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SHORTLIST

Real Bolivia & Argentina

Get off the tourist trail on this extraordinary adventure through Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Kick things off in the Altiplano city of La Paz and check out the potions and artifacts at the local Witches' Market. Journey to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats – one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. Drive through the Atacama Desert past volcans, lakes, llamas and flamingos, then dip into San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to soak up more desert scenery. Your adventure wraps up in the lively city of Buenos Aires in Argentina, where you’ll sample some local snacks at the market and say goodbye to your new group of friends.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (overnight bus), Days 3 and 4 (Dormitory) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2.Nationals from the United States need a visa to enter Bolivia and you we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or Embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border. Please see the 'Passport and Visas' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please read our Essential Trip Information to learn more about altitude sickness.

5.We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available, there is a daily limit for withdrawals and the exchange rate ds fluctuate.

6. This trip includes a domestic flight within Argentina. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage. Should you wish to bring heavier luggage it is possible to increase your allowance by paying a fee at check in.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$2,590
Number of Days
12
Start Location
La Paz, Bolivia
End Location
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Age Range
18 to 39
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Basic
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: La Paz
Bienvenidos! Welcome to La Paz. The highest capital city in the world, this Bolivian hub rests on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau, 3500 m above sea level. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, why not head out to find the perfect dinner spot (your leader will have lots of recommendations) or explore the nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Day 2: La Paz
Today, you’ll head out on a brief guided walk with your leader. La Paz is a city renowned for its markets, especially the Mercado de Hechiceria (the Witches' Market), which sells potions, incantations, stones and artefacts. Ask a local about their significance – most people are happy to explain. Then, you’ll have some free time to explore. Maybe visit the Coca Museum, which isn’t too far from your hotel in the Rosario district. Late this afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Uyuni. There are comfortable recliner seats on the bus, but it can be cold on board, so it’s important to bring warm clothing and wear base layers. There’s usually a toilet on the bus, and the driver will make a couple of stops along the way.
Day 3: Uyuni
This morning you’ll arrive in Uyuni Town. This remote town sits on the edge of the high Altiplano – a wilderness area extending for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Over the next three days, you’ll explore Bolivia’s highlights and fascinating landscapes in a 4WD – an experience of a lifetime! The first stop will be an eerie Train Cemetery (a super unique photo spot), then, you’ll continue to Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. This is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world and definitely a trip highlight, so make sure you take some amazing photos, explore on foot and take it all in. Make the most of your time on the salt flats before exploring Inka Wasi Isla – a rocky island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.
Day 4: Salar de Uyuni
Today will be spent driving through the spectacular landscape of the Andean (Atacama) Desert, surrounded by volcans and lakes. Stop by the red lake of Laguna Colorada, where you’ll be able to spot wildlife like llamas, flamingos, viscachas and foxes feasting in the nutrient-rich waters. Tonight you’ll spend a night in the desert under the stars.
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama
This morning, rise and shine early to embrace the cold and stop by the desert’s natural thermal baths for an optional soak. Then head to the Bolivia and Chile border, where the Bolivian part of your trip comes to an end. Pass by geysers, salt flats and snow-capped volcans on your way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. As a small oasis town, San Pedro is surrounded by extraordinary scenery. Arriving around 3 pm, your night is free to find a delicious local dinner with your group.
Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama
Over the next two days, get under the skin of San Pedro. The local cafe and restaurant scene has grown considerably over the last couple of years, with a mix of Chilean, French and Italian influences, so you’ll definitely find a great spot for lunch and dinner. Take a self-guided walk around the old square and people-watch with a cup of coffee or consider joining an astronomy tour tonight once the stars come out and bring out your inner stargazer – just chat to your leader for details.
Day 8: Salta
Today will be a long day of travel as you leave San Pedro and head for Salta, Argentina. Salta's rich history, architecture, friendly locals and natural surroundings make it one of Argentina's main attractions. Grab a window seat or a good book and watch the scenery pass you by. Tonight, you’re free to rest or head out for a late dinner when you arrive.
