CHILE & BOLIVIA
Day 1 CHICAGO – SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Meet the group at the airport and fly to Santiago de Chile.
Day 2 SANTIAGO – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, we transfer to the domestic airport for our flight to Calama. Upon arrival, we will transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, 110 km (68 miles), approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, we will stop at a viewpoint with panoramic views of the Salar de Atacama and the Andes mountain range. Arrival at the hotel. After a short break, we will head to the Valley of the Moon (Valle de La Luna), which delights with its otherworldly landscape. Return to the hotel.
★★★★ with breakfast (based on double occupancy)
Day 3 VALLE DE LA LUNA
This day is dedicated to acclimatization to the heights. In the afternoon we will head to the Valley of the Moon (Valle de La Luna), which delights with its otherworldly landscape. We will learn about the history, culture, and challenges of the people of San Pedro de Atacama while visiting the breathtaking landscapes of the Valley of the Moon. Our journey takes us through the Salt Mountain Range, where we will already observe a spectacular geological phenomenon along the route: large deposits of salt, gypsum, and reddish clay soils. We then enter the Valley of the Moon, part of this impressive mountain range, and are amazed by a whitish landscape rich in natural sculptures. The changing light throughout the day creates unparalleled colors reminiscent of the moon. Return to the hotel.
★★★★ with breakfast (based on double occupancy)
Day 4 EL TATIO GEYSER
Early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, we will set off on a trip to El Tatio Geyser, 4,320 meters above sea level – the third largest geyser field in the world. At dawn, the temperature in the geothermal field in summer is often below freezing, allowing for the extraordinary spectacle of steam escaping from the geysers, making the area look like a landscape from another planet. We will take a breakfast break in an otherworldly setting. We will then proceed to the geothermal field, where you can enjoy a thermal bath. We continue our journey past the Putana area, where we can see the region's fauna. Our final stop is the village of Machuca, at 4,000 meters above sea level. After returning to the hotel, there will be free time for participants.
OPTIONAL: Astronomy tour – experience observing the stars and the universe around us
★★★★ Based on double occupancy with breakfast Picnic breakfast
Day 5 ATACAMA DESERT
In the morning, we will embark on a full-day excursion into the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world, famous for experiments and simulations of Mars expeditions due to its similarity to the Martian landscape. We will travel to the town of Socaire, where we will have a break for acclimatization. Then we will head towards Laguna Miscanti and Meñiques at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level until we reach Piedras Rojas, a volcanic conglomerate formed by the oxidation of the iron present there. We will stop for lunch en route in an open-air setting. We will continue our return journey towards the town. Overnight stay at the hotel.
★★★★ Based on double occupancy with breakfast Picnic lunch
Day 6 LAGUNA COLORADA - VILLAMAR
Early morning departure from the hotel for the Chilean-Bolivian border (San Pedro de Atacama, 2,430 m above sea level, reaching Hito Cajon at 4,604 m above sea level). At the border, we transfer to 4x4WD vehicles. We continue our journey towards Laguna Blanca and Verde, located near the Licancabur volcano (5,960 m). Next, we'll see Laguna Colorada, the main nesting center for over 30,000 flamingos of three species, the famous James flamingos, and continue through the Salvador Dali Desert, where you can admire a truly surreal landscape, natural thermal pools, the Sol de Mañana geysers, which spew water at 90°C, and fumaroles and fissures where volcanic lava flows, creating formations and volcanic deposits. These sites are located at an average altitude of 4,420 meters above sea level. Much of the Altiplano, or Andean plateau, features typical Andean flora and fauna, including species such as vicuña, ostrich, fox, viscacha, and llama. In the evening, we arrive at the village of Villamar, arriving at our hotel for the night.
Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner *drinks additional charge
★★★★ Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner *drinks additional charge
Day 7 BOLIVIA – SALARA DE UYUNI – TRAIN CEMETERY
We depart early in the morning. The road leads through small mountain ranges created by severe wind erosion. We will travel to Valle de Rocas, also known as Italia Perdida, a picturesque rocky valley. Here, we take a short walk through the surrounding area. Next, we'll head north through the villages of Culpina K, San Cristobal with its church, and stop at the old train cemetery. Continue towards Uyuni (3 hours) to Colchani, a small artisanal town on the shores of the Uyuni salt flats, where the locals produce salt. Tonight, we'll spend the night at an extraordinary salt hotel at an altitude of 3,990 meters above sea level.
★★★★ Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast. Dinner *drinks are additionally charged.
Day 8 BOLIVIA – SALARA DE UYUNI – INCA HUASI
Departure early in the morning at 7:00 AM. We will travel through the white desert of Salar de Uyuni (12,000 km²). During our exploration, we will see the "Eyes of Salt," the mouths of underground rivers flowing beneath the Uyuni Salt Flat. The waters flowing from the interior of the salt flat are particularly acidic and are considered medicinal by the locals.
