Essence of Bolivia and Chile

Land at El Alto International Airport (La Paz-Bolivia) and transfer to the hotel on your own (a private transfer can be arranged against surcharge). Afternoon at leisure. Meet your guide in the evening and get a briefing about upcoming activities and destinations. Overnight at your hotel in La Paz

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Uyuni (flight not included). Arrival to Uyuni and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Uyuni

After breakfast depart for the renowned Uyuni Salt Flats. The Salt Flats of Uyuni were once part of a prehistoric inland sea called Lake Minchin, which included most of southwestern Bolivia. With more than 12,000 km2 in land area, it’s considered the largest salt desert in the world. Observe the process of extraction and refinement of salt. Visit Incahuasi Island, home of the Inca in Quechua. Take a lunch break before you depart for San Pedro de Quemez (194 km). Overnight in San Pedro de Quemez.

After breakfast visit of Pueblo Quemado (burned village). Then depart for Salar de Chiguana and visit Mirador de Ollague Volcano, which stands at 5868 meters above sea level. Afterwards depart for Jewels of the Andes, in which the lagoons are named Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiari Khota, and Honda. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your excursion. In the afternoon visit of Paseo del Leon (Pass of the Lion) and Siloli Desert. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Start your day with an excursion to the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve in South Lipez with a visit of the Red Lagoon, located at an altitude of 4,278 meters above sea level. Marvel at Sol de Mañana (Sun of Tomorrow), a geothermal area dotted with geysers and fumaroles. See the thermal waters of Polkes, then visit the Salvador Dali Desert. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your excursion. Afterwards depart for the Green Lagoon, then to the Hito Cajon border. Private transfer from Hito Cajon to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. In the late afternoon, depart for Moon Valley (shared excursion) to observe the lunar-like patterns formed by erosion, which are covered with a thin layer of salt. These curious formations were caused by the existence of an ancient lake and by erosion from the wind and water. In the silence of the desert, you’ll experience one of the most beautiful sunsets ever seen. Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama

Morning departure to Atacama Salt Flat with views of the Licancabur Volcano. Visit the village of Toconao and the Chaxa Lagoon, where a large variety of flora has adapted to the desert climate. Then see the Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons situated at 4300 meters (2671 feet) above sea level, where you’ll have a spectacular view over the high plateaus. Lunch in a local restaurant along the way before you return to San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama

Depart early this morning (around 5 a.m.) for Tatio Geysers, which are situated at 14,100 feet (4300m) above sea level, and arrive at sunrise, a time when the geysers are most spectacular. El Tatio is the largest place of this kind in the southern hemisphere. The eruption of the highest geyser reaches about 20 feet (6m). Picnic breakfast in the middle of the geysers. Return to San Pedro de Atacama around noon. Transfer from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport (shared service) for your flight to Santiago (not incl). Assistance at Santiago Airport to get to your hotel in Santiago. Overnight at your hotel at Santiago Airport

Explore Santiago on your own or choose an optional activity (against surcharge)

Option 1: SANTIAGO CITY TOUR (shared service) Pick-up at your hotel and tour Santiago, a mix of modern and historic architecture. You’ll visit Santa Lucía Hill, the place where Santiago was founded, the Constitución Square, and the Government Palace called La Moneda. Nearby you’ll discover the Errázuriz Palace, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Central Market. Finally, you’ll climb San Cristobal Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Return to your hotel. Meals not included.

Option 2: VALPARAÍSO & VIÑA DEL MAR (shared service) Pick-up at your hotel and depart for Valparaiso and Viña del Mar for a full-day tour. Valparaiso is located 120 km from the capital city and you’ll learn its history as a 2003 UNESCO declared World Human Heritage destination. Visit places like the National Congress, Prat Pier, historic elevators like “Artillería”, Sotomayor Square, and 21 de Mayo promenade. Finally, visit Viña del Mar, also known locally as La Ciudad Jardín (The Garden City), which is best known as a tourist and beach destination. Return to your hotel. Meals not included.

Option 3: WINERY TOUR (MAIPO or CASABLANCA VALLEY; shared service) Pick-up at your hotel and depart for a half-day winery tour in Maipo or Valparaíso, where you’ll get to taste wines and grape varieties like Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Return to your hotel. Meals not included.

Breakfast at the hotel. On your own, transfer to the airport to take your international flight.