Day 9: Salta to Buenos Aires
After breakfast, today is a free day to explore Salta and its many attractions. If you’re after something active, hike up the 1070 steps to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo, the mountain that looms over Salta. If you'd prefer, you can also take a gondola (cable car) to the top to take in the views of the mountainous city below. Either way, the view from the top is magnificent!
Day 10: Buenos Aires
After breakfast and a free morning in Salta, you’ll take an included flight to Buenos Aires – Argentina's capital. When you arrive, you might like to head to a local tango show or a football match. Maybe grab a steak and glass of Malbec (the steak and wine combo are what Argentina is known for) in one of the city’s fashionable restaurants for dinner.
Day 11: Buenos Aires
This morning, head to San Telmo market with your leader and sample some empanadas (a must-try in Buenos Aires) and some local ice cream (Argentina’s famous dulce de leche). The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Join the tourists and walk among the tombs at the La Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. Visit the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, the Boca Juniors. If you need to rest your feet, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes to watch the world go by with the locals. Tonight, why not head out to a couple of bars with your group for some classic Argentinian nightlife?
Day 12: Buenos Aires
After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today, so you can leave the accommodation at any time after check-out.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Plane, Overnight bus, Local bus, 4x4.
  • Accommodation: Dormitory (2 nights), Hotel (8 nights), Overnight bus (1 night).
  • La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'.
  • La Paz - Orientation Walk.
  • Uyuni - Salt flats tour.
  • Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'.
  • Uyuni - Orientation Walk.
  • Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit.
  • Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada.
  • Salta - Orientation walk.
  • Buenos Aires - San Telmo Market Visit with Snacks.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
01 Dec 2025 12 Dec 2025 4 $3,150
08 Dec 2025 19 Dec 2025 8 $2,682
22 Dec 2025 02 Jan 2026 1 $3,325
07 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 8 $2,695
18 Feb 2026 01 Mar 2026 9 $2,680
04 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026 13 $2,625
18 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026 12 $2,625
25 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 13 $2,625
01 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 12 $2,590
08 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 16 $2,590
22 Apr 2026 03 May 2026 12 $2,665
13 May 2026 24 May 2026 13 $2,665
27 May 2026 07 Jun 2026 16 $2,665
03 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026 15 $2,665
17 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026 10 $2,795
01 Jul 2026 12 Jul 2026 15 $2,665
08 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 15 $2,665
22 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 10 $2,665
29 Jul 2026 09 Aug 2026 16 $2,665
05 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 16 $2,745
19 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 14 $2,745
26 Aug 2026 06 Sep 2026 13 $2,745
09 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 16 $2,745
16 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 13 $2,745
30 Sep 2026 11 Oct 2026 15 $2,745
07 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 15 $2,795
14 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 16 $2,795
21 Oct 2026 01 Nov 2026 16 $2,795
28 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 16 $2,795
11 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 16 $2,795
18 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 16 $2,795
25 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 16 $2,795
02 Dec 2026 13 Dec 2026 16 $2,795
09 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 16 $2,745
23 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 13 $2,745
06 Jan 2027 17 Jan 2027 15 $2,720
13 Jan 2027 24 Jan 2027 16 $2,720
20 Jan 2027 31 Jan 2027 16 $2,720
17 Feb 2027 28 Feb 2027 16 $2,720
03 Mar 2027 14 Mar 2027 16 $2,720
17 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 16 $2,720
24 Mar 2027 04 Apr 2027 16 $2,720
31 Mar 2027 11 Apr 2027 16 $2,800
07 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 16 $2,800
21 Apr 2027 02 May 2027 16 $2,800
12 May 2027 23 May 2027 16 $2,800
26 May 2027 06 Jun 2027 16 $2,800
02 Jun 2027 13 Jun 2027 16 $2,720
16 Jun 2027 27 Jun 2027 16 $2,720
07 Jul 2027 18 Jul 2027 15 $2,800
21 Jul 2027 01 Aug 2027 16 $2,800
28 Jul 2027 08 Aug 2027 16 $2,800
04 Aug 2027 15 Aug 2027 16 $2,880
18 Aug 2027 29 Aug 2027 16 $2,880
25 Aug 2027 05 Sep 2027 16 $2,880
08 Sep 2027 19 Sep 2027 16 $2,880
15 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 16 $2,880
29 Sep 2027 10 Oct 2027 16 $2,935
06 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027 16 $2,935
13 Oct 2027 24 Oct 2027 16 $2,935
20 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 16 $2,935
27 Oct 2027 07 Nov 2027 16 $2,935
10 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027 16 $2,935
17 Nov 2027 28 Nov 2027 16 $2,935
24 Nov 2027 05 Dec 2027 16 $2,935
01 Dec 2027 12 Dec 2027 16 $2,880
08 Dec 2027 19 Dec 2027 16 $2,880
22 Dec 2027 02 Jan 2028 16 $2,880