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Atacama Desert and Uyuni salt flats: the best of Chile and Bolivia

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Atacama Desert and Uyuni salt flats: the best of Chile and Bolivia

  • 10-day trip
  • Ideal for: couples, families, seniors
  • icon voiture circuit autotour chili
    Guided
  • Difficulty : easy
  • Style: must-see, adventure, luxury
  • Minimum : 2 travelers

This itinerary is without a doubt one of South America’s most iconic, essential tours!

Explore the Altiplano, from the Atacama Desert to the Uyuni salt flats.  Discover the wonders of the driest deserts in the world on this exclusive tour of Chile and Bolivia. This desert package will take you to breathtaking, unforgettable landscapes through many unique experiences. Adventure and change of scenery are guaranteed!

Map
What to Expect

This itinerary begins in the Atacama Desert, which you can discover with our favorite private guide. After this off-the-beaten-path encounter with the desert, you will start a 4-day private expedition to the Uyuni salt flats in the South Lipez in Bolivia. You will discover the lagoons, geysers, and many other treasures of the Sur Lipez, and the grand finale is an amazing day in the most famous salt flat in the world. We will do our best so that you can experience this stunning location with as few people as possible, to fully enjoy the stillness and majesty of the desert. 

The itinerary allows you to explore the best of Chilean and Bolivian deserts. You will travel at a relatively intense pace that will permit you to make the most of your stay while visiting the highlights of the area. This tour includes a local private guide in Chile, an expert on the Andes region, and a private driver in Bolivia. Comfortable double rooms are provided in charming luxury accommodations.

  • Excursion to the heart of the Chilean Altiplano, breathtaking natural beauty
  • Swimming in the impressive Geysers el Tatio
  • Exploration of the Bolivian Altiplano, colorful lagoons in the salt desert
  • Discovery of the unique Moon Valley
  • 4-day all-inclusive expedition to the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
Itinerary

Day 1Discovery of the Chilean capital

Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. You can then set off to explore the iconic locales of this historic capital on foot. Do not miss Cerro San Cristobal and its breathtaking view, the Bellavista district and its colorful bars, or the historic center and its monuments rich with history.

Overnight: Maison Italia 1029, Santiago de Chile.

Day 2On the road to the Atacama Desert

Today you will depart for the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world! After your private transfer to Santiago’s airport, you will take a short flight to Calama. From there, your driver will take you to San Pedro de Atacama and your hotel. You can then begin your discoveries of San Pedro and its surroundings. We suggest you take a bicycle and explore the Garganta del Diablo!

Wrap up this first day with an epic night of stargazing with a local astronomy expert.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 3Journey to another planet: Moon and Rainbow valleys

Today you will visit extraordinary landscapes in Chile’s most impressive desert. 

In the morning, join your English-speaking guide to explore Moon Valley. The excursion then continues with a short walk of about 1 hour in Death Valley. It is truly like stepping foot onto another planet! In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the Arcoíris Valley, or Rainbow Valley, to discover geological wonders painted in a thousand colors.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 4Explore the best of the Chilean Altiplano

The excursion with your private guide begins with the picturesque village of Toconao. You will then go to the wonderful Lagunas Altiplanicas. You will learn about the formation of volcanoes, lagoons, and the entire geology of the Andes. You will then discover the Aguas Calientes and Talar salt flats. You can take a short hike in the area “Piedras Rojas”. You will then go to Tuyajto Lagoon. After a lunch in the village of Socaire in a traditional restaurant, your guide will take you through the village and introduce you to pre-Columbian culture techniques that are still useful nowadays. The day draws to a close with an unforgettable sunset over the Chaxa Lagoon.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 5 The impressive Geysers el Tatio

Rise with the sun so you can observe the fumaroles phenomenon of the Tatio geysers! After a hearty breakfast, you will fully enjoy the site’s tranquility.

