best way to get into and tour bolivia in ten days?

Hi!

I'm currently studying in Valparaíso, Chile, and at the end of my semester I want to make a quick trip up north to visit northern Chile and Bolivia. The only problem is that I only have 10 days.

So, here's my question: What would be the fastest/most worthwhile way to get into bolivia? I'm mostly thinking at this point about the train from calama-uyuni or from arica to la paz.

There are those tours that leave from San Pedro de Atacama and leave you in Bolivia, but those take 3 days and I'm not sure that I have that time...

Advice?

gracias!

max.

I would suggest taking a flight from Santiago to Calama to cut out a long bus ride. Then its only a 3 hour bus ride to San Pedro, from there you can do a 3 or 4 day tour of the Bolivia Salt Flats and end up in Uyuni. This was definitely one of the highlights of South America so I really recommend doing it.

Max,

Yup, agree with the first poster, fly to Calama if you can; San Pedro is great for a couple of days, the salt flats are three days but 1/3 well spent. The salt flats and lakes are just unlike anything else in the world (that I've seen) and one of my most incredible travel experiences to date. From Uyuni you can take an overnight bus to La Paz, spend some time there. Fabulous city. I took a short trip to Copacabana, and while I wasn't as impressed with Copacabana or the Lago as I thought I'd be, the bus ride was another highlight of the trip. (local, from La Paz, not the tourist bus.) Ideally you'd have more time, but definitely get a taste of La Paz!
I'm jealous of your studies in Valpo, love that town.

Anne

Above suggestions good. San Pedro - Uyuni (you can do it in either direction) one of the highlights of trips through S America and stunning. La paz will be v different to what youve seen in Chile and you can easily spend a few days there or trips to nearby places (biking to Coroico, Tiahuanaco, Titicaca). To complete the circuit you could go by bus between La Paz and Arica and get a local flight between Santiago and Arica. Bus takes 7-8hrs and one of the most spectacular drives in S America, goes through both Sajama and Lauca Nat Parks (both well worth visiting if you like walking but probably not realisitic on your timeframe) If going from La Paz to Arica make sure you get seat on RHS of bus (LHS if Arica to La Paz) for views of huge volcanoes, buses mainly leave early am from either end.

Incidentally a friend in Uyuni told me last week the passenger train service between Calama and Uyuni has been suspended (was only one a week anyway), theres currently some sort of bus service but again only 1/2 a week. For a first visit the 3 day jeep tours probably best so you see most of highlights of the route.

I'd fly (or go by bus) to La Paz. From La Paz to Uyuni, where I'd start the salt flats tour, finishing off om the border and farther on in San Pedro de Atacama.
Afer that, back to Santiago and Vlpo, by bus