Trips

La Paz

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. On the following day we will have a free day to explore the city or take part in optional activities. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in La Paz before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring La Paz. 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 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Take the spectacular downhill mountain-bike trip down the infamous 'World's Most Dangerous Road', a 3,500m descent from the high mountain plateau near La Paz to the steaming jungles of Corioco via the dramatic road cut into the cliff : USD 110 Take a guided tour to explore the amazing preInca ruins of Tiwanaku, once the centre of one of the most important cultures in South America : BOB 180 Take a trip out to the mountain resort of Chacaltaya and the other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley near La Paz : BOB 120  Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz : BOB 60 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 : BOB 20 About La Paz: Bolivia's largest city of La Paz is spectacularly located lying huddled in a canyon basin, hiding from the harsh conditions of the surrounding altiplano. It is a fascinating city - the old town and more expensive neighborhoods at the bottom of the canyon in the centre, surrounded by sprawling shanty-towns which extend up the slopes of the bowl, merging into the huge Aymara district of "El Alto" back on the plains, a suburb of La Paz that has grown to be a city in its own right. The city skyline is dominated by the snow-capped peaks of Mount Illimani, a staggeringly beautiful backdrop that leaves many visitors stunned when then catch their first glimpse of the city as they descend into the canyon. The old town is full of markets and winding cobbled streets full of people in traditional Aymara clothing selling anything and everything you could ever think of, including dried llama foetuses on sale in the witch's market! There are plenty of other activities to do in La Paz, including the famous downhill bike ride through the Yungas on the 'world's most dangerous road'! 

Salinas De Garci Mendoza

This morning we will head to the small community of Salinas de Garci Mendoza for an overnight stay in this small Andean village - an amazing opportunity to experience an area of Bolivia that few tourists ever will. In Salinas de Garci Mendoza we will stay in very basic shared accommodation. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Stay as guests of the local Andean community of Salinas de Garci Mendoza, and get an insight into the life of rural Bolivians in an area largely untouched by other tourists : Included in Kitty  About Salinas de Garci Mendoza: The village of Salinas de Garci Mendoza lies in a remote location in southern Bolivia, where visitors can stay with an Aymara community who delight in sharing their culture and traditions. There are several short walks around the community that are possible, and our hosts will prepare some traditional local food for us during our stay here. 

Uyuni

Today we will spend the morning in the village community stay of Salinas de Garci Mendoza before continuing our drive 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 - 2-3 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 to wards 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. Uyuni is of course best known for being the gateway to the Bolivian salt flats known as the "Salar de Uyuni". Also nearby is the Train Cemetery, a graveyard for the carcasses of old steam engines that have been left here to rust - an other-worldly and eerie sight set in the bright altiplano sunshine against the background of the distant Salar. 

Salar De Uyuni

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!  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Take a full day tour out in jeeps to the dazzling Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats - the spectacular, perfectly-flat salt plains that are one of South America's most incredible sights : Included in Kitty About Salar De Uyuni: The Salar de Uyuni is a truly unforgettable sight, and a landscape quite unlike anything you'll have seen anywhere else in the world! The Salar de Uyuni is a dazzling dry lake of over 12,000 sq. kms, made of blinding white interlocking salt crystals. It is the world's largest salt pan, and is bright white expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see - when there's a little bit of water on the flats, it reflects the bright blue sky of the altiplano perfectly, acting like a mirror and making the horizon disappear! 

Bolivian Altiplano

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 - 7-8 hours.  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Take the epic journey across the southern Bolivian altiplano - an incredible high-altitude, off-road adventure through a surreal desert landscape, taking in bizarre rock formations, hot springs, and the phenomenal coloured lakes of Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde : Free About 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 overland trucks. The crossing is an adventurous one - travelling across the high-altitude dirt tracks can be challenging and rough, and the trip from Uyuni to the border normally takes a couple of days - but it's without a doubt one of the most unforgettable journeys you'll ever make, as the landscape here is out of this world. Wild and remote, the high altiplano is made up of barren semi-desert open plains dotted by streams and lakes, many of which appear vividly coloured due to the mineral deposits in the water. The lakes are flanked by the impressive volcanic peaks of the high Bolivian Andes, which are awe-inspiringly beautiful and undoubtedly some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you'll ever see. You'll also pass a few remote villages, inhabited by Quechua farmers who try their best to eke out a living up here from the rough pasture, grazing a few llamas and alpacas. The altitude here is considerable and it can be very cold and windy. When travelling here you should be prepared for the cold temperatures. and it is worth making sure you have a really good quality sleeping bag. 

