La Paz to Santiago - Overland Trip
2 weeks: La Paz to Santiago (IMT-LALP)
Intro
Our journey takes us through the wild and barren landscapes of southern Bolivia and northern Chile, stopping in remote settlements and making our way past lagoons full of flamingos, spectacular geysers and hot springs, heading for a small oasis in the heart of the Atacama Desert. We follow the Chilean coastline, enjoying the beaches, the clear southern skies and the unforgettable scenery.Group Size
Max 18
Activities
4WD excursion around Uyuni and the Atacama desert, Moon Valley excursion in Atacama desert
Accommodation
10 nights simple hotels, 2 nights basic lodges, 2 nights overnight bus
Transport
Public and private bus, 4WD jeep, plane
Flight
La Paz to Sucre
Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader
ITINERARY NOTE
Days 7-9 may change during the rainy season (January-March) due to high water levels in the salt flats.
Itineraries
Day 1,LA PAZArrival day.
Day 2,LA PAZA full free day in La Paz.
Day 3,LA PAZ – SUCREMorning flight to Sucre. Free afternoon to explore the elegant streets and lively markets.
Day 4,SUCRE - POTOSIFree morning in Sucre, one of Latin America’s colonial gems. In the afternoon we take the bus to Potosi.
Day 5,POTOSIA full free day in Potosi. There is the chance to visit one of the silver mines that were the source of the city’s wealth and which are still used to this day.
Day 6,POTOSI - UYUNIWe travel to the remote town of Uyuni, our base for exploring the salt flats of southern Bolivia.
Day 7,SALT FLATS EXCURSIONWe take 4WD jeeps from Uyuni in Bolivia to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The Salar de Uyuni sits at 3,666m above sea level, making it the largest and highest salt flat in the world. An awe-inspiring sight. (LD)
Day 8,HIGH ANDES CROSSINGWe continue our journey, reaching 5,000m in altitude, with the only company being wild vicunas and guanacos that gallop away on our approach. The end of the journey is the striking Laguna Colorada, with its population of more than 30,000 flamingos. (BLD)
Day 9,ATACAMA DESERTThe dramatic sight of Licancabur Volcano tells us that we are leaving Bolivia behind and crossing the border into Chile. We make for the small but lively oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
Day 10,ATACAMA DESERTIn the afternoon we visit the Moon Valley, a dramatic lunar landscape of wind-eroded hills surrounding the valley floor. We hike along the crest of 'The Great Sand Dune’ to watch the sunset from the top.
Day 11,CALAMA - LA SERENAIn the afternoon we take the bus to nearby town of Calama, where we board our overnight bus to La Serena.
Day 12,LA SERENA - PISCO ELQUI VALLEYFree day to relax on the nearby beach or to take an optional excursion to the beautiful Pisco Elqui Valley, a beautiful grape-growing area with plenty of hiking options. We also have the opportunity to visit Chile’s biggest Pisco distillery.
Day 13,LA SERENAA full day to explore this carefully restored colonial town. Evening overnight bus to Santiago.
Day 14,SANTIAGOEarly in the morning we arrive at Santiago, the Chilean capital, a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks.
Day 15,SANTIAGOTour ends.
Last updated: 20th October 2009
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