Deserts and Salt Flats — Argentina, Chile, Bolivia
A crossing over three countries at high altitude: the Argentine North, the Atacama desert and the Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia.
Day
by day.
Departure from home country
International flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight on board.
Arrival and city visit
Arrival at the international airport and connection to the flight to Salta. Transfer to the hotel and visit to the historic centre: Cabildo, Cathedral, San Francisco and Convento de San Bernardo.
Calchaqui Valleys
4x4 excursion through the Calchaqui Valleys to Cachi, head of the valley, dominated by the Nevado.
Route 40
Route 40 through Molinos, Angastaco and the Las Flechas River Gorge. Free afternoon in Cafayate.
Las Conchas Gorge
Free morning to visit wineries. Return to Salta through the Las Conchas Gorge.
Back to high altitudes
Tastil, San Antonio de los Cobres, Salinas Grandes and descent via the Cuesta de Lipan to Purmamarca.
Humahuaca Gorge
Humahuaca, Uquia, Huacalera and Tilcara. Option: rural community of Hornaditas with shared lunch.
Crossing to Chile
Scheduled bus to San Pedro de Atacama (approx. 8 hours). Accommodation.
Valley of the Moon
A natural sanctuary in the Cordillera de la Sal with sculptural eroded forms.
Atacama Salt Flat and highland lagoons
Atacama Salt Flat, Miscanti and Minique Lagoons (4,300 m) and the village of Toconao.
Tatio Geysers
Geothermal field at dawn (4,320 m), with boiling water pools and the ancestral village of Machuca.
Crossing to Bolivia and Laguna Colorada
Hito Cajon. Private 4x4 to Eduardo Abaroa National Park: Laguna Verde, Salvador Dali Desert, hot springs, geysers, Laguna Colorada and Arbol de Piedra. Overnight at Los Flamencos Ecohotel.
Entering the Salt Flat
Laguna Canapa, Ollague volcano, Incahuasi Island (home to giant cacti) and sunset over the salt flat.
Uyuni Salt Flat
Sajchilla Island, the first salt hotel, salt eyes, pyramids, the Colchani community, train cemetery and transfer to Tupiza.
Return to Argentina
Border crossing at Villazon, onward to San Salvador de Jujuy and flight to Buenos Aires.
Return
Transfer to the airport for the international return flight.
