Real Bolivia & Argentina

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.3

12 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get off the tourist trail on a 12-day adventure through Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Kick things off in the Altiplano city of La Paz and check out the potions and artifacts at the local Witches' Market.

Highlights

Explore Bolivian culture in La Paz, from the city’s booming industry to the traditionally dressed residents selling ancient potions at the Witches’ Market.
Embark on a three-day 4WD adventure across the rocky Atacama Desert in Salar de Uyuni and the largest salt lakes in the world. Pass cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with birdlife.
Enjoy heaps of free time to choose your own adventure and take part in optional activities like sandboarding on desert dunes, biking around the city streets of Salta and soaking in thermal baths in Bolivia.
See the ever-changing landscape through the Andean Desert, passing by volcanoes, lakes and mountains and spotting wildlife like flamingoes, foxes and llamas.
Get under the skin of Buenos Aires – with its eclectic neighbourhoods, thriving nightlife, food and wine culture and huge theatre scene, this is the perfect way to end your adventure!

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Plane,Overnight bus,Local bus,4x4

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

La Paz, Argentina

Finishes

Buenos Aires , Argentina

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: La Paz

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:

La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'
La Paz - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

La Paz - Tiawanaku tour (min. 2 participants) (50 USD)
La Paz - City Tour & Moon Valley (min. 2 participants) (40 USD)
La Paz - Coca Museum (3 USD)

Accommodation:

Overnight bus (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Salar de Uyuni

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:

Uyuni - Salt flats tour
Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
Uyuni - Orientation Walk
Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada

Accommodation:

Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Bolivian Altiplano

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.

Accommodation:

Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Bolivia/Chile Border- San Pedro de Atacama

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:

Bolivian Altiplano – Polques Thermal Baths (1 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6-7: San Pedro de Atacama

Over the next two days, you'll get to know 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. There’s plenty to see and do in the area. You could daytrip to Moon Valley to explore the lunar-like landscapes and watch an epic sunset at Piedra del Coyote, hike through the multi-coloured hills of Rainbow Valley, or float in the salty waters of Laguna Piedra in the heart of the salt flat. At night, why not channel your inner stargazer at an astronomy tour? Just chat to your leader for recommendations and day tour options.

Optional Activities:

San Pedro de Atacama - Astronomic Tour (min. 2 participants) (39000 CLP)
San Pedro de Atacama - Meteorito Museum (5000 CLP)
San Pedro de Atacama - Rainbow Valley (guide and entrance) (min. 2 participants) (55000 CLP)
San Pedro de Atacama - Cejar Lagoon (guide and entrance) (min. 2 participants) (66000 CLP)
San Pedro de Atacama - Moon Valley (guide and entrance) (min. 2 participants) (50800 CLP)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 8: Chile/Argentina border - Salta

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:

Salta - Orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Salta - Archaeological Museum (2 USD)
Salta - Cerro San Bernardo Chairlift (3 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Salta

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!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Salta - Buenos Aires

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:

Buenos Aires - Tango Show and Dinner (120 USD)
Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from (120 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Buenos Aires

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:

Buenos Aires - San Telmo Market Visit with Snacks

Optional Activities:

Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)
Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetery (7 USD)
Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
Buenos Aires - Caminito Street - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Buenos Aires

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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2720

AUD $2,176

(Tour only)

Offer ends 27 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Oct 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Michèle

Traveled, March 2024

03/24/2024

One highlight after an other. Amazing trip with the amazing tour leader Karina. Totally recommend this tour!!

4.0

Domenico

Traveled, March 2024

03/28/2024

Great trip where you will see a lot of things from the highest desert in the world to the largest salt lake in the world. The first week or so will be at altitude so make sure you are OK with that and enjoy long travel days. Overall a great trip. You will have many opportunities to do many day trips while spending time at various locations. Pack more warm weather clothes than cold, but bring the essentials for cold weather for those first days spent in the desert. Just remember this is a continous trip so you will be joining a group already formed so it can be tough to integrate if you are not the most socially active person. Thanks for everything Karina! From Canada

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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