The Road of Deserts in Bolivia and Chile
Between the Bolivian Altiplano and the Atacama Desert, a journey to the ends of the earth where colored lagoons and salt flats blend together.
Duration
17 days
From
€2,995/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
You dream of discovering the jewels of <Bolivie and <northern Chile and have less than 20 days… then this tailor-made program is ideal for you! After a relaxed acclimatization in <La Paz and on the <Lake Titicaca, you will set off to discover the impressive colors of the <colored lagoons of Lipez. ! A stop in <San Pedro d'Atacama is essential to discover all the mysteries surrounding it. Finally, the immensity of the <Salar d'Uyuni will have no more secrets for you. You will then finish gently with a visit to the <cities of Potosi and Sucre !
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovery of La Paz (3600m alt.)
Day dedicated to visiting the city of La Paz. Visit of the Andean markets, the colonial quarter, museums, and discovery of the cable car lines ! Not to be missed : the Plaza Murillo, calle Jaen and the cable car (the highest in the world) to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city of La Paz.
Night in the same hotel.
The Civilization of Tiwanaku and Route to Lake Titicaca
Departure towards the Tiwanaku site located 75 kilometres from the city of La Paz. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Discovery of the Akapana sites, the Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya temple and the monoliths "Benett" and "Ponce". Visit to the museum before lunch (free) on site.
In the afternoon, we take the road to the city of Copacabana, where we settle in at our hotel.
Hiking on the shores of Lake Titicaca
Departure by private boat to the Lourdes cave. Walking tour on the peninsula along the shores of Lake Titicaca to reach the village of Yampupata. We discover rural Bolivie and fully enjoy the landscapes, with the Royal Cordillera. Possibility to visit the authentic stone village of Zampaya.
Walking time: approximately 5 hours
Elevation gain: +600m/-425m
Navigation to the Yumani landing dock located south of Sun Island. Climb on foot to reach the accommodation.
The Island of the Moon, Discovery of the Temple of the Nustas
We continue exploring Lake Titicaca with a visit to the impressive Inca stairway and the fountain with three water sources. Descent to the pier to rejoin our boat.
Navigation to the Island of the Moon. This was a sacred place inhabited only by women. Some of them (the most beautiful) were candidates to become the wife of the Inca emperor. Visit of the Temple of the Nustas (the Virgins of the Sun).
Return to Copacabana port
After lunch, drive to the city of La Paz.
Transfer by private vehicle to El Alto airport.
On the way to South Lipez
Uyuni → Quetena
Expedition in 4x4 vehicle. Discovery of the Train Cemetery located on the outskirts of the city. Discovery of the Valley of Rocks where erosion has created curious shapes several meters high. Some more interesting than others!
Drive to reach the village of Quetena
Lagoons & Volcanoes
Quetena → San Pedro de Atacama
The trail then continues to the hot springs of Polques (4,000 m). Crossing a pass at nearly 5,000 m altitude before stopping at the "Sol de Mañana" site (4,850 m altitude). Walk around numerous geysers and fumaroles. Head towards the border with Chile. On the way, passage near the "Dali Desert" with its supernatural landscapes. Arrival at Laguna Blanca and especially Laguna Verde (4,300 m) with its green color dominated by Licancabur Volcano
Meeting with the Chilean team at the Hito Cajon border post. Private transfer to the hotel located in San Pedro de Atacama (2 hours drive), an oasis in the middle of the Atacama desert.
Around 4:00 PM, departure for the Salt Cordillera, located between the Domeyko range and the Andes. You will begin your excursion with a short walk in the Valley of Death. Discovery of the Valley of the Moon. Walk around the Central Crater, to have the best view of the valley, the amphitheater and of course, the "Tres Marías"…An unforgettable sunset.
Salar d´Atacama & Santa Romina Vineyard
Departure for a tour of the Salar d'Atacama. The Salar d'Atacama is the largest salar in Chile. Its area is 3,000 km2. Located within the Atacama desert, the driest on the planet. The surroundings are home to three species of flamingos: the Andean flamingo, the Chilean flamingo and the James's flamingo. Then, heading to the village of Toconao. On the road, magnificent views of the Licancabur volcano. Visit of the village of Toconao and its church. Toconao perpetuates the tradition of working with liparita stone extracted locally. A stroll through the "Bosqueviejo" area where there is a 50-meter-high waterfall. Visit to the Santa Romina vineyard in the Toconao estate. Discovery of the winery of the Ayllu wine community. To finish, tasting of a selection of 3 wines with pairings. Don't leave without your limited vintage bottle! Lunch served in the vineyard restaurant.
Tatio Geysers & Puritama Hot Springs
Very early in the morning, drive towards the Tatio geysers located at 4,300m. Breakfast will be provided on site. Arrival at sunrise, the time when the geysers are most spectacular. With nearly , El Tatio is the largest site in the southern hemisphere with approximately 80 active geysers. Despite the large number of geysers, they are not very tall. The highest eruption reaches 6 meters. This site is visited at dawn, when the temperature difference (it can freeze down to –20°C) allows you to admire the formation of steam chimneys. Lunch in the form of a packed lunch. On the way back to San Pedro d'Atacama, we will enjoy a relaxing bath in the Puritama hot springs. These revitalizing waters rise from the underground at temperatures close to 33°C (91.4°F). The hot springs are sulfuric and recommended for the relief of rheumatic diseases. Dinner menu in a local restaurant In the evening, we will attend an astronomical observation. After a presentation of Andean astronomy, you will continue with a second part to recognize the night sky with the naked eye. For the third part of the program, you will begin to use different telescopes for a more in-depth observation of astronomical objects such as planets, nebulae, star clusters and giant, dwarf, red, white stars, etc.
