Enjoy a fascinating mix of culture and scenery as we adventure through Argentina’s altiplano, Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats and Chile’s Atacama desert.
This is the perfect small group holiday for those seeking a degree of comfort with excitement.
We start in Salta in northern Argentina. We explore this stunning part of the country, passing colourful cultures and rock formations including Purmamarca, a rainbow mountain of seven colours.
Towns such as Humahuaca – with frequent street music – Tilcara, Uquía and Purmamarca thrive among the amazing multi-coloured mountains, salt plans and lakes.
Next, it’s Bolivia – Uyuni and its famous alt lakes and volcanoes. From Uyuni, we head out into the vast southern desert to enjoy the starkly beautiful landscapes of this dramatic desert wilderness.
Lakes that change colour, geysers and bizarre rock formations are just some of the highlights of this enormous salt plain.
Atacama desert
From here, it’s to Chile and San Pedro de Atacama desert.
One day you are floating around in the salty Laguna Cejar, the next, gazing at the awesome scenery from atop an Andean peak.
Argentinean town of Salta.
Tilcara, Uquía, Purmamarca and multi-coloured rock mountain scenery.
Southern Bolivia: Uyuni its salt lakes and volcanoes.
San Pedro de Atacama, desert landscapes.
Lakes that change colour, geysers and bizarre rock formations.
Off-the-beaten path and unique itinerary.
It was an amazing trip and we are definitely going back.
Lucy and Dina, Bolivia/Chile/Argentina tour
On arrival at Salta airport you are transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day may be spent exploring Salta.
The main plaza is a lovely place to while away some time over a coffee, or you can visit some of the beautiful churches, head to a nearby viewpoint or the bustling market.
We depart early – there’s a lot to fit in today.
En route to Campo Quijano, we drive stop at Rosa de Tastil, which has some impressive ruins. We continue to climb high into the Andes, the air becoming thinner. As we reach 4,000m/13,123ft above sea level, we will stop at San Antonio de los Cobres, a typical high Andean town.
This is an acclimatisation day, and you’ll need to take it slowly as we make it to the amazing Salinas Grandes, a huge salt lake from which the locals harvest the salt. Your guide explains the process and there will be chances to buy some local crafts sculpted from the salt.
Back in the van, we drive to Pumamarca and its famous rainbow coloured rocks – the mountain of seven colours. A great photo opportunity. We round the day off by heading to Tilcara and our hosteria for the night.
If there is time before sunset, you can explore the ruins at the gateway to the town.
We have the morning free to explore the town of Tilcara. Attractions include La Plaza Grande, La Plaza Chica, the church – and the Pucará de Tilcara ruins if you didn’t have time to visit the previous evening.
In the afternoon we stretch the legs with a short walk to the Devil’s Throat. From Tilcara, we pick up a path and walking along an old Kolla path to an outstanding viewpoint. We can walk for 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and desires.
We return to our hosteria for the night.
As the sun rises and quickly warms Tilcara, we join the locals and hop on the bus to Iruya.
This feels like a timeless town. The small church perches at the end of tiny cobbled streets, overlooking the river and valley below. This is a quiet town, and we will help you make the most of your time here, exploring the nooks and crannies.
We push on to Humahuaca where we spend the night at a hosteria.
After breakfast in Humahuaca, we take a bus to the small town of Uquía.
We visit the church of San Francisco de Paula. Its altar was laminated in gold by the Jesuits in 1691 – the year in which the church was built – and its interior is adorned with the pictures of the brought ‘arcabuceros angels’, which were brought to La Quiaca from Cuzco.
Time for a quick leg stretch on a lovely walk through some stunningly coloured rocks. We are heading to La Quebrada de las Señoritas o Yacoraite, where the intense red rock formations form homes for some amazing fossils.
This area is well known for its historical remains. Remains of some of the last great mammals that inhabited the Earth, like milodon, a giant sloth-type creature, can be found here.
Back in Uquía, we head to a farm where vicuñas are raised and an old hydraulic mill to get an idea of how people worked and survived in this region.
We return to our hosteria at Humahuaca.
Leaving Humahuaca, we cross “Peña Blanca”, on the eastern border of the Quebrada of Humahuaca.
Here we begin our tour of the ‘colourful towns and quebradas’ of this region. The enormous plains of the Cocataca Valley were once one of the main Inca agricultural sites. After walking around the valley, we take our lunch in a homely restaurant.
The afternoon is spent walking for 2-3 hours, looking at ancient paintings on the rocks on Cerro Negro. As well as the paintings, from here the views are spectacular, looking down and over the valley.
