South America: La Paz, Santiago & the Uyuni Salt Flats image
Operated by G Adventures

South America: La Paz, Santiago & the Uyuni Salt Flats

From
CAD 3,149
Duration
11 days
Countries
Chile, Bolivia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Ready to dive into the history, culture, and breathtaking wilderness of South America? Spend 11 unforgettable days exploring Bolivia and Chile, uncovering iconic highlights and hidden gems. Marvel at the surreal salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, wander through the otherworldly desert landscapes of the Atacama Plateau, and venture off the beaten path to experience the best of this diverse region. With just the right mix of guided adventures and free time, this journey is the perfect way to truly connect with two extraordinary destinations.

At a glance

Duration
11 days
Route
La Paz → Santiago
Countries
Chile, Bolivia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Cycling, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

South America: La Paz, Santiago & the Uyuni Salt Flats image

Day by day

Stunning mountain scenery in Antofagasta, Chile showcasing rugged terrain and clear blue skies.
Your journey through

Chile & Bolivia

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.
Spectacular dusk over Santiago's skyline with Andes mountains backdrop.Santiago
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.
Map showing Santiago
Day 11Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Chile

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Peaceful mountain landscape with golden fields under a pastel sky during dusk.
Stunning view of Santiago's skyline with the Andes during sunset, showcasing urban life in Chile.
Explore the serene beauty of a desert road winding through Antofagasta, Chile's vast landscape.
Stunning view of Licancabur Volcano in the Atacama Desert under a clear blue sky.
Charming rural landscape with houses nestled between trees in Araucanía, Chile.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
15 Jun 202625 Jun 2026CAD 3,339unknownBook my trip
22 Jun 20262 Jul 2026CAD 3,339unknownBook my trip
29 Jun 20269 Jul 2026CAD 3,339On requestBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

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