Altiplano Crossing

Travel from the vibrant and cultured Buenos Aires--the home of tango--to the Bolivian Altiplano, from the amazing beauty of the Uyuni salt flats to the colourful indigenous La Paz.

Experience some of our favourite South American extremes on this trip of leaders' picks for the more adventurous traveller, who will never forget this awesome journey experience!!

You will be trekking on this route - Buenos Aires - Salta - Tilcara - Yavi - Tupiza - Uyuni Salt Flat - La Paz

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Itinerary / Highlights

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us, (remember we are in south America). Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travelling, with Tierras Vivas can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas,' Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories.

Day 2-4: Salta
We take a bus to picturesque Salta, in the North of Argentina. Optional activities such as horse riding, rafting, mountain bikini. Please NOTE that the Train to the Clouds is currently under repair and this excursion will be done along the same route by minivan - until further notice

Day 5-6: Tilcara
Travelling in a local bus further north to Tilcara, amassing town where we can appreciate the ancient culture and pre inca´s ruins, also where the locals are still finding mummies in the old houses. From there we can visit a very small town called Iruya, a magical place where their people are still living like 100 years ago.

Day 7-8: Yavi
A bus ride will take us to the Argentinian border with Bolivia, called La Quiaca, from there in a local bus, we travel to Yavi, a very small town where the time seems to be stopped along the years. From there we can visit a small canion with more than 3.000 petrogliphs and painted caves.

Day 7-8: Yavi
A bus ride will take us to the Argentinian border with Bolivia, called La Quiaca, from there in a local bus, we travel to Yavi, a very small town where the time seems to be stopped along the years. From there we can visit a small canyon with more than 3.000 petrogliphs and painted caves.

Day 9: Bus to Tupiza
Crosing the border from La Quiaca to Villazon, in Bolivia, we will take a night bus to Tupiza, where we will spend the night.

Day 10-13: 4x4 Bolivian Desert Crossing Excursion / Salt Flat / Uyuni
Climb almost 2000 metres into the Bolivian altiplano, and embark on a 4-day desert crossing into this awesome scenery. A surreal landscape awaits between the Salar de Uyuni and the Bolivian Desert. Travel by 4WD through piercing blue skies and blinding white salt flats.

On day 13, once we get at the little town of Uyuni, we will have enough time to take a bath catch up a local night bus and travel north to the city of La Paz, considered the highest capital city in the world.

Day 14-15-16: La Paz
Explore the city's many fine museums or wander the streets, filled with colourful markets and indigenous costumes. Optional activities include a tour to the Valley of the Moon, Chacaltaya—the highest Ski Centre in the world at 5400m above sea level, Tiwanaku ruins and a tour to Lake Titicaca, one of the highest sailing lakes in the world, also to visit Coroico, a small jungle twon, getting there through one of the most dangerous bike ride of the world.

Day 17: Depart La Paz
Departure time, chau mis locos!!! but…. it is also a good time for extend your holidays(check out our tailor made section).

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotels/Simple Hostels (11 nights), Desert lodge (3 nights), Nights Bus (02 nights).