Our explorations continue in the vehicle, as we climb to 4,200m, passing through the towns of Valiaso and Pucará, until we reach the Serrania of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Hills). Last stop is the viewpoint at Cerro Horconal, with beautiful views over the Abra de Zenta (plains), before we get back to our hosteria for 19.00 (approx).
This morning we climb into our minibus and head to the Quebrada de Sapagua.
After exploring the area, we continue to the small community of the Hornaditas. A local family opens the door of their home to us, and we can get a taste of life in the region.
Our final destination is the hosteria in Humahuaca, where the evening is free to explore.
We wake early and head to the Bolivian border at La Quiaca, the northernmost corner of Argentina.
We cross the border, and head to Villazon and its train station to catch the service to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni. We spend the night here, in a hosteria.
We leave Uyuni at about 11.00 and head north, 20km or so, to Colchani. This small village exists only because of the exploitation and refinery of the salt.
We walk through the town, seeing how the salt is extracted, visiting the craft stores and salt hotels.
We head to the Isla Lomo Pescado, where we can spot enormous cacti and get an outstanding panoramic.
Here, we have our lunch and then continue walking to Chuvica, where we spend the night in a basic and rustic refuge.
After breakfast we visit the amazing lagoons of the Salar: Cañapa, Hedionda and Ramadita.
We continue through the desert of Siloli to see the Tree of Stone – an enormous rock carved into an outlandish shape by the winds that can whip through the area.
Next up is Laguna Colorada where we may be lucky to see some pink flamingos and other Andean fauna such as vicuña, suri or andean ñandú.
After a great day on the Salar, we spend the night at another basic refuge.
An early start today – up at 05.00.
We want to get to the Geysers early so we can see the impressive display of volcanic steam spewing from the earth, and see the thermal waters. The rock formations in this region are outstanding, formed by thousands of years of erosion.
The early start means we can reach Laguna Verde by 11.00. This lagoon is famed for the way it changes colour between 11.00 and 12.00, and we aim to be there for that display.
Our last sight is Laguna Blanca, after which we cross the border to Chile.
We have a new vehicle waiting for us in Chile, and we had to San Pedro de Atacama, the desert town and we head to our hosteria
Today we float in salty lakes!
We visit two lagoons in the northern sector of the Atacama salt flats, some 30km away from San Pedro de Atacama.
The first lagoon we encounter is Laguna Cejar, with its intense emerald colour and borders crystallized by salt. Here you can jump in and enjoy the levitating effect of the salt-rich water, which makes you float easily – a very relaxing experience.
After the float-athon, we reach Tebinquinche lagoon. Here we can see some flamingos, foxes and a variety of birds.
We return to our hosteria at San Pedro de Atacama.
A chance to stretch the legs today. We aim to walk up Las Cornisas (Cornices), which takes us to the highest part of the salt mountain chain.
We drive to the starting point, the old tunnel to Calama, built in 1930. We start at the Catarpe Valley, going up to the salt mountain to some outstanding viewpoints – you can appreciate the magnitude of Salar de Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama and the Andes.
After the half day trek (3-4 hours), we return to San Pedro de Atacama for some free time. Hosteria
Early in the morning we say goodbye to San Pedro de Atacama and take a public bus across the Andes and enter Argentina.
This a stunning trip over Paso de Jama (at 4,200m/13,780ft) until we reach Salta once more, and our hosteria.
After breakfast you are taken to the airport / bus staion, or you can extend your trip.
Prices From $3,500 / £2,846 per person
Enquire about booking
Bilingual guide (Spanish – English), accommodation as listed, 15 breakfasts, 6 box-lunch / lunches, 2 dinners, transfers, buses, trains as listed.
Flights (we can look for these for you), airport taxes, insurance, entrances to National Parks (USD 70-80pp in total, approx), tips, alcoholic or soft drinks, personal items.
We use hostal type accommodation in towns and cities, with hot showers and private bathrooms. Some hostals have shared bathrooms.
Salar de Uyuni – we use hotels made of salt with private rooms and bathrooms – these are more basic.
You will meet bilingual, English-speaking guides as you move around from site to site (tour leader available at extra cost).
They are qualified Argentinian/Bolivian/Chilean guides and will bring provide you with all the local timings and information.
Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.
Towns and cities
In Argentina, red wine, BBQs, meat and pizzas/pasta feature heavily in restaurants. Food and drink culture here is very strong.
In Bolivia, there are a wide variety of eateries in towns and cities, from chicken and chips or burgers to more traditional fare. Quinoa, rice, potatoes and meats all feature heavily, as do soups.
In Chile, there is a lot more seafood plus a lot more influence from the rest of South America and the world. There are many fine dining and wine options in Chile.
