Altiplano & Gaucho Wanderer

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 important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in La Paz before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring La Paz.

A note on altitude: If you are joining in La Paz, we strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before the trip begins to allow additional time to acclimatise.

In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre.

Day 2: La Paz

Today we have a free day to enjoy La Paz

In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre.

Day 3: Potosí

Today we will leave La Paz behind and head to the colonial mining town of Potos , the highest town in the world, and once famous for the area's abundance of silver!

In Potos we will stay in a friendly local hotel.

Estimated Drive Time - 530km / 9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).

Day 4: Uyuni

After some free time in Potosi, we will continue our journey to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats.

In Uyuni we will stay in a friendly hotel, famous for serving the highest pizzas in the world!

Estimated Drive Time - 5 hours.

Day 5: 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!

Day 6: Bolivian Altiplano

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 the border into Chile, making camp soon afterwards.

Tonight we will bush camp in a remote spot with no facilities!

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Day 7-8: San Pedro De Atacama

Border information: Exit Bolivia and enter Chile at Ollague

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. Afterwards descending down to San Pedro de Atacama.

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

On the following day we will have a free day to explore the incredible highlights of the Atacama desert surrounding San Pedro. In the evening we will take an included trip out to the extraordinary Moon Valley, where we will hopefully see an incredible sunset. At night we will also have the chance to go stargazing, in one of the world's premier regions for astronomy (please note that this is only possible when there is not a full moon).

In San Pedro de Atacama we will stay in a centrally located hostel.

Please note: The weather in this region can be unpredictable and has been known to close the road to the border. On these occasions we will take an alternate route across the Altiplano, crossing into either Chile or Argentina at a different border point. Your Tour Leaders will keep you informed of any changes that may be necessary.

Special Event Notice: On 2nd July 2019 there will be a Solar Eclipse. Trip code: ZZB190626B departing La Paz on 26th June 2019, will experience a 77% eclipse during their stunning day drive across the Altiplano towards San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 9: Purmamarca

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 village of Purmamarca next to the aptly-named 'Hill of Seven Colours'

In Purmamarca we will camp in a local campsite.

Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.

Day 10: Salta

Today we will drive to the beautiful colonial city of Salta, where we will have time to freely explore on arrival.

In Salta we will stay in a local hotel or guesthouse.

Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.

Day 11: Salta

Today we will have a free day to explore the town of Salta, visit its many museums, or explore the beautiful surrounding hills on foot or by mountain bike. We will also have the chance to take the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernardo Hill overlooking the town, taking in some of the incredible mountian scenery nearby.

Day 12: Salta

Today we will have a short morning drive to a campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining!

Tonight we will continue our drive a short distance to wild camp in the stunning mountains nearby, or camp at the rafting base in Cabra Corral if preferred.

Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.

Day 13-14: Cafayate

Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate.

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

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! Over the next two days we will have the opportunity to go to a few of the vineyards nearby to see how the wine is made, and of course to try them!

In Cafayate we stay at a campsite with good facilities.

Day 15: Recreo

Today we will drive south over some more spectacular mountains and arrive in the lush flat 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 or stay in a basic campsite in the town of Recreo.

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Day 16-18: Estancia

Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights.

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding, taste the excellent wines produced by their vineyards, be entertained by a local musician, learn some of the skills of the gauchos, and enjoy a traditional asado (Argentine BBQ). This isa magical experience in a beautiful and atmospheric location, and many people's highlight of the trip!

Please note that some of these activities are subject to weather conditions. Please also note that there is a strict weight limit of 15 stone (210lbs) or 95kg to partake in the horse riding - if you should weigh more than this, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate in the horseback riding.

In the Estancia we will camp with facilities in the grounds near the main house.

Special Event Notice: On 2nd July 2019 there will be a Total Solar Eclipse. Trip code: ZZB190616B departing La Paz on 16th June 2019, will experience a 98% eclipse during their stay at our fabulous Estancia!

Day 19: Buenos Aires

Today we will have a full day drive to the wonderful city of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.

Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours.

Day 20: Buenos Aires

Today is a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.

Day 21: Buenos Aires

Border information: if you are finishing in Buenos Aires, you will most likely exit Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Buenos Aires. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you would like to arrange some extra nights of accommodation here after your trip.