacular passes of the Andes three times along remote seldom travelled routes with spectacular volcanoes and high lakes studded with flamingos.
This is overlanding at its best and you will travel from the high plateau to the depths of the Atacama, the driest desert on Earth and the desert settlement of San Pedro, before heading to the west of the Andes and the grasslands of Argentina.
It contrasts the historic cities of La Paz and Salta with the cosmopolitan centres of Mendoza and Santiago, capital of Chile. It offers a wonderful insight into the life and culture of the Argentinean Gauchos as we spend a couple of days exploring the cordilleras with gauchos on their horses at a working Estancia.
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70% Highlights
2 nights in the world's highest capital city, La Paz
Day trip on the surreal Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
Visit the Uyuni train graveyard
2 day crossing of the desolate and surreal Altiplano
Star gaze at Moon Valley at San Pedro de Atacama
Spectacular drive down Route 40 to see Quebrada de las Conchas
Visit vineyards in Cafayete
Walk around the ruins of Quilmes
3 night stay in an traditional isolated Argentian estancia with gauchos
Ride beautiful horses in unspoilt location
take a wine tour in the Malbec capital of the world, Mendoza
Drive to the Cristo Redentor and pass through stunning Andean mountains
Explore the cosmopolitan and stylish city of Santiago
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Off the beaten track adventures through remote wilderness. A mix of high altitude Andean crossings, with Argentinean local life. Plenty of urban exploration (Salta, Santiago, Mendoza) and time to explore the magnificent scenery. Horse riding and easy walks, not physically challenging.
Border information: if you are joining in La Paz, you will most likely enter Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).
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.
A note on altitude: If you are joining in La Paz, we strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before the trip begins to allow additional time to acclimatise.
In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre.
Today we will have a free day to make the most of the extrodinary city of La Paz, explore the witches market or take a mountain biking trip down the World's Most Dangerous Road.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico
Guided tour to explore Tiahuanacu Inca Ruins
Take a trip out to the mountain resort of Chacaltaya and the other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley near La Paz
Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz
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 - 9hrs
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!
Daily Activities
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
Today we will head off across the wilds of the Altiplano, a surreal and desolate desert landscape that stretches all the way into Chile. We will make plenty of stop for photographs on the way and at the end of the day we aim to cross the border into Chile, making camp soon afterwards.
Tonight we will bush camp in a remote spot with no facilities!
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Border information: Exit Bolivia and enter Chile at Ollague
Daily Activities
Take the epic journey across the Altiplano - an incredible high-altitude adventure through a surreal desert landscape, taking in bizarre rock formations and stunning lakes.
After breakfast we will break camp, and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa on the Chilean part of the Altiplano, stopping off en route for photographs and a lunch stop at the famous El Tatio Geysers, the worlds highest Geyser field at 4300m. Afterwards descending down to San Pedro de Atacama.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 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.
Please note: The weather in this region can be unpredictable and has been known to close the road to the border. On these occasions we will take an alternate route across the Altiplano, crossing into either Chile or Argentina at a different border point. Your Tour Leaders will keep you informed of any changes that may be necessary.
Daily Activities
Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley
Experience the incredible El Tatio geysers in the mountains high above the Atacama Desert
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Observe the night skies at a Chilean observatory
Hire a bike to explore the incredible deserts surrounding San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace
Discover the incredible deserts of San Pedro on horseback
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 - 11-12 hours.
On day 12 we will have a free day to explore 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.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take the cable car up to the top of San Bernardo Hill, and take in the breathtaking views out over the city of Salta below
Explore the beautiful mountains and forests near Salta on a mountain biking trip
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
In Cafayate we stay at a campsite with good facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the impressive rock formations of 'El Amphiteatro' and 'La Garganta del Diablo' en route through the primeval landscape of the Quebrada de las Conchas
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate
Today we will drive south through spectacular mountains and arrive in the 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 - 10 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the Quilmes ruins
Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights.
Estimated Drive Time - 5hours.
During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding. This is a magical experience in a beautiful 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 grounds near the main house.
Daily Activities
Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life
Today we will have a leisurely start after breakfast to the city of Cordoba, where we will enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city.
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 - 9 hours.
The following day will be free time to explore the region, head out on various adventure activities, or of course take a tasting tour of the incredible wineries in the region.
In Mendoza we stay in a centrally located hostel in dorm accommodation.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Go for a horse ride through the arid foothills west of Mendoza
Explore the vineyards of the Mendoza and Maipu region, either on an organised tour or by cycling between the bodegas
White water rafting on the Mendoza River
Relax in the beautiful thermal baths in Cacheuta, in the hills above Mendoza
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 - 10-11 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Learn more about Santiago and its history on a free walking tour of the centre from a knowledgeable local guide
Take in the breathtaking vista of the city skyline backdropped by the mighty Andes, from the viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro San Lucia
Border information: if you are finishing in Santiago, you will most likely exit Chile at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA code: SCL)
Today is a free day to explore the cosmopolitan Chilean capital.
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Santiago. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
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This group overland journey has multiple departures.
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