Altiplano & Gaucho Explorer

La Paz - Santiago

21 days through Bolivia, Chile, Argentina

FROM: $1585 USD + 780 USD Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Jeep

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary

Accom:

Basic Hotel 8 nights
Wild Camp 2 nights
Multishare Hostel 5 nights
Camping 5 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 20, Lunches x 8, Dinners x 7

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZZS

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

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.

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

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats

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

Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley

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

Visit the Quilmes ruins

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - La Paz (13th September 2020)

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.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 2 - La Paz (14th September 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Take a trip out to the mountain resort of Chacaltaya and the other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley near La Paz

Full day tour: 130 BOB

Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico

Full day tour (not incl 50 BOB road fee): 125 USD

Discover Bolivia's history art and culture in some of La Paz's many museums such as the San Francisco Museum and the Museum of Ethnography

Entrance: 20 BOB

Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz

City tour: 150 BOB

Guided tour to explore Tiahuanacu Inca Ruins

Full day tour: 220 BOB

Day 3 - Uyuni (15th September 2020)

Today we will drive south to Uyuni, the gateway to the incredible salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 4 - Uyuni (16th September 2020)

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!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats

Included

Day 5 - Altiplano (17th September 2020)

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!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Daily Activities

Included 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

Included

Day 6 - San Pedro de Atacama (18th September 2020)

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.

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 trip leaders will keep you informed of any changes that may be necessary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Experience the incredible El Tatio geysers in the mountains high above the Atacama Desert

Entrance: 10,000 CLP

Day 7 - San Pedro de Atacama (19th September 2020)

Today 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).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley

Included

Optional Activities

Discover some of the interesting ancient ruins near San Pedro and the artifacts found in the area on an archaeological tour

Tour: 25,000 CLP

Hire a bike to explore the incredible deserts surrounding San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace

Half day: 5,000 CLP

Discover the incredible deserts of San Pedro on horseback

Riding: 13,500 CLP

Take a tour of the stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas backdropped by the incredible deserts and volcanic scenery of the region

Entrance: 35,000 CLP

Observe the night skies at a Chilean observatory

Tour: 25,000 CLP

Visit the incredible salt plains of the Salar de Atacama and take a swim in the salty pools of Laguna Cejar

Entrance: 15,000 CLP

Day 8 - Salta (20th September 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Day 9 - Salta (21st September 2020)

Today 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Explore the beautiful mountains and forests near Salta on a mountain biking trip

The Bull circuit: 1,300 ARS

Rainforest Circuit: 900 ARS

Downhill Cuesta del Obispo: 2,000 ARS

Bike Rental (full day): 600 ARS

Day 10 - Cafayate (22nd September 2020)

Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Daily Activities

Included 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

Included

Day 11 - Cafayate (23rd September 2020)

Free day to explore Cafayate. This small unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentinas's principal withe producing regions, famous for the quality of its Torrontes 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!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate

Wine tasting: 150 ARS

Day 12 - Recreo (24th September 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Wild Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Visit the Quilmes ruins

Included

Day 13 - Estancia (25th September 2020)

Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights.

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life

Included

Day 14 - Estancia (26th September 2020)

Full day at the Estancia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 15 - Estancia (27th September 2020)

Full day at the Estancia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 16 - Cordoba (28th September 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 17 - Mendoza (29th September 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 18 - Mendoza (30th September 2020)

Today 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Take a mountain biking trip through the dramatic landscapes of the Andean foothills near Mendoza

Biking: 1,000 ARS

White water rafting on the Mendoza River

Full Day Rafting: 1,750 ARS

Half Day Rafting: 700 ARS

Mendoza Trekking

Half Day Trek: 500 ARS

Half day trek with abseil: 700 ARS

Explore the vineyards of the Mendoza and Maipu region either on an organised tour or by cycling between the bodgeas

Bike tour: 950 ARS

Day 19 - Santiago (1st October 2020)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11

Day 20 - Santiago (2nd October 2020)

Today is a free day to explore the cosmopolitan Chilean capital.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 21 - Santiago - End Date (3rd October 2020)

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 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Santiago Museums

Entrance : 3,500 CLP

Learn more about Santiago and its history on a free walking tour of the centre from a knowledgeable local guide

Tour: Free

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Finishing

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13 Sep 20 La Paz

03 Oct 20 Santiago

$1,585 USD + 780 USD Kitty

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20 Sep 20 La Paz

10 Oct 20 Santiago

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29 Nov 20 La Paz

19 Dec 20 Santiago

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03 Dec 20 La Paz

23 Dec 20 Santiago

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05 Jan 21 La Paz

25 Jan 21 Santiago

$1,600 USD + 780 USD Kitty

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14 Jan 21 Santiago

03 Feb 21 La Paz

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30 Mar 21 Santiago

19 Apr 21 La Paz

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09 Apr 21 Santiago

29 Apr 21 La Paz

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13 Apr 21 Santiago

03 May 21 La Paz

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04 May 21 Santiago

24 May 21 La Paz

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11 Sep 21 La Paz

01 Oct 21 Santiago

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24 Sep 21 La Paz

14 Oct 21 Santiago

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20 Oct 21 La Paz

09 Nov 21 Santiago

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12 Dec 21 La Paz

01 Jan 22 Santiago

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16 Dec 21 La Paz

05 Jan 22 Santiago

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13 Jan 22 Santiago

02 Feb 22 La Paz

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18 Jan 22 La Paz

07 Feb 22 Santiago

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17 Feb 22 Santiago

09 Mar 22 La Paz

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22 Apr 22 Santiago

12 May 22 La Paz

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26 Apr 22 Santiago

16 May 22 La Paz

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09 May 22 Santiago

29 May 22 La Paz

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Contact Us

Altiplano & Gaucho Explorer

La Paz - Santiago

USEFUL INFORMATION