Salar de Uyuni
Meals are provided at hotels – breakfasts usually involve hot drinks, coffee, juice, toast, eggs and fruits. Lunch will either be sandwiches and snacks (if on the road) or a soup with a main meal of rice/pasta.
Dinner usually consists of a soup to start and then a main of rice, pasta, mashed potato etc. Note that Uyuni remains a very remote area and sometimes choice is limited.
There is no strenuous activity, but much of this tour takes place at high altitude.
We build in acclimatisation and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. Several days involve half or full day tours and so you need to be comfortable with being on your feet and walking around for several hours.
There are some 4-6 hour overland journeys.
Argentina is a land of contrast.
Nothing states this better than the fact it features the highest point in the South America, Aconcagua, and the lowest, Salinas Chicas, 40m below sea level.
Its vastness – it is the eighth largest country in the world – and diversity are just part of the appeal. A fantastic culture of fine wine and dining sits alongside its adventurous and beautiful landscapes.
The local’s cheery disposition and fantastic word plays add to the enjoyment of being in this fascinating country.
The name Argentina derives from argentinos, the Ancient Greek diminutive (tinos) form for silver (argentos), which is what early Spanish explorers sought when they first reached the region in the sixteenth century.
There are distinct regions of Argentina, from the Andean culture of the North West to the rancho lifestyle of the plains of Patagonia to the eternally seductive Buenos Aires.
Argentina’s neighbours are Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the north east and Chile to the west. In the east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline.
The central region of Argentina is the rich plain known as La Pampa.
There is jungle in the extreme northeast while the southern half of Argentina is dominated by the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia.
The western border with Chile is along the rugged Andes mountains, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. Close to Aconcagua lies Mendoza, an area famed for its fine wine production.
The western Cuyo regions at the base of the Andes are mostly rocky desert.
Most Antarctic cruises embark and disembark in Ushuaia, at the tip of South America, allowing access to the South Pole, South Georgia and also the Falkland Islands.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Overview
Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, and has a myriad of climates from humid tropics to bracingly cold Patagonia.
When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Argentina, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.
The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital. Summer in the north of the country means t-shirts and shorts.
It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
Detailed kit list
Miscellaneous others
Climate
Argentina’s seasons are the reverse to the northern hemisphere, with summer running from October to March, and winter from May to September.
Buenos Aires and the Pampas in the north are temperate; cold in the winter, 5-15°C, and hot and humid in the summer, 17-27°C, the warmest and most humid being December to February. Spring and Autumn are lovely times to visit Buenos Aires.
The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is from January to March – the rainy season, this is when water flow of the waterfall is greatest, but the waterfall is amazing at any time of year. The hottest months in Iguazu Falls are October through April with lows of 20°C and highs of 32°C. Winter sees this fall to highs of 22°C and occasional lows of 12°C, with cooler nights. Being tropical and humid, there is always the chance of rain in Iguazu.
Bariloche is nestled in Argentina’s Lake District and is built next to the cold water Lake Nahuel Huapi. During the summer, daylight extends from 6am to 10pm and temperatures fluctuate from 5-20°C, the warm days making for ideal conditions for exploration. In the winter, snow abounds for skiers and daylight is from 9am to 7pm, city temps varying from just above to just below freezing, with much cooler temperatures in the mountains.
The rain-shadow effect in Bariloche means weather conditions are relatively dry and stable. Summer rainfall in the town of Bariloche is low (average 5 days precipitation a month).
Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.
We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.
We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.
When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.
You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.
What is ATOL?
The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.
And ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.
Who is covered?
To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).
If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.
If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.
Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.
I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?
If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.
We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.
If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.
You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.
Argentine Patagonia, the southern half of Argentina, is a remote, wind swept land of plains, mountains, lakes and glaciers.
The main airport is at El Calafate which is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.
Nearby is the mighty Perito Moreno glacier where you have the opportunity to get up close to the ice on one of the many walkways or on a boat trip.
El Chalten, a 3 1/2 hour drive from Calafate, is the trail head for treks in to the base of Cerro Torre, Fitzroy or for the more intrepid, on to the South Patagonian ice-cap.
Ushuaia, on the Beagle channel, is the southern most city of Argentina. Ushuaia is fascinating for historical interest, is rich in wildlife and is departure port for many Antarctic cruises
Bariloche is the jewel in Argentina’s Lake District Crown.
Beautiful mountains, forests and lakes make this area perfect for anyone who likes the outdoors.
You can kayak, bike and hike around the stunning scenery of Nahuel Huapi National park.
Or perhaps hike to amazing viewpoints with panoramas over a geographically stunning area of great beauty.
