Altiplano & Gaucho Explorer
21 days
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Group Tour
This is a journey across the roof of the Andes, from the high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina’s grasslands. It crosses the spectacular passes of the Andes three times along remote seldom travelled routes with spectacular volcanoes and high lakes studded with flamingos.
This is overlanding at its best and you will travel from the high plateau to the dept...
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- 2 nights in the world's highest capital city, La Paz
- Day trip on the surreal Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
- Visit the Uyuni train graveyard
- 2 day crossing of the desolate and surreal Altiplano
- Star gaze at Moon Valley at San Pedro de Atacama
- Spectacular drive down Route 40 to see Quebrada de las Conchas
- Visit vineyards in Cafayete
- Walk around the ruins of Quilmes
- 3 night stay in an traditional isolated Argentian estancia with gauchos
- Ride beautiful horses in unspoilt location
What's this trip about?
This is a journey across the roof of the Andes, from the high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina’s grasslands. It crosses the spectacular passes of the Andes three times along remote seldom travelled routes with spectacular volcanoes and high lakes studded with flamingos.
This is overlanding at its best and you will travel from the high plateau to the depths of the Atacama, the driest desert on Earth and the desert settlement of San Pedro, before heading to the west of the Andes and the grasslands of Argentina.
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Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityLa Paz
End CitySantiago
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- All activities that are listed as included
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Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
Border information: if you are joining in La Paz, you will most likely enter Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).
Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world! There will be an importan...
Day 2: La Paz
Today we will have a free day to make the most of the extrodinary city of La Paz, explore the witches market or take a mountain biking trip down the World's Most Dangerous Road.
Day 3: Uyuni
Estimated Drive Time - 9hrs
Today we will drive south to Uyuni, the gateway to the incredible salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni.
In Uyuni we will stay in a friendly hotel, famous for serving the highest pizzas in the world!
Day 4: Salar De Uyuni
Today we will venture out onto the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, spending a full day exploring this phenomenal location by jeep and on foot. En route we will explore the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island', and take all the time we need to get plenty of perspective-bending photographs!
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
Day 5: Bolivian Altiplano
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will head off across the wilds of the Altiplano, a surreal and desolate desert landscape that stretches all the way into Chile. We will make plenty of stop for photographs on the way and at the end of the day we aim to cross ...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Take the epic journey across the Altiplano - an incredible high-altitude adventure through a surreal desert landscape, taking in bizarre rock formations and stunning lakes.
Day 6-7: San Pedro De Atacama
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
After breakfast we will break camp, and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa on the Chilean part of the Altiplano, stopping off en route for photographs and a lunch stop at the famous El Tatio Geysers, the worlds highes...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley
Experience the incredible El Tatio geysers in the mountains high above the Atacama Desert
Day 8-9: Salta
Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours.
Border information: Exit Chile at Paso Jama, enter Argentina at Paso Jama.
Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Argentina, and reach the beautiful town of Salta.
In Salta we will st...
Day 10-11: Cafayate
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate. This small unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentina's principal wine producing regions, famous ...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit the impressive rock formations of 'El Amphiteatro' and 'La Garganta del Diablo' en route through the primeval landscape of the Quebrada de las Conchas
Day 12: Recreo, Quilmes Ruins
Estimated Drive Time - 10 hours.
Today we will drive south through spectacular mountains and arrive in the pampas that Argentina is famous for. We will visit the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes en route.
Tonight we will aim to wild camp en route.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit the Quilmes ruins
Day 13-15: Estancia
Estimated Drive Time - 5hours.
Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights.
During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding. This is a magical experience in a beautiful and many people's highlight of the tri...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life
Day 16: Córdoba
Today we will have a leisurely start after breakfast to the city of Cordoba, where we will enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city.
Day 17-18: Mendoza
Estimated Drive Time - 9 hours.
Today we will have a very early start for a full day's drive to the stunning town of Mendoza, nestled in the dry flats underneath the shadows of the largest mountains of the Andes. Mendoza is the centre of Argentine wine production, and ...
Day 19-20: Santiago
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
Border information: Exit Argentina at Los Libertadores, enter Chile at Paso Cristo Redentor.
Today we will drive over the stunning Cristo Redentor pass in the high Andes, passing Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere) and heading to the Chilean capital of Santiago.
In Santiago we will stay in a centrally located hostel.
Day 21: Santiago
Border information: if you are finishing in Santiago, you will most likely exit Chile at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA code: SCL)
Today is a free day to explore the cosmopolitan Chilean capital.
Today is the end day for passengers finishi...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $1,575
Price per day$75
Last Updated: 1/7/2022
Pricing details includes
The Trip Price, which is payable to Dragoman or your travel agent before departure.
The Kitty Payment, which is payable to your tour leader in cash when you join your trip, or in advance via bank transfer.
The Trip Price covers the cost of all our operations, including the running of our trucks ,our staff, and the provision of local guides around the world where needed, plus local transport, if for some reason we can’t use our trucks.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
Absolutely loved it
Absolutely loved it, every single aspect of the trip was perfect
Estancia was the best part of the trip
The Estancia was the best part of the trip, so relaxing and fun
The Machu Picchu community trek were most excellent
The guides for the Machu Picchu community trek were most excellent. Piero especially was fantastic as a guide and made the whole trip even more enjoyable with his kn...
The Inca Trail staff with were fantastic
The Inca Trail staff with were fantastic. I was really impressed ...
All the local guides were excellent.
All the local guides were excellent.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers
- Border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city
- Passports and visas
- Vaccinations and first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Meals Included
15 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 8 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
dragom-ZZS
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