Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile with the "Real Bolivia & Argentina" tour. Begin your adventure in La Paz, exploring the vibrant Witches' Market and the city's rich culture. Traverse the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni in a 4WD, marveling at the world's largest salt flats and the unique Train Cemetery. Experience the stunning landscapes of the Andean Desert, spotting wildlife like flamingos and llamas. Cross into Chile to explore the charming oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, before heading to Argentina's Salta, known for its rich history and natural beauty. Conclude your journey in Buenos Aires, immersing yourself in its eclectic neighborhoods, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife. With plenty of free time for optional activities like sandboarding, biking, and stargazing, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and personal adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Bienvenidos! Welcome to La Paz. The highest capital city in the world, this Bolivian hub rests on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau, 3500 m above sea level. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, why not head out to find the perfect dinner spot (your leader will have lots of recommendations) or explore the nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: La Paz
Location: La Paz, Mercado de Hechiceria, Coca Museum, Uyuni
Accommodation: Overnight bus
Accommodation Name: Overnight bus
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll head out on a brief guided walk with your leader. La Paz is a city renowned for its markets, especially the Mercado de Hechiceria (the Witches' Market), which sells potions, incantations, stones and artefacts. Ask a local about their significance – most people are happy to explain. Then, you’ll have some free time to explore. Maybe visit the Coca Museum, which isn’t too far from your hotel in the Rosario district. Late this afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Uyuni. There are comfortable recliner seats on the bus, but it can be cold on board, so it’s important to bring warm clothing and wear base layers. There’s usually a toilet on the bus, and the driver will make a couple of stops along the way.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Salar de Uyuni
Location: Uyuni, Train Cemetery, Salar de Uyuni, Inka Wasi Isla, Colchani, Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, Laguna Colorada
Accommodation: Dormitory
Accommodation Name: Dormitory
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’ll arrive in Uyuni Town. This remote town sits on the edge of the high Altiplano – a wilderness area extending for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Over the next three days, you’ll explore Bolivia’s highlights and fascinating landscapes in a 4WD – an experience of a lifetime! The first stop will be an eerie Train Cemetery (a super unique photo spot), then, you’ll continue to Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. This is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world and definitely a trip highlight, so make sure you take some amazing photos, explore on foot and take it all in. Make the most of your time on the salt flats before exploring Inka Wasi Isla – a rocky island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Bolivian Altiplano
Location: Andean Desert, Laguna Colorada
Accommodation: Dormitory
Accommodation Name: Dormitory
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be spent driving through the spectacular landscape of the Andean (Atacama) Desert, surrounded by volcanoes and lakes. Stop by the red lake of Laguna Colorada, where you’ll be able to spot wildlife like llamas, flamingos, viscachas and foxes feasting in the nutrient-rich waters. Tonight you’ll spend a night in the desert under the stars.
Day 5: Bolivia/Chile Border- San Pedro de Atacama
Location: Polques Thermal Baths, Llica, San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, rise and shine early to embrace the cold and stop by the desert’s natural thermal baths for an optional soak. Then head to the Bolivia and Chile border, where the Bolivian part of your trip comes to an end. Pass by geysers, salt flats and snow-capped volcanoes on your way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. As a small oasis town, San Pedro is surrounded by extraordinary scenery. Arriving around 3 pm, your night is free to find a delicious local dinner with your group.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6-7: San Pedro de Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Over the next two days, get under the skin of San Pedro. The local cafe and restaurant scene has grown considerably over the last couple of years, with a mix of Chilean, French and Italian influences, so you’ll definitely find a great spot for lunch and dinner. Take a self-guided walk around the old square and people-watch with a cup of coffee or consider joining an astronomy tour tonight once the stars come out and bring out your inner stargazer – just chat to your leader for details.
Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Chile/Argentina border - Salta
Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Salta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today will be a long day of travel as you leave San Pedro and head for Salta, Argentina. Salta's rich history, architecture, friendly locals and natural surroundings make it one of Argentina's main attractions. Grab a window seat or a good book and watch the scenery pass you by. Tonight, you’re free to rest or head out for a late dinner when you arrive.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Salta
Location: Salta, Cerro San Bernardo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, today is a free day to explore Salta and its many attractions. If you’re after something active, hike up the 1070 steps to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo, the mountain that looms over Salta. If you'd prefer, you can also take a gondola (cable car) to the top to take in the views of the mountainous city below. Either way, the view from the top is magnificent!