Bariloche also offers the Cruce Andino Lake Crossing into Chile. The best time to visit the area is October-April.
Buenos Aires is Argentina’s elegant capital city.
It is a city of culture, art and music and gateway to the rest of the country, well worth a few days of exploring.
Must sees are the Casa Rosada Government Palace, the Cathedral, La Boca district with its colourful houses and tradition of tango and football.
Also not to be missed are the flea market and streets of the bohemian neighbourhood of San Telmo and the Recoleta cemetery where Evita’s tomb is to be found.
After a guided tour by bike or on foot, take the time to sit at one of the many excellent coffee shops and watch the sophisticated Porteños go about their business.
The city has a plethora of good restaurants and is a haven for meat eaters, with plenty of veggie options too.
The night life is buzzing and the district of Palermo will have a meal and bar to suit all pockets and tastes.
El Calafate is situated on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, and is your starting point for discovering Argentine Patagonia.
Most trekkers will come through El Calafate en route to Chalten and Fitzroy National Park.
Nearby attractions to El Calafate itself include the Perito Moreno Glacier – one of the few glaciers which is still advancing. There are a series of walkways mean that you can get up close to the 75 m high and 5Km wide glacial wall.
Other glaciers which can be visited are the Upsala glacier and the town has its own Glaciarium – ice museum.
The town offers a wide range of accommodation options and restaurants as well as outdoor shops.
El Chalten is the trailhead for the trekking trails into the Glaciares National Park – Fitzroy!
Day treks include the Torre Trail (to Lake Torre), trek to Laguna Los Tres at the base of Mount Fitzroy, and the Loma de Pliegue Tumbado Trek.
The town is also the departure point for expeditions to the Southern Ice Field.
Other options in the area include horseback riding, kayak, mountain bike and glacier treks.
This small settlement has a variety of accommodation options.
The mighty roar of the water poring over the cliff edges is the soundtrack to this incredible spectacle of nature.
Iguazu Falls is made up of some 275 individual cascades which line the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long.
From here, the waters plummet up to 82m/269ft into the gorge below, in one of the most dramatic settings in Argentina, with the thunderous roaring of Iguazu heard from miles away.
Walk the paths among the different falls and for those with a head for heights take the walkway that leads you into the heart of the Devil’s throat, the biggest, deepest, most impressive fall.
There is the opportunity to take a boat ride at the foot of the falls or to just walk and admire the lush tropical vegetation and wildlife, as well as the scenery.
It is well worth visiting both the Argentine and Brasilian sides of the Falls to really experience and appreciate the true power of these waterfalls.
North west Argentina is one of those places that is still off the beaten track but when you get there you wonder why.
The main gateway is the city of Salta – famous for its pasties, known locally as empanadas.
Places to visit are Cafayate – famous for its wines and the “Quebrada de Las Cochas” with its incredible rock formations.
North of Salta don’t miss Humahuaca with its multicoloured hills, Tilcara with its Pukara (pre-Columbian fortress) and the Salinas Grandes salt flat.
The Valdez Peninsula on the northern coast of Argentine Patagonia is a paradise for nature lovers.
The Southern Right whale can be spotted from June to December, killer whales from September to April and Magellanic Penguins from September to March.
Sea lions, dolphins, seals as well as guanacos, rheas and armadillos can be found all year round.
There are lots of shells, fossils and natural history on full display in the rocky cliffs.
The gateway airport is at Trelew and the ideal base for exploration is Puerto Madryn.
Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, is Argentina’s southernmost city and is perched on the Beagle Channel.
What was once a remote penal colony is now a bustling port and the gateway to Antarctica.
Ushuaia is historically interesting, Charles Darwin wrote much about it, and it is home to some interesting museums of naval history.
Visitors can take a sailing tour on the wildlife rich Beagle channel, visit a Penguin colony during the season, trek into the mountains behind the city and kayak in the Tierra del Fuego national park.
Cruises set off from here for Antarctica or Punta Arenas in Chile – via Cape Horn.
2022 guide price only Please ask for more info Trip runs with minimum of two people Shorter/longer stays possible
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
Prices From $4,900 / £3,984 per person
Dates: From November 2024 to February 2025
Duration: 20
Capacity: 12 people
Discover More Enquire about booking
What's a tailor made trip?
We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.
Prices From $1,957 / £1,591 per person
Duration: 4
Capacity: 16 people
Prices From $905 / £736 per person
Dates: From January 2023 to December 2025
Duration: 3
Capacity: 4 people
Prices From $1,800 / £1,463 per person
Dates: From May 2018 to October 2018
Duration: 9
