Chile and Bolivia Desert Expedition

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

A journey through two of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery. Travelling from the spectacular deserts of northern Chile and across the vast open plains of southern Bolivia, you’ll experience landscapes that combine a sense of real isolation with truly unforgettable images that are unrivalled anywhere else on the continent.

Beginning in the Chilean capital of Santiago, you will have ample opportunity to explore its colonial ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy the cosmopolitan culture of Santiago
  • Spot constellations at the astronomy base in La Serena
  • Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Atacama Desert
  • Cross the extensive salt lake of southern Bolivia
  • Be astounded at nature at the Tatio Geysers
  • Take a tour and Pisco tasting in the Elqui Valley

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE SANTIAGO

Day 1 ARRIVE SANTIAGO

Upon your arrival in Santiago you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Once you are settled in in the afternoon, enjoy a half day tour of the city to discover its historic and modern districts. A host of colonial churches and palaces adorn the area around the main square, and you will also visit the new commercial area where the city’s progressive culture is being forged. Finally, take a funicular ride up San Cristobal Hill to the statue of the Virgin where on clear days, spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks can be observed.

Le Reve Boutique Hotel

Day 2 SANTIAGO – LA SERENA

Day 2 SANTIAGO – LA SERENA

This morning, take the short flight up to La Serena to begin a stargazing expedition. There is the option to visit Mamalluca Observatory to see stars, planets and nebulas with some of the most powerful telescopes in the world. Or have a gentle introduction to the historic and pretty villages that typify this region, walking through traditional markets and streets lined with colonial architecture.

Elqui Domos
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 LA SERENA

Day 3 LA SERENA

Today is your chance to take in the serenity of the Elqui Valley, which is famous for its fruit production, with huge fields characterizing the landscape. Enjoy some pisco tasting when you visit a local manufacturer of this famous grape. You will also see the former home of Gabriela Mistral, whose celebrated literature was inspired by the purity of these surroundings.

Elqui Domos
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 LA SERENA

Day 4 LA SERENA

Your excursion today takes you to the contrasting area of Fray Jorge National Park. Declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this vast forest contains flora similar to that found in southern Chile. This forest in a dry coastal zone is a phenomenon owing to the condensation of sea mist and provides a beautiful habitat for many animals. Later on, you will visit some archaeological remnants including petroglyphs left by ancient cultures. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.

Elqui Domos
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 LA SERENA – ATACAMA DESERT

Day 5 LA SERENA – ATACAMA DESERT

Continue your journey north with a flight to Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Thrust straight into the desert wilderness by driving through the Moon & Death Valleys. Here you will be able to witness barren lunarscapes and salt sculptures made by wind erosion, before enjoying one of the finest sunsets in Chile.

Altiplanico San Pedro De Atacama
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 ATACAMA DESERT

Day 6 ATACAMA DESERT

Today you head into the desert’s largest salt flat which is inhabited by various species of flamingo. Then arrive at the expansive lagoons that flow down from the nearby volcanoes, with the scenery mirrored in their beautiful crystal waters. Along the way you will come across traditional settlements constructed from adobe, cacti wood and volcanic stone. Opportunity to visit a workshop and crafts market before returning to your hotel.

Altiplanico San Pedro De Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 ATACAMA DESERT

Day 7 ATACAMA DESERT

An early start as you make your way to the Tatio Geysers where geothermal activity is at its peak at dawn, with some geysers spurting up to 8m high. After breakfast, enjoy the thermal pools before travelling on to a local village dedicated to herding and agriculture. At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel for your last night in Atacama.

Altiplanico San Pedro De Atacama
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 ATACAMA DESERT – UYUNI SALT FLATS (CHILE)

Day 8 ATACAMA DESERT – UYUNI SALT FLATS (CHILE)

This morning head to the Bolivian border at Hito Cajón and change vehicles to visit Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) at the foot of Licancabur Volcano. There is the option to go for a short hike to spot more Andean birdlife before arriving at your accommodation.

Los Flamencos Eco Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 UYUNI SALT FLATS

Day 9 UYUNI SALT FLATS

Your expedition continues across the Siloli desert where you pass more volcanoes and sulphurous lagoons en route to the largest salt flat in the world. Overnight at your lodge before setting off early the following day.

Luna Salada Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 UYUNI SALT FLATS

Day 10 UYUNI SALT FLATS

Finally, you will arrive at the Gran Salar de Uyuni where photo opportunities abound. Take in the magnificence of this natural wonder before hiking up the island of cacti located in the middle of the salt flat. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Luna Salada Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 UYUNI SALT FLATS – CALAMA – SANTIAGO (CHILE)

Day 11 UYUNI SALT FLATS – CALAMA – SANTIAGO (CHILE)

Transfer back into Chile before flying to Santiago from Calama, arriving late in the evening to your hotel.

Le Reve Boutique Hotel
Breakfast

Day 12 DEPART SANTIAGO

Day 12 DEPART SANTIAGO

This afternoon you can drop in at the famous Concha y Toro winery to tour around its grounds and cellars. Observe the wine production process and taste a few classic Chilean reds and whites. At the end of your excursion, you will be transferred back to the airport for your international flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

12 days from £7,610

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 14478 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Richard

Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640

Southern Bolivia is more than the Uyuni Salt Flats. Further south this surrealism grows at the Salvador Dalí Desert and dreamlike lakes like Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorado that burst with colours.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN BOLIVIA