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Signature Salta, Uyuni Salt Flats and Atacama Desert

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Operated by Chimu Adventures
Tripcode: 83347
Overview
Destination:
Argentina
Chile
Start:Salta, Argentina
Finish:Atacama Desert, Chile
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 50)
Style:
Adventure,
Private / Tailor made,
Travel Period
April 2025 - November 2026

On this ultimate 10-day adventure you will discover Argentina, Bolivia and Chile! Starting in Salta, explore this charming city and head north to the UNESCO listed region of Purmamarca and see the Hill of Seven Colours and overnight in the small town of Huacalera. Continue north, bound for Bolivia and traverse across the Uyuni Salt Flats – the largest in the world. Here you will enjoy a picnic in the middle of the salt flats and visit Incahuasi island, home to towering cacti up to 10m high. Drive on to the southern Altiplano of Bolivia, admiring stunning and different coloured lagoons. Keep an eye out for flamingos and other bird life. Continue to the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama – the jumping off point to explore the Atacama Desert. 

This trip is perfect to add on before or after an Antarctic cruise. Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile are the two most popular cities for beginning a journey to the white continent. You can also combine the trip with a visit to Patagonia or explore more of the wonders of Argentina and Chile. 


NOTES:

Pricing is from price based on low season in 2025 and subject to change depending on availability,chosen dates & currency fluctuation. Please contact us for accurate pricing and avaialbility.

Trips can depart daily.

Prices are based on twin share with 'standard' accommodation. Upgrades to Superior and Deluxe accommodation are available.

Day tours and activities are a mix of small group shared tours and private services.

Day to day itineary is subject to change - you will recieve a detailed itinerary quote from us which will outline the details of accommodation, tours, transfers and meals and your booking will be confirmed as per the itinerary once you are happy with it and pay your deposit.

Single supplements will apply for solo travellers. Willing to share option is unavaialble. 

Standard inclusions
  • 3 Dinners (D)
  • 5 Lunches (L)
  • 9 Breakfasts (B)
  • 9 nights of accommodation (while in Uyuni Salt Flats and Bolivian Altiplano accommodation is relatively basic, but comfortable.)
  • Bolivia Salt Flats- 3 Days of exploring Salt Flats and Altiplano including Village of Villamar, Valley of Rocks, Culpina Village, Uyuni Salt Flats, Colchani Village - Private driver/guide and 4WD included
  • English speaking local guides for touring
  • Salta/Purmamarca - Half day tour of Salta city, Full day of touring between Salta and Purmamarca
  • San Pedro de Atacama – Astronomy Tour, Half-Day Archeological Tour of Tulor & Quitor, Tour Salt Mountain & Valley of the Moon, Atacama Salt Lake, Village of Toconao & Chaxa Lagoon
  • Some Touring in private 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle
  • Transfers from Atcama hotel to Calama Airport
  • Transfers from Salta airport to Salta hotel
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive Salta

Welcome to the charming city of Salta! Located in the north of Argentina you will fall in love with the beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestoned streets.

Day 2: Salta

This morning is at leisure and later in the day you will take a half day tour of the city. Visit the fascinating MAAM museum and main square with its stunning cathedral, as well as the San Fransisco Church and San Bernardo convent.

Day 3: Salta to Huacalera

Today you will journey north towards the small town of Purmamarca. En route you will be able to explore the UNESCO listed Querberada de Purmamarca area – enjoy stunning Altiplanos to the west and north and Andean hills to the east. You will see the breathtaking Hill of Seven Colours, with its striking and jagged formations. Explore the colourful handicraft market and see the Pukara of Tilcara.

Day 4: Huacalera to Uyuni Salt Flats

This morning you will leave your hotel bound for Bolivia. At the border you will farewell your guide after border formalities and meet your local Bolivian guide on the other side. From here you’ll drive north towards Uyuni, taking in the Valley of the Machos, surrounded by beautiful hills of various natural shapes. On arrival check into your accommodation –a hotel made from salt bricks and located on the shores of Salar de Uyuni, the perfect place to rest easy for the night.

Day 5: Uyuni Salt Flats

This morning you will explore Colchani village, where you observe the methods of salt extraction and salt processing. Set off across the Great Salt Flats to Incahuasi Island, an oasis covered with giant cacti up to 10 metres high. Continuing north to visit the foothills of Thumpa volcano and see Coquesa, which is home to pre-Colombian “mummies. After a long day of exploration, finally arrive at your accommodation –a hotel made from salt bricks and located on the shores of Salar de Uyuni, the perfect place to rest easy for the night.

Day 6: Uyuni Salt Flats to Bolivian Altiplano

Today is packed with jaw-dropping scenery. Pass through the Valley of Rocks, stopping off to view famous rock formations caused by wind erosion. Villages like Culpina, where the houses have been built from natural materials and San Cristobal, which was relocated from its original location because of the zinc and silver deposits in the vicinity. This high-altitude desert environment is home to dozens of colourful lagoons, snow-capped mountains, llamas, Tonight, your accommodation is unique as it has been built into a rock and offers a warm, cosy and comfortable refuge from the desert night.

Day 7: Bolivian Altiplano to San Pedro de Atacama

This morning you will be transferred to Hiton Cajon, the mountain pass border between Bolivia and Chile. Along the way you will be rewarded with some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world, stopping off for plenty of photo opportunities. flamingos, hot springs, and geysers. After clearing Chilean immigration, make your way to the village of San Pedro de Atacama. This evening you will have time at leisure to relax after a long day.

Day 8: San Pedro de Atacama

Start your day with a tour of San Pedro de Atacama, the archaeological capital of Chile. Located near the mouth of the main river that feeds the salt flat, this tour will orientate you and give you an understanding of the history, the town, and surrounding areas. This evening you will be collected from your hotel for Astronomy in the Desert, one of the best places in the world to observe stars, planets, and constellations. (B)

Day 9: San Pedro de Atacama

In the morning you will visit the Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, home to a variety of bird species, including the three types of flamingos, and one of the most important lithium reserves in the world. En route you will stop at the picturesque village of Toconao, built from white volcanic stone and then on to Chaxa Lagoon. In the afternoon, travel across the Salt Mountain Range to reach the Valley of the Moon in time for sunset when the sun brings out the best of the valley's incredible colours. (B)

Day 10: Depart San Pedro de Atacama

You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

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Travellers

Operator
Chimu

Chimu create life changing experiences in latin America and the polar regions. Explore the wild and wonderful frozen continent. Daily Antarctica Excursions with Experts.

Important Information
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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9 nights
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