You will then go to the white geyser which will offer you the opportunity to swim in between a river and hot springs, and then head to the mud geysers, a destination which only a well-equipped vehicle can access. You will descend to the bofedal de Putana to learn about the interdependent relationships between local flora and fauna, creating this subtle balance of the local habitat.

Take advantage of the free afternoon to relax and prepare for your departure for Uyuni with some souvenir shopping. Or, you can opt for some relaxation in Puritama springs or enjoy the spa in your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 6 En route to the Bolivian desert

Today you take off for your next destination: a 4-day tour to the Uyuni slat flat! First up, you will visit the highlights of the Bolivian altiplano, such as White Lake and Green Lake, located at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. Then, you will continue to Polques Lake and Termas de Polques, where you can bathe in hot springs amidst this supernatural setting. You can also discover small geysers called Sol de Mañana (at 16,000 feet). After lunch, your day will end with the discovery of the splendid Colorada Lagoon, a nesting center for more than 30,000 flamingos.

Note: the 4-day private excursion itinerary includes accommodation, food, a driver, and overnight stays in very comfortable hotel surrounded by nature. The trips will be made in a 4×4 vehicle. A private English-speaking guide can be reserved for an extra fee.

Overnight: Hotel Mallku Cueva, Mallcu.

Day 7Discovering the colorful lagoons

Explore the natural park more in depth and get closer to the salt flats of Bolivia. Today, you will visit the stone trees within the Sioli Desert, original rock formations caused by wind erosion.

The trip will continue with the discovery of several superb altiplanic lagoons (Laguna Honda, Laguna Chiarcota, and Laguna Cañapa), including the famous hidden lagoon which is full of surprises. Then, you will pass through the salt desert of Chiguana and the village of San Juan del Rosario.

Overnight: Luna Salada Salt Hotel, Salar de Uyuni.

Day 8The long awaited Uyuni salt flats

Depart at dawn to witness the sunrise over the Uyuni salt flats and the Cactus Island.

You will then visit the Island of Incahuasi, known as the Cactus Island, a limestone formation located in the center of the salt flat, followed by breakfast. After crossing the Uyuni Salt Flat, you can visit the salt mines, the salt museum, and the train cemetery. You will then make a stop at Colchani. Upon arrival at Uyuni village, you will have free time to explore. Afterwards, you will take the road back to San Pedro. Along the way, you will have dinner and sleep in Villamar, a traditional-style community.

Overnight: Hotel del Desierto, Cerro Siloli.

Day 9Heading back to Chile

Today you will continue your road trip towards the Hito Cajon border. You will have breakfast at the Chilean border, where a van–shared transportation–will be waiting to take you back to San Pedro de Atacama.

You can then take advantage of the afternoon to recover and relax after your action-packed visit to Uyuni.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama

Day 10Goodbye, South America!

It is time to hit the road to Santiago, the capital, before your return flight home. A transfer will take you to the Calama airport to catch your domestic flight. Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you have two options:

  • You can be taken back you to your hotel to continue your visit of the city. You will be able to explore the Bellavista district, for example, and end your stay in style with an aperitif on a panoramic terrace. Take advantage of our recommendations of the best restaurants in the city and enjoy one final pisco sour!
  • Or, if you are short on time, you can stay at the Santiago airport before hopping on your international flight back home. 

 

Recommended Airport

Santiago international airport

Price Includes

  • 9 nights in superior/deluxe private rooms with bathroom
  • Accommodations include WiFi, restaurant, bar, spa, and sauna (massages are charged separately).
  • 2 local flights per person
  • High quality private excursions in Atacama with an English-speaking guide
  • 4-day all-inclusive excursion in Uyuni (accommodations, meals, and transportation)
  • Private transfer to and from Santiago airport
  • Shared transfer to Calama airport
  • A customized travel guide
  • Full support on site

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Extras, such as massages and alcoholic beverages during the Uyuni trip
  • Tips
  • Private English-speaking guide on the Uyuni 4-day tour