Day 10: Salta - Buenos Aires
Location: Salta, Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast and a free morning in Salta, you’ll take an included flight to Buenos Aires – Argentina's capital. When you arrive, you might like to head to a local tango show or a football match. Maybe grab a steak and glass of Malbec (the steak and wine combo are what Argentina is known for) in one of the city’s fashionable restaurants for dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires, San Telmo Market, Buenos Aires, La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, La Boca, Buenos Aires, Caminito Street, Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head to San Telmo market with your leader and sample some empanadas (a must-try in Buenos Aires) and some local ice cream (Argentina’s famous dulce de leche). The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Join the tourists and walk among the tombs at the La Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. Visit the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, the Boca Juniors. If you need to rest your feet, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes to watch the world go by with the locals. Tonight, why not head out to a couple of bars with your group for some classic Argentinian nightlife?
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 12: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today, so you can leave the accommodation at any time after check-out.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Dormitory (2 nights), Hotel (8 nights), Overnight bus (1 night) -
Meals
11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners -
La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'
Experience the unique cultural offerings of La Paz with a visit to the Witches Market.
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La Paz - Orientation Walk
Get acquainted with La Paz through an orientation walk.
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Uyuni - Salt flats tour
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Uyuni Salt Flats.
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Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
Visit the unique Fish Island/Inca Wasi in the salt flats.
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Uyuni - Orientation Walk
Discover Uyuni with an orientation walk.
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Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
Visit the Colchani Salt Factory in Uyuni.
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Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada
Tour the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve and see Laguna Colorada.
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Salta - Orientation walk
Familiarize yourself with Salta through an orientation walk.
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Buenos Aires - San Telmo Market Visit with Snacks
Visit the San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires and enjoy some snacks.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the tour starting point is not included.
Transport
- Our overnight buses have reclinable seats - usually more comfortable than your average economy plane seats. You may be offered a simple dinner on board or stop at a service station to buy snacks and drinks. Before boarding an overnight bus, it's always a good idea to have music, a book, water, snacks and warm clothing ready.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (overnight bus), Days 3 and 4 (Dormitory) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2.Nationals from the United States need a visa to enter Bolivia and you we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or Embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border. Please see the 'Passport and Visas' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- 3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
- 4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please read our Essential Trip Information to learn more about altitude sickness.
- 5.We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available, there is a daily limit for withdrawals and the exchange rate does fluctuate.
- 6. This trip includes a domestic flight within Argentina. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage. Should you wish to bring heavier luggage it is possible to increase your allowance by paying a fee at check in.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes comfortable overnight buses with reclinable seats, offering a more pleasant experience than typical economy plane seats. Simple dinners may be provided, or stops at service stations for snacks and drinks. Prepare with music, books, water, snacks, and warm clothing for the journey.
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour varies, with stays in hotels, dormitories, and an overnight bus. While hotel stays offer comfort, dormitory accommodations provide a shared experience. Note that room availability may require alternative arrangements, and early arrivals may necessitate luggage storage until check-in. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel by overnight buses with reclinable seats, which are usually more comfortable than economy plane seats. A simple dinner may be offered on board, or there may be stops at service stations for snacks and drinks. Additionally, a 4WD is used for exploring Bolivia's highlights and landscapes, and there is a domestic flight within Argentina. ...more ...less
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What should I expect regarding accommodation during the tour?
Accommodation styles may vary and are subject to availability. The tour includes hotel stays, dormitory accommodations, and an overnight bus. In some cases, alternative arrangements may be made if preferred accommodations are unavailable. Rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in, but luggage can be stored, and shared day rooms may be available. ...more ...less
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Are there any specific health considerations for this tour?
Yes, parts of the trip go above 2800 meters (9200 feet), where travelers may experience altitude sickness. It's important to be aware of the potential for adverse health effects due to the altitude, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.
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What are some of the included activities during the tour?
Included activities are visits to the Witches' Market in La Paz, a salt flats tour in Uyuni, a visit to Fish Island/Inca Wasi, a Colchani Salt Factory visit, an Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada, and a San Telmo Market visit with snacks in Buenos Aires.
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Is there a luggage allowance for the domestic flight within Argentina?
Yes, the luggage allowance for the domestic flight within Argentina is 15kg for checked luggage. If you wish to bring heavier luggage, you can increase your allowance by paying a fee at check-in.
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What should I bring for the overnight bus journey?
It's recommended to bring music, a book, water, snacks, and warm clothing for the overnight bus journey, as it can be cold on board.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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May 12, 2025 - May 23, 2025Monday - Friday
May 19, 2025 - May 30, 2025Monday - Friday
May 26, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Real Bolivia & Argentina
12 Days Starting in La Paz, Bolivia and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Visiting: La Paz, Mercado de Hechiceria, Coca Museum, Uyuni, Train Cemetery, Salar de Uyuni, Inka Wasi Isla, Colchani, Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, Laguna Colorada, Andean Desert, Polques Thermal Baths, Llica, San Pedro de Atacama, Salta, Cerro San Bernardo, Buenos Aires, San Telmo Market, Buenos Aires, La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, La Boca, Buenos Aires, Caminito Street Buenos Aires ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGYB
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-35