San Pedro De Atacama

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 - 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.  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Explore the dramatic, other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley, and take in an incredible sunset from one of its high viewpoints : Included in Kitty  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Observe the night skies through the powerful telescopes of the observatory in the Atacama Desert near San Pedro, and learn all about the heavens on a fascinating talk from one of the astronomers (not available during the week of a full moon) : CLP 20000 Experience the incredible El Tatio geysers at sunrise in the mountains high above the Atacama Desert : CLP 20000 Hire a bike to explore the incredible deserts surrounding San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace : CLP 5000 Discover the incredible deserts of San Pedro on horseback : CLP 13500 Visit the incredible salt plains of the Salar de Atacama, and take a swim in the salty pools of Laguna Cejar : CLP 2000 Take a tour of the stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas, backdropped by the incredible deserts and volcanic scenery of the region : CLP 30000 Relax in the blissful natural volcanic hot springs of Puritama, in the hills above San Pedro : CLP 15000 Discover some of the interesting ancient ruins near San Pedro, and the artifacts found in the area, on an archaeological tour : CLP 15000 Head out for an exciting sand-boarding excursion in the sand dunes of the Atacama Desert : USD 24  About San Pedro De Atacama: San Pedro is a small oasis town in the Atacama desert in northern Chile. It's a quirky little place - low-lying adobe buildings line the narrow streets, leading to a sleepy tree-lined plaza that's home to a pretty white-washed church and a fascinating small museum with some interesting mummies and various other Indian artifacts. Pleasant though the town is, the real attraction here is the phenomenal surrounding landscapes and scenery. Perhaps most well known is the unusual desert landscape of "Moon Valley", just a short distance outside San Pedro, where other-worldly rock formations, unusual layer-cake landscapes and huge dunes combine to create some incredible views. The sunsets here can be amazing, the changing light  turning the stone and sand a kaleidoscope of different colours, so the end of the day is definitely the best time of day to visit. There are a whole host of other activities on offer here, from star-gazing and visit the Atacama salt flats, to horse-riding and mountain-biking in the surrounding countryside. The town itself is also a pleasant place just to kick-back and relax, with some good bars and restaurants thanks to the developing tourist-trade. 

Purmamarca

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 village of Purmamarca next to the aptly-named 'Hill of Seven Colours' In Purmamarca we will camp in a local campsite. Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours. About Purmamarca: The tiny and atmospheric town of Purmamarca is stunningly located in the Quebrada de Purmamarca valley in the far northwest of Argentina at the base of the Andes. It is a beautiful desert village which is nestled in the spectacular valley opposite the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colours), a colourful rainbow-coloured mountain face. 

Salta

Today we will drive to the beautiful colonial city of Salta, where we will have time to freely explore on arrival. In Salta we will stay in a local hotel or guest house. Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours. About Salta: Salta is an attractive town in the north west of Argentina. Nicknamed "Salta la Linda" (or "Salta the Beautiful"), the city is well known as being a stunning 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 independently explore and soak up the serene Argentine atmosphere. To get a better view of the city and surrounding area you can take a cable-car from Parque San Martín up to the Cerro San Bernardo viewpoint overlooking the city, and the many churches and the cathedral are also worth a visit. Salta is also home to some fantastic museums, making it a good place to learn a bit more about Argentinian history and culture. 

Salta

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, taking in some of the incredible mountain scenery nearby. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Freely explore the incredible colonial city of Salta, and learn all about its culture and heritage with a visit to some of its fascinating museums : ARS 40 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 : ARS 110 Explore the beautiful mountains and forests near Salta on a mountain biking trip : ARS 690 

Salta

Today we will have a short morning drive to a campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining! Tonight we will continue our drive a short distance to wild camp in the stunning mountains nearby, or camp at the rafting base in Cabra Corral if preferred. Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Head out for an incredible white-water rafting adventure on the beautiful Juramento river near Salta : ARS 400 Fly through the stunning valleys above the Juramento river on an exciting 9-cable zip-lining course : ARS 300  

Cafayte

Today ( Day 13 to 14 ) we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours. 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! Over the next two days 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.  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Explore the vineyards of Cafayate and discover the area's delicious wines and bodgeas on a wine-tasting excursion : ARS 50 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 : Free  About Cafayate: Cafayate is a small town in north west Argentina, and is world-famous for its wine production. The surrounding vineyards produce some of the best quality wine in South America - Cafayate is particularly renowned for its Torrontes, a distinctive and crisp white wine that is typically Argentinian and similar in style to a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Cafayate itself is small and has a sleepy laid-back feel, although it can become busy during Argentinian holiday periods. Many of the local bodegas offer tastings and tours of their wine cellars which can be easily organised while you are here. Also worth seeking out is the local ice-cream parlour, which together with the more usual flavours also offers red and white wine ice-cream! 

Cafayate

Today ( Day 13 to 14 ) we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours. 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! Over the next two days 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.  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Explore the vineyards of Cafayate and discover the area's delicious wines and bodgeas on a wine-tasting excursion : ARS 50  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 : Free  About Cafayate: Cafayate is a small town in north west Argentina, and is world-famous for its wine production. The surrounding vineyards produce some of the best quality wine in South America - Cafayate is particularly renowned for its Torrontes, a distinctive and crisp white wine that is typically Argentinian and similar in style to a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Cafayate itself is small and has a sleepy laid-back feel, although it can become busy during Argentinian holiday periods. Many of the local bodegas offer tastings and tours of their wine cellars which can be easily organised while you are here. Also worth seeking out is the local ice-cream parlour, which together with the more usual flavours also offers red and white wine ice-cream!