Imagine a trip that takes you through some of South America's most impressive and diverse landscapes. The Crossing the Altiplano is an epic route that travels through three countries: Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. This tour will allow you to discover the majesty of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, the immensity of the Salar de Uyuni and the magical aridity of the Atacama Desert.
A journey from Salta through the salt flats and deserts of the Andean Altiplano, ending in San Pedro de Atacama. One of the planet’s driest regions, with lunar landscapes at more than 5,000 m above sea level.
The Andean salt flats: Salinas Grandes, Salar de Atacama and Salar de Uyuni
The journey begins in Buenos Aires, known for its rich history, European architecture and lively nightlife. From there, you will fly to Salta, a city combining natural beauty with a strong cultural heritage. Salta is the perfect starting point for exploring the Quebrada de las Conchas, a spectacular gorge with vividly coloured rock formations that look like a painting.
Continuing north, you will reach Purmamarca, a small Andean village famous for the Hill of Seven Colours. This hill is one of the region's most impressive geological wonders, with coloured layers telling a story of millions of years. Stroll through the village's cobbled streets, visit craft markets and enjoy local hospitality.
From Purmamarca, the crossing will take you through the Cuesta de Lipán, a winding road that offers spectacular panoramic views, until reaching the Salinas Grandes. This vast salt desert is a place where heaven and earth merge into an infinite horizon, creating a surreal landscape that will leave you breathless.
Your next stop will be San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile, the gateway to the most arid desert in the world. San Pedro is an oasis in the middle of the desert, with dirt streets, adobe houses and a relaxed atmosphere that invites exploration. From here, you can visit the Tatio geysers, where steam and hot water create a natural spectacle at dawn. You will also explore the Valley of the Moon, a lunar landscape of rock formations and dunes that will make you feel you are on another planet. The turquoise waters of high-altitude lagoons such as Miscanti and Miñiques contrast impressively with the desert.
The adventure continues towards the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve in Bolivia, where you discover surreal landscapes such as the Laguna Colorada, famous for its red waters and pink flamingos. From there, you will head to Villa Mar and finally to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt desert. Enjoy playful perspective photographs and stargazing beneath some of the planet’s clearest skies. You will spend one night in Colchani, a small village on the edge of the salt flat, where you can learn about salt extraction and local life.
Finally, you will return to San Pedro de Atacama and you will take a flight from Calama to Santiago, completing a journey full of dazzling landscapes and unique cultural experiences. This trip will not only allow you to connect with nature in its purest state, but also with the local cultures that inhabit these remote regions.
The journey to Salar de Uyuni
The landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni are truly spectacular; it is a unique place in the world that is worth knowing. However, it is important to bear in mind that infrastructure is limited. This is an adventure circuit in an area of singular interest, both for its landscape and for its ecology, ideal for those who want to enjoy nature in its most peculiar and unique forms.
This expedition by the Salar de Uyuni and its surroundings requires considerable effort, but every moment is worthwhile. The memories and photographs will be an invaluable reward. We arrange the trip from start to finish, taking every safety and comfort measure available to us.
Notes on flights to Argentina
Flights for our groups usually use group fares, which offer favourable prices and ticketing deadlines. These fares also have restrictions, particularly on online check-in and advance seat selection, which may be unavailable or only possible 24 hours before departure, as well as changes to schedules, dates or destinations and cancellations.
Argentina, Bolivia and Chile✔️ Departure 16 OCT > 22 NOV 2024 > 7 MAR > 30 APR 2025
✔️ Price from 5250€
A journey through the continent’s centre, from Salta to the salt flats and deserts of the Andean highlands, ending in San Pedro de Atacama. The route is long and demanding, covering many kilometres of rough tracks and uninhabited areas at almost 5,000 metres.
