La Paz and Atacama Desert Tour

Arrive in La Paz, the highest capital in the world. Spend the night under the gaze of the majestic Illimani Mountain at a comfortable altitude in the lower part of the Bolivian capital.

Travel back in time during today’s city tour of La Paz. Start off in Plaza Murillo, La Paz's main square and admire the architecture of its government palace and its cathedral. Wander down Jaen Street, its colonial charm relatively unchanged despite the centuries gone by. Note the details of the colorful facades, balconies and lamps. Visit the Witches Market where locals buy and sell herbs and magic charms, following the traditions of their ancestors. Leave La Paz to witness the incredible Valley of the Moon. Stare in amazement at the moon-like landscapes crafted by nature’s elements, the harsh effect of the wind and rain creating bizarre geological forms. End the day at the ceramic workshop and watch artists skillfully demonstrate their pottery techniques. Return to your hotel in La Paz in the afternoon.

Depart Bolivia and board a bus to Arica, Chile's archaeological capital. On route, you will see different Inca fortresses, evidence of the inner wars that took place in the region. This land is also home to exotic flora and fauna, including towering Candelaria cacti, llamas, vizcachas, pumas and birds. Arrive in the river oasis of Arica, an idyllic land formerly belonging to Peru which is a typical beach vacation destination for Bolivians. Its port serves as a trade route for landlocked Bolivia, and the goods are sent via railway over the Andes that connects to La Paz. Check into your hotel and spend your first night in Chile.

Explore the contrasts of a fantastic range of natural landscapes. From the ocean to the desert to the mountains, truly appreciate the diversity of Mother Nature over the next few days. There’s the opportunity to see Arica on your own, dig into the treasures exhibited at the Archaeological Museum or simply relax on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Wander through the city passing by the impressive Cathedral of San Marcos and the historic Customs House. Both were rebuilt using blueprints of Eiffel, the esteemed architect who designed the Statue of Liberty and the infamous Eiffel Tower after a 19th-century tidal wave destroyed Arica's churches.

In the evening, board a sleeper bus to travel overnight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert.

Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, and explore the region any which way you like. Adventurers can choose from horseback riding, hiking, trekking or cycling to see all the natural wonders in detail. After an active day outdoors, don’t miss watching the spectacular sunset over the Valley of the Moon. The Valle de la Luna is a surreal, lunar-like landscape formed by the erosion of salt mountains. Curious rock formations lying in the middle of the desert with a backdrop of the towering Lincancabur Volcano make this scene unforgettable. After sunset return to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Travel to the south of San Pedro to visit the striking Atacama Salt Flats. First, stop off at the small agricultural village of Socaire where the main source of income is derived from the harvest of corn, wheat and potato. Then journey to an altitude of 4,600m to encounter the expansive blue twin lagoons of Meñiques and Miscanti lying in the shadow of the mighty Meñiques Hill and home to Andean vicuñas, llamas, ducks and other bird species. Afterward, visit the vast and remote Atacama Salt Flats that are rich in minerals. Admire the elegant flamingos in their natural habitat at Chaxa Lagoon in the Los Flamingos National Reserve. Return to San Pedro de Atacama in the evening.

Rise early and set out for a full-day excursion to witness the power of Mother Nature at El Tatio Geyser. Found at an altitude of 4,500m, the geyser and its surrounding scenery offers a changing landscape during sunset, an image that will be etched in your memory. Bring swimwear and a towel to soak in the warm pool and enjoy the contrast of the crisp mountain air. Return to San Pedro and peer into the distance to spot the green bushes of Yareta glowing in the barren desert landscape. Spend the rest of the afternoon resting at the hotel or venture outside to watch the stars. There’s also the option to book a tour (not included) to visit the 800 year-old pre-Inca fortress Pucará de Quitor.

After breakfast, transfer back to Calama and fly to Santiago to connect with your flight home or continue your South American journey and travel to a new destination.