Operated by G Adventures

South America Highlights: Bolivia, Chile, & Argentina

From

CAD 6,499

Duration

20 days

Countries

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, where South America’s most iconic cities and landscapes come alive. Stroll the surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni and lose yourself in the otherworldly Atacama Desert. Wander the colourful streets of coastal Valparaíso, chase adrenaline in Pucón’s adventure-sport playground, and experience authentic gaucho life on a ranch near charming Bariloche. Cap it all off in the vibrant cosmopolis of Buenos Aires, where tango, culture, and culinary delights await. Fall head over heels for the region’s diverse landscapes, warm people, and mouthwatering cuisine — and leave already dreaming of your next adventure.

At a glance

Duration

20 days

Route

La Paz → Buenos Aires

Countries

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Trekking & Hiking, Winter & Northern Lights

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Beautiful panoramic view of Bariloche's lake and mountain landscape with lush foliage.

Your journey through

Argentina, Bolivia & Chile

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive 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.

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.

Day 2Fly to Sucre and explore this beautiful colonial cityOptional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints.

Optional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints.

Day 3Free time to explore the city

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.

Day 4Travel by bus to Potosí and get…

Travel by bus to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.

Day 5Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town…

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.

Day 6Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar…

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.

Day 7Explore the desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion

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.

Day 8Rise early to cover more ground…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.

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.

Day 9Enjoy an Included excursion to the Valley…

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.

Day 10Drive to Calama and fly to Santiago, a vibrant capital cityFrom 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.

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.

Day 11Enjoy an entire day to yourself in this…

Enjoy an entire day to yourself in this capital city and spend time exploring Santiago, Chile's largest city and internationally recognized for its vineyards and nearby Andean ski resorts. Opt to try optional activities in the area like a day trip to Isla Negra or a visit to the bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista during your free day.

Day 12Explore some of Santiago's neighbourhoods on a city tour

Explore some of Santiago's neighbourhoods on a city tour, visit the Museum of Memory and try some local specialties. After, take a private bus to the seaside town of Valparaíso where brightly coloured houses perch on the hills.

Day 13Enjoy a free morning in Valparaiso to soak…

Enjoy a free morning in Valparaiso to soak it all in. Later, head to the Casablanca Valley, stop at a winery to indulge in a wine tasting. After, head back to Santiago with free time before boarding an overnight bus to Pucon.

Day 14Enjoy free time in Pucon

Enjoy free time in Pucon, try whitewater rafting or explore the area by foot.

Day 15Enjoy another free day to take part…

Enjoy another free day to take part in the many activities on offer in Pucón. Opt to hike Villarica volcano (it's active!) or soak in the nearby natural thermal pools.

Day 16Cross the Andes to Argentina

Cross the Andes to Argentina. Travel by local bus to San Martin and take a private van the rest of the way to Bariloche in the Lake District with a local guide.

Day 17Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche

Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche. Enjoy a barbecue for lunch and take to the saddle with a Gaucho by your side.

Day 18Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful…

Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful area in and around Bariloche. Take a hike in the countryside or wander the town, known for its shops and in particular, artisan chocolate.

Day 19Fly to Buenos Aires. Opt to enjoy a Tango show and dinnerFly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires, it is a vibrant city full of life.