Best of Bolivia & Argentina

15 Days | Uncover South America’s encapsulating interior of colonial cities and vast salt lakes

5 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
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USD $2,040
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Get exploring South America on a 15-day small-group experience that takes you deep into Bolivia and Argentina. Beginning in La Paz, journey from whimsical potion-filled markets through Sucre’s landscaped streets to the once-rich silver ore mines of Potosi. Take on the Bolivian desert as you embark on a 4WD adventure across the salt pans of Salar de Uyuni, winding up among the cactus-filled valleys of Bolivia’s wild west. Cross the border into Argentina to discover indigenous cultures in Tilcara, before spending a few days at leisure in the fiery capital of Buenos Aires. Local knowledge will lead the way, and plenty of freedom to explore will give you the power to see South America in your style.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Bolivia & Argentina including Argentina and Bolivia
Start
La Paz, Bolivia
Finish
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Argentina, Bolivia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GGBJ
This trip generates 62.25 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • La Paz gives insight into the many sides of Bolivian culture. