Santiago To La Paz

All content by Intrepid

21 days (ex Santiago)

Destinations visited: Chile, Santiago, Bolivia, Argentina, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,165

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Description

Travel to South America and set off on an unforgettable adventure through the soaring Andes, meeting friendly locals and discovering the rich culture and breathtaking scenery of this remarkable region. Starting in Chile's vibrant Santiago, this incredible journey continues through Argentina's picturesque wine region and includes an estancia stay - the perfect opportunity to unleash that inner gaucho. Discover the delights of colonial Salta before crossing into Bolivia to admire the mesmerising salt flats of Salar de Uyuni and fiery-red Laguna Colorada before finishing the adventure in colourful La Paz. This amazing trip is the perfect way to experience the best of this spectacular region.

Highlights

Explore Chile's cosmopolitan Santiago.
Visit Argentina and chill out in beautiful Mendoza.
Tuck into a barbecue feast on a cattle ranch.
Sip Argentinean wine in Cafayate.
Admire the colonial architecture of Salta.
Be amazed by Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni.
Learn about mining in Potosi.
Keep up with the bustle of La Paz.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Santiago

Start the journey by walking the streets of Chile's atmospheric capital, Santiago.

Days 3-4 Mendoza

Kick back in the heart of Argentina's wine country. Make the most of the chilled vibe by sipping wine in bars, relaxing in outdoor cafes or strolling the shaded boulevards of Mendoza.

Days 5-8 Estancia Stay

Experience Argentina's hospitality while staying on a working cattle ranch. Explore the Pampas on horseback before savouring the mouth-watering aromas and succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue.

Day 9 Quilmes

Visit the ruins of Quilmes, the ancient home of a tribe that resisted both the Incas and even the Spanish for over 100 years. Walk through the crumbling structures and picture the city as it once was.

Day 10 Cafayate

Learn about local wine production on a guided vineyard tour, perhaps taking the opportunity to indulge in some renowned blends.

Days 11-13 Salta

Delight in the laidback atmosphere of this elegant colonial city. Relax in Salta's main plaza, discover the pumping nightlife or admire art in galleries.

Day 14 San Pedro de Atacama

Journey towards the Chilean border, camping among spectacular scenery.

Day 15 Bolivian Altiplano

Head for Uyuni, passing by Laguna Colorado and Verde along the way. Stay on the Bolivian Antiplano, deep in the wilderness, where you are more likely to see a llama or a flamingo than another human being.

Days 16-17 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni

Gaze in awe at the seemingly endless expanse of Bolivia's largest salt flats before admiring the remarkable red waters of Laguna Colorada.

Day 18 Potosi

Soak up the barren yet impressive Andean landscape en route to this colonial mining town where there's the chance to go on an optional tour of a working mine.

Day 19 Livichuco

Head to the small community of Livichuco and see an area of Bolivia that is virtually undisturbed by tourists. Stay with a local community and share in their songs and dances before sitting down to enjoy an authentic local meal, made from recipes passed down through generations.

Days 20-21 La Paz

Celebrate an amazing journey in one of South America's most fascinating cities. Browse the city's many bustling markets or simply sit in a cafe and watch the world go by.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts), Camping (with facilities) (8 nts), Hostel (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Jeep

Budget

Allow USD $315 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,165

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