If water levels permit, we will see Inca Huasi Island, located in the center of the salt flat, with its limestone formations and various fossilized corals and shells, as well as an island of fish and giant cacti. On the salt flats, we will have the opportunity to take fun "perspective" photos.
Finally, returning to Uyuni, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset, one of the most beautiful moments we will see in this place. The effect of the sun's colors combined with the salt create a spectacular landscape. Time to take great photos!
★★★★ Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner *drinks additional charge
Day 9 BOLIVIA – UYUNII – LA PAZ - COPACABANA
Early breakfast today. Transfer to Uyuni Airport in due time. Morning flight to La Paz.
After arrival, we continue north through the highlands, then along Lake Titicaca and parallel to the Andes Royal Range to Copacabana. We will cross the Strait of Tiquina by local boat and arrive at a pleasant town on the lakeshore. Visit its church and the famous "Virgen Morena."
★★★★ Based on double occupancy with breakfast. Lunch, dinner *drinks extra charge
Day 10 COPACABANA – SUN ISLAND – LA PAZ
Today, a real treat for those interested: sunrise. Today we will discover the extraordinary Lake Titicaca. We will travel by boat across the lake to Isla del Sol to Huacani na Aptapi (a typical Altiplano lunch), then by boat to Yumani to see the steps and the Fountain of Eternal Youth. We will also visit the temples of the Virgins of the Sun - Iñakuyu on Isla de la Luna, the Moon Island. We will then take a boat to Copacabana and finally travel to La Paz for our overnight stay.
★★★ Based on double occupancy with breakfast. Lunch *drinks extra charge
Day 11 LA PAZ CITY TOUR
After breakfast, we'll explore Bolivia's capital. La Paz, a magnificent city nestled in a valley at the foot of the Andes, at an altitude of 3,632 meters above sea level. During the tour, we'll see the "Mirador de Killi Killi" viewpoint, which offers a magnificent view of La Paz; street markets selling traditional agricultural products from the highlands, such as quinoa, tunta, chuño (dried potatoes), and oca (sweet potato); and the witches' market, where locals buy supplies for ritual ceremonies like Ch'alla, as well as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). We'll visit the city's main square, home to the cathedral and the presidential palace. We'll stroll along the beautiful, historic streets of Jaen. We'll ride the "Teleférico" cable car to discover a magnificent and beautiful view of La Paz. The route passes through the city's modern, affluent residential area, then ends in the Valley of the Moon, where the clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion. Afterwards, we'll return to the city. In the evening, we'll transfer to the airport for our return flight.
★★★ Based on double occupancy with breakfast. Lunch *drinks are additionally charged.
Day 12 LA PAZ - CHICAGO
Airport transfer for our return (overnight) flight
Day 12 EXTENSION ORURO FESTIVAL 5 – 8 FEB 2027
Early this morning, we will travel to Oruro, where we will begin our Oruro Carnival – a religious and cultural festival in Bolivia. It has been celebrated since the 18th century. Originally an indigenous festival, the celebration later transformed into a Christian ritual centered around the Virgin of Candelaria (Virgin of Socavón). Carnival is one of UNESCO's masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. We will spend the entire day at Carnival on numbered seats located in front of the Hotel Eden, in the main square.
Lunch in the hotel restaurant, afternoon refreshments (tea, coffee, mate, ham, and cheese sandwich) on the seats. Water will be provided at all times.
In the evening, transfer to the hotel for dinner.
★★★★ Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast, dinner, and snacks
Day 13
Second day of Carnival. In the morning, we'll explore the city, visiting the Socavón Sanctuary, the Mining Museum, the Witches' Market, the Street of the Embroiderers, and the Conchupata Lighthouse. Lunch will be served at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, we'll return to Carnival and participate in the parade at the same locations.
★★★★ Accomodation based on double occupancy with breakfast and dinner
Day 14 IGUAZU FALLS ARGENTINIAN SIDE
Third day of Carnival. In the evening (depending the time of flight) return to Laz Paz. Overnight in hotel.
★★★★ Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast and dinner
Day 15
Airport transfer.
★★★★ with breakfast (based on double occupancy)
PRICE:
USD 4700 per person (without extension Oruro)
DATE: 25 JAN – 5 FEB 2027
For a group of min. 6 people
PRICE INCLUDES:
- PRIVATE TRANSPORT
- ACCOMMODATION ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAM IN A 3* HOTEL/LODGE WITH BREAKFAST
- MEALS ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAM
- EXCURSIONS ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAM
- 4X4 OFF-ROAD TRIP IN BOLIVIA
- ENTRANCE TICKETS TO ALL ATTRACTIONS
- POLISH-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- AIRLINE TICKETS (INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC)
- TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDED WITH THE EXTENDED OPTION OF HIKING HIGH-RISK SPORTS AND IN CASE OF, E.G., SOCIAL FACTORS, ETC.
- FOOD
- CUSTOMIZED TIPPING
- OTHER ITEMS NOT MENTIONED IN THE PROGRAM
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