South America: La Paz, Santiago & the Uyuni Salt Flats
11 days, La Paz to Santiago
Itinerary
Day 1La Paz
Arrive at any time. Enjoy a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your CEO and fellow travellers.
Arrive early and choose to explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic structures, like the Iglesia de San Francisco. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market). With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand. Thrill seekers can pre book a Death Road mountain biking adventure.
*Please note for any of the optionals listed on Day 1, travellers will need to book a pre-night in La Paz in order to participate.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Death Road Biking Adventure
Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar down the 'world's most dangerous road.' Start high up in the Andes at 4,700m (15,420 ft) and wind your way down this steep, narrow road on the mountainside into the depths of the Bolivian jungle. This is not one for the faint of heart, adrenaline junkies only!
Please note that the entrance fee of 53 Bolivianos (not included in this activity) must be paid directly to the National Park prior to biking, only local currency is accepted. We are unable to pre-pay this fee in advance, due to the park policy.
Should you choose to pre-book the Death Road Biking Adventure on day 1 of your tour, you will need to book a pre-night in order to participate in this activity.
La Paz City Tour
35USD per personExplore the city on a guided tour. Check out stunning cathedrals, impressive museums, and lively markets, learning more about the history of this fascinating city. Look for majestic Mt Illimani in the background.
Valley of the Moon Tour
15USD per personTour the lunar landscape of the Valley of the Moon, observe the clay formations carved into the landscape by years of erosion.
Witches' Market Visit
Learn more about the pre-Columbian Aymara beliefs at the Witches' Market. You can witness locals buying products such as dried frogs, potions, and talismans for use in rituals and offerings.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Las Brisas (or similar)
Day 2La Paz/Sucre
Fly to Sucre and explore this beautiful colonial city.
Optional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute, head out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Hiking
Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot.
Mountain Biking
Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region.
Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.
Accommodation
Hotel Independencia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Sucre
Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Sucre, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, mountain biking, and visiting the Textile Cooperative. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Hiking
Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot.
Mountain Biking
Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region.
Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.
Rewilding Yampara: Walks Through Culture and Forest
Begin in Bolivia's capital and cultural heritage hub, Sucre. Then, travel to the Yampara Indigenous community of Pisily, located in the rural highlands near Tarabuco. The Yampara are one of the country’s oldest Andean peoples, known for their deep agricultural knowledge, ancestral weaving, and their strong relationship with the land. Hosted by a local indigenous family, the group will engage in seasonal agroecological activities, learn about sustainable practices within Andean farming, and hike through one of the largest native Polylepis forest in Chuquisaca. You'll come away from this G Adventures-supported community initiative with deeper insight into the worldview of the Yampara, their climate resilience, and food sovereignty. Finish off the experience with a traditional apthapi, a communal Andea meal featuring foods like native potatoes, quinoa, wild mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. More than just a meal, the apthapi represents abundance, hospitality, and a shared celebration between the local community and travellers.
Accommodation
Hotel Independencia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Sucre/Potosí
Travel by bus to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Spend free time learning about local mining production or wandering the city and soaking in the cultural atmosphere.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Casa de la Moneda
40BOB per personLearn about the first global currency at this renowned National Mint museum.
Potosí Mine Visit
Visit the inside of Potosí's historic mines on a eye-opening tour guided exclusively by former miners. They will share their stories firsthand about life underground. This is the only experience in the region guided entirely by former minders who have pursued toursim as a way to build a safer and healthier alternative to life beneath the surface. Visit the miners' market, an ore processing plant, and walk through the tunnels of Cerro Rico, an iconic mountain in global history. As you go, learn more about the cultural and historical significance of mining in Bolivia, and how important it was in fueling the global economy. This activity is the perfect way to enjoy a G Adventures-supported, community-led experience aiding local efforts towards education and safety around this important piece of Bolivian history.
Bring a bandana and wear protective gear (boots, helmet and headlamp) as you head deep into the bowels of Cerro Rico (Rich Hill).
Please note there is an optional add-on to this activity. It's recommended to consider visiting the Royal Mint Museum to complete the story. Ask your CEO for more information.
Accommodation
Hotel Gran Libertador (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Potosí/Uyuni
Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni, the jumping off point for the three day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni.
During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Hotel Samay Wasi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Today you will be heading into the Salar de Uyuni. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.
Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion
Spend three days in the stunning landscape between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Enter a world unlike anything else as we drive across the salt flats; the piercing blue sky contrasts against the blinding white of the flat salt beds. Take memorable photos of the unusual landscape complete with mountains and active volcanoes. Visit the coloured lagoon of Laguna Colorada and enjoy the uniqueness of this region.
Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge
Visit the Santiago de Agencha community, located two hours across the salt flats from Uyuni, a rural village surrounded by towering cacti and part of a small desert oasis. The community-owned salt lodge was renovated and expanded through a major project in 2016 funded by G Adventures’ foundation, Planeterra. With many of the village’s younger residences fleeing for economic opportunities, this lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Learn about their traditional agricultural practices, including their specialization in quinoa production, and take a guided walk with a community member to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for a beautiful view of the village below and the salt flats beyond. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by ladies who were provided culinary training through the project. Leave Jukil Community Lodge knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Accommodation
Jukil Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
Explore the desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and interesting rock formations along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.
Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion
Spend three days in the stunning landscape between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Enter a world unlike anything else as we drive across the salt flats; the piercing blue sky contrasts against the blinding white of the flat salt beds. Take memorable photos of the unusual landscape complete with mountains and active volcanoes. Visit the coloured lagoon of Laguna Colorada and enjoy the uniqueness of this region.
Accommodation
Laguna Colorada (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Salt Flats and Desert Crossing/San Pedro de Atacama
Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers. Travel to the border and descend by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. It's a long but scenic drive.
From the high Bolivian altiplano descend almost 2000m to the edge of the Atacama Desert, arriving at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, just across the Chilean border. Said to be one of the driest places on the planet, this little town is an oasis in an otherwise barren, dry landscape.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Border Crossing (Bolivia - Chile)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9San Pedro de Atacama
Enjoy an Included excursion to the Valley of the Moon. In San Pedro, opt to go sandboarding or mountain biking.
Enjoy an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon to learn about and appreciate the beautiful uniqueness of the landscape.
There are plenty of optional excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, including biking, exploring nearby ruins, and horseback riding. Despite its size, San Pedro offers some great restaurants as well as numerous handicrafts and artisan stores for those looking for souvenirs.
Valley of the Moon Visit
The sunset brings out a variety of colours over this majestic valley that experts say is the area on Earth that most closely resembles moon's surface. Explore the incredible formations created by wind and rain over millennia in this unique location between the Andes mountains and one of the world's driest deserts.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Observatory Tour
50000CLP per personGaze at the impressive desert stars from one of the best places to see them in the world and be guided on a planetary journey with an expert astronomer.
San Pedro de Atacama Hot Springs
45000CLP per personRelax in large geothermal pools surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and scenery.
Mountain Biking
1500-5000CLP per personWork up a sweat while exploring this scenic destination on the seat of a mountain bike.
Sandboarding
45000CLP per personHit the dunes and experience the rush of surfing down.
Accommodation
Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Day 10San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago
Drive to Calama and fly to Santiago, a vibrant capital city.
From the nearby city of Calama, fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are both internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts within a couple of hours from the city centre.
Explore the city’s many museums and parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafés, and San Cristobal Hill with its views of the city and the surrounding area.
Local Van
Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit
FreeHead to Barrio Bellavista as the locals call this bohemian neighbourhood to enjoy a delicious meal, check out some art galleries, or have a drink at one of the many bars in the area.
Day Trip to Isla Negra
Take a day trip to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. This house was one of the poet and politician’s three homes, while not technically an island the house is near the water and it’s believed that watching the storms on the ocean inspired Neruda to write his famous poem Oda a la Tormenta. The author and his third-wife Matilde Urrutia are both buried on the grounds and the house is now a museum.
Accommodation
Ibis Budget Santiago (or similar)
Day 11Santiago
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Day trip to Valparaiso
Take a day trip to the beautiful port town of Valparaiso and wander by the rows of colourful houses. The Historic Quarter is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, explore the examples of 19th century Latin architecture built into the hillside.
Santiago City Tour
Spend the day visiting different neighbourhoods of Santiago, stop at the Museo de la Memoria and learn about the history of Chile. Visit the Central Market and enjoy a traditional Chilean snack before heading to a local bar to try Terremoto (Earthquake) a local drink made with pineapple ice cream, white wine and pisco.
Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit
FreeHead to Barrio Bellavista as the locals call this bohemian neighbourhood to enjoy a delicious meal, check out some art galleries, or have a drink at one of the many bars in the area.
Day Trip to Isla Negra
Take a day trip to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. This house was one of the poet and politician’s three homes, while not technically an island the house is near the water and it’s believed that watching the storms on the ocean inspired Neruda to write his famous poem Oda a la Tormenta. The author and his third-wife Matilde Urrutia are both buried on the grounds and the house is now a museum.