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Roam the Altiplano
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
20 days (La Paz to Santiago)
Highlights:
Pick up a potion at the La Paz Witches' Market, Climb to the Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba, Compare footprints with a dinosaur at Cal Orko, Meet the miners of Potosi, Explore the endless salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, Relax on the beach at La Serena, Salsa the night away in Santiago
Trip Code:
GRD
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 16
Price:
USD $735
*(plus local payment USD $450)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Get off the tourist track on this extraordinary adventure through Bolivia and Chile. Uncover the rural history of Cochabamba and Potosi, explore the cities of La Paz and Sucre, and marvel at the landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni. There's more amazing natural wonders at San Pedro de Atacama, a chance to chill on the beaches of La Serena, and a final chance to party in vibrant Santiago. This overland journey really does have it all.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
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culture shock rating:
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passenger feedback rating: N/A as this is a new trip.
meals included: All meals while visiting Uyuni Salt Flats
transport: 4WD, local bus, walking, overnight sleeper coach
accommodation: Simple hotels (17 nts), overnight coach (2 nts)
budget: Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
departs:
we also recommend:
Why not continue travelling to Patagonia and finish in Buenos Aires on our Taste of Patagonia tour. (GRE)
Days 1-2 La Paz
The City of Our Lady of Peace is a great place to discover on foot. No trip to La Paz would be complete without a visit to the potion-filled Witches' Market, and to the Coca Museum to look at the plant that has become an essential part of life in the Andes.
Days 3-5 Cochabamba
From this young and growing city it is possible to hike up 1,250 steps to the huge Cristo de la Concordia - even bigger than the Cristo in Rio. There's also a cable car, and it's worth a visit for the fantastic view. There are plenty of fantastic things to see and do here, including a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which houses Bolivian mummies.
Days 6-7 Sucre
Visit the Museo de la Catedral to see a jewel-encrusted painting worth millions of dollars, learn the history of Bolivia's independence, find some beautiful weavings for sale or compare footprints with a dinosaur - there is plenty to do in Sucre.
Days 8-9 Potosi
An optional trip to an underground mine can be an uncomfortable experience, but an unforgettable one. Witness life in the mines, chat to miners and learn about the interesting mining history of Potosi.
Days 10-12 Salar de Uyuni
It's all white, white, white and endless blue skies at the massive salt flats of Bolivia. It's a tough adventure, travelling by 4WD on dusty tracks, but a rewarding one, as you discover the weird landscapes and natural oddities of Salar de Uyuni.
Days 13-14 San Pedro de Atacama
The desert safari ends at San Pedro de Atacama, a small oasis in the middle of an evaporated saline lake. There are options here to do tours to the many sights in the area, such as the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) or the ruins of Pukara de Quitor.
Days 15-17 La Serena
Pop into historic La Serena and spend some time chilling-out on the beach or relaxing in its many pretty parks. From here, it's possible to visit the Valle Elqui, the centre of Chile's Pisco production and home to several important observatories.
Days 18-20 Santiago
For a serene look at Chilean life, take a visit to the barrio Bella Vista, Santiago's 'Paris Quarter', to explore cafes, galleries and craft shops. For a more lively take on this great city, put your comfy shoes on and visit a funky salsotheque to dance the night away. Enjoy sampling some famed Chilean wines.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 15 Aug 08 | Wed 03 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Fri 05 Sep 08 | Wed 24 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Fri 26 Sep 08 | Wed 15 Oct 08 | 1 | book now |
| Fri 17 Oct 08 | Wed 05 Nov 08 | 1 | book now |
| Fri 07 Nov 08 | Wed 26 Nov 08 | 2 | book now |
| Fri 14 Nov 08 | Wed 03 Dec 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Fri 19 Dec 08 | Wed 07 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Fri 16 Jan 09 | Wed 04 Feb 09 | 5 | book now |
| Fri 06 Feb 09 | Wed 25 Feb 09 | 7 | book now |
| Fri 06 Mar 09 | Wed 25 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Fri 03 Apr 09 | Wed 22 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Fri 01 May 09 | Wed 20 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Fri 29 May 09 | Wed 17 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Fri 26 Jun 09 | Wed 15 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
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On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Make sure you get into La Paz an extra day early, cause the tour leaves La Paz the day it actually begins!
Ian Trayler
Generally, this was a pretty good tour. It was not packed full of attractions but was a great cultural experience.
Uri Schlafrig
was a great trip but didn't impact on me at some levels in the same way as my morocco and vietnam trips did...I think size may have been a factor....and less organised most of the time. I don't like highly organised but is good to have locals spending time with you sometimes.
Jill Hill
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.
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