Laguna Colorada & Colorful Landscapes
San Pedro de Atacama → Laguna Colorada
Departure from the hotel in a private vehicle to reach the small border post of HitoCajon. Meeting with the Bolivian team.
Drive to reach in late morning the Laguna Blanca and especially the Laguna Verde (4300 m). The track then continues to the thermal springs of Polques (4000 m). Continuation of the journey to reach the Laguna Colorada. It finally comes into view. An extended stop is necessary to contemplate this exceptional lagoon. It welcomes numerous colonies of pink flamingos. Night in a lodge
Routes of the Lagoons
Laguna Colorada → San Juan de Rosario
Route to reach the Siloli desert to admire the stone tree. Head north on the Jewels Route, a series of several incredible lagoons (Honda, Ch'arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa) some of which are home to colonies of pink flamingos. A short break is necessary to contemplate the Ollaguë and Tomasamil volcanoes. We reach the village of San Juan which closes out this beautiful day.
Walking time: 4 hours
The Salt Desert
San Juan de Rosario → Uyuni
We tread today on the mythical Salar of Uyuni, which for many is nothing other than the most beautiful salt desert in the world. Crossing this immense immaculate surface, one of the most striking experiences of this journey that we will remember for a long time. This paradise on earth with its infinitely white landscape is simply magical. An island in a sea of salt, the Incahuasi Island or Casa del Inca, is astounding with its many cacti so tall they seem to touch the sky.
Tambo Aymara Hotel
On the way to Potosi
Route towards the imperial city of Potosí. On the way, visit to Pulacayo, a mining site dating from the 19th century which was the second largest silver mine in the world. Arrival at the imperial city late in the morning. Free lunch.
Visit to the Casa de la Moneda, a museum that traces the history of the city through silver coins that were produced there during Spanish times.
A small anecdote: the mask of the main patio was sculpted in 1850 by French Eugenio Martínez Mulón. For some, it represents Diego Hualpa, the native who, according to legend, would have discovered the vein of Cerro Rico. For others, it symbolizes Bacchus, the Greek god of wine and abundance. This, because of the bunches of grapes on his head.
The Mines of Cerro Rico
First, we head to the miners' market to buy coca leaves, cigarettes and alcohol that we will give to the miners. Then we start the actual visit to the Cerro Rico Mines where the world's largest silver deposit was located.
Free lunch and drive to the colonial city of Sucre.
Sucre, colonial city
Meet with our guide to visit the city with four names (Charcas, Chuquisaca, la Plata and Sucre, its most commonly used name). Sucre, the white city, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site, is in itself an open-air museum of what life was like during the colonial era. We visit the 25 de Mayo square, the Simon Bolivar park, the Recoleta Convent, the ethnographic textile museum (ASUR) and the unmissable Casa de la Libertad (closed Sunday afternoon and Monday).
Night in the same hotel.
Have a good trip!
Start of free day until the time of transfer to the airport for our return international flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance with Repatriation Assistance
- Individual equipment required
- The accommodation supplement for Single room basis
- The international round-trip flight
- Tips intended for local teams
- Beverages as well as all personal extras
- Airport tax for domestic flights
Included
- English-speaking local guides
- English-speaking drivers
- Private transportation mentioned in the program
- Accommodation in hotels on double/twin room basis
- Accommodation in hostels/refuges
- The meals described in the program
- National park entrances, historical sites, museums, churches
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Bolivie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Bolivie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Bolivie.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours par an sur le territoire bolivien. Cette durée est comptabilisée sur l'année calendaire et ne peut généralement pas être dépassée sans démarche administrative spécifique.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour.
Carte de tourisme
À l'arrivée en Bolivie, les voyageurs peuvent être invités à remplir une carte de tourisme ou un formulaire d'entrée remis par les services d'immigration boliviens, notamment lors d'une entrée par voie terrestre.
Ce document permet aux autorités de recueillir certaines informations nécessaires à l'entrée sur le territoire :
informations du passeport
motif et durée du séjour
adresse du premier hébergement en Bolivie
Il est conseillé de conserver ce document pendant toute la durée du séjour, car il peut être réclamé lors de la sortie du territoire.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucun vaccin n'est officiellement exigé pour entrer en Bolivie depuis l'EEE, la Suisse ou le Canada. Toutefois, la vaccination contre la fièvre jaune est fortement recommandée pour les voyageurs se rendant dans les régions tropicales de basse altitude (Amazonie, départements de Beni et Santa Cruz).
Il est également conseillé de se renseigner sur les risques liés au paludisme dans certaines zones rurales et de prendre les précautions appropriées. L'altitude élevée de certaines destinations boliviennes (La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni) peut provoquer un mal des montagnes (soroche) : une consultation médicale avant le départ est recommandée.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Les autorités boliviennes peuvent également demander des documents attestant du lien de parenté ou de l'autorisation parentale.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Bolivie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Bolivia visa-free with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry. The exact authorized length of stay varies depending on your nationality. Before booking, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Bolivian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 130 and 220 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (1000-1400 euros return) are additional. Bolivia remains one of the most affordable Andean destinations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Altiplano
Explorer of the Bolivian Andes, based in La Paz
In Bolivia, the mountain is more than just beautiful: it forces you to slow down, to breathe differently, and to find your true place.
— Anne
