Altiplano & Gaucho Wanderer
21 days
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Group Tour
From Bolivia’s high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina’s grasslands, this trip takes you through some of South America’s most beautiful landscapes. Most stunning of all is the dramatic expanse of the salt plains of Salar de Uyuni and we will cross the Altiplano along remote, seldom travelled routes, criss-crossing wild plateaux studded with volcanoes and lak...
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule
Highlights
- Explore the witches market & the dizzy heights of 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 in the Moon Valley at San Pedro de Atacama
- Take the cable car for a spectacular view of Salta
- Spectacular drive down Route 40 to see Quebrada de las Conchas
- 2 nights to visit vineyards in Cafayate
- Walk around the ruins of Quilmes
- 3 night stay in a traditional isolated Argentian estancia with the Gauchos
What's this trip about?
From Bolivia’s high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina’s grasslands, this trip takes you through some of South America’s most beautiful landscapes. Most stunning of all is the dramatic expanse of the salt plains of Salar de Uyuni and we will cross the Altiplano along remote, seldom travelled routes, criss-crossing wild plateaux studded with volcanoes and lakes full of flamingos; it is truly spectacular.
Bolivia was the economic engine of the Spanish empire and nowhere more so than the historic city of Potosi with its giant silver and tin mines and the political centre of La Paz. We descend from the Andes into Chile’s Atacama Desert, to visit the atmospheric town of San Pedro before crossing the Andes again and heading into the beautiful arid regions of Argentina and the wonderful colonial city of Salta. Argentina’s route 40 is truly spectacular cutting through remote red mountains beset with vine covered valleys.
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Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityBuenos Aires
End CityLa Paz
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All the accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- Prices in the brochure are correct at the time of printing, but may vary during the year
- Up-to-date prices are on the website.
- All prices are listed on a per person basis, based on shared accommodation where applicable.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also commonly known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentin...
Day 2: Buenos Aires
Today we have a free day to enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Day 3: Córdoba
Today we will have a full day drive to the lively university city of Córdoba.
In Córdoba we will stay in a hostel close to the city centre.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the tr...
Day 4-6: Estancia
Today we will have a free morning to explore Córdoba, before driving to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia after lunch, where we will stay for 3 nights.
Estimated Drive Time - 1-2 hours.
During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding, taste the exc...
Day 7: Tafí Del Valle
Today we will drive north across the lush flat pampas and start climbing into the drier mountains, stopping near the town of Tafí del Valle, near the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes.
Tonight we will camp in a basic campsite near the town of Tafí del Valle.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the Quilmes ruins
Included in Kitty
Day 8: Cafayate, Quilmes Ruins
Today we will have an included visit to the Quilmes Ruins en route, then arrive in the serene town of Cafayate. This small, unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentina's principal wine producing regions, famous for the quality of its Torrentes and Tannat wines! We ...
Day 9: Salta
Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach our campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining!
Tonight we will camp at the rafting base in Cabra Corral.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Day 10-11: Salta
Today we will have a short drive to the beautiful town of Salta, with a free afternoon to explore upon arrival.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
On the following day, we will have a free day to explore the town of Salta, visit its many museums, or explore the beauti...
Day 12: Purmamarca
Today we will have some more free time in Salta before heading up to the small village of Purmamarca, at the base of the aptly-named 'Hill of the Seven Colours'
In Purmamarca we will camp at a local campsite.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Day 13-14: San Pedro De Atacama
Border information: Exit Argentina and enter Chile at Paso Jama.
Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Chile, and then descend all the way into the Atacama desert.
Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours.
On the following d...
Day 15: Bolivian Altiplano
We will depart San Pedro de Atacama early today to drive to the world's highest Geyser field, at 4300m above sea level, the El Tatio Geysers are an impressive sight first thing in the morning. After time to explore, we will continue our journey into the Reserva Nacional...
Day 16: Uyuni
Border information: Exit Chile and enter Bolivia at Ollague
After breakfast we will break camp and cross the border into Bolivia. We will take our time to enjoy the views on the way to the town of 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!
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Day 17: 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!
Included Activities
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
Included in Kitty
Day 18: Potosí
Today we will head to the colonial mining town of Potosí, the highest town in the world, and once famous for the area's abundance of silver!
This afternoon there will be a chance to visit the infamous silver mines of Cerro Rico near to the town.
In Potosí we will stay in a friendly local hotel.
Estimated Drive time - 4hrs
Day 19-20: La Paz
Today we will drive north to La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world!
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day we will have a free day to independently explore the fascinating city and take part in some optional activities.
In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre.
Day 21: La Paz
Border information: if you are finishing in La Paz, you will most likely exit Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in La Paz. Please note there is no accommodation included on the tri...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $1,615
Price per day$77
Last Updated: 1/7/2022
Pricing details:
1. The Trip Price, which is payable to Dragoman or your travel agent before departure. 2. 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
Neill was fantastic throughout the whole trip
Neill was fantastic throughout the whole trip, especially when faced with several problems with strikes and blockages. We were even lucky enough to enter the Salt Fl...
Amazing
Julie and Rob were amazing, both went well beyond the requirements to make the trip memorable.
Crew were excellent
Crew were excellent hosts and we were well looked after on the trip
The whole trip was excellent
The whole trip was excellent, I took part in both the Lima to Cuzco leg and again from Cafayate to Buenos Aires, and there were incredible opportunities during both ...
The camping equipment is solid and quite easy to assemble
The camping equipment is solid and quite easy to assemble. The truck is very convenient and has almost everything it needs to provide a good experience. A lot of lit...
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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, visas, vaccinations, first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Upgrades
- 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
18 Breakfasts,11 Lunches and 11 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
dragom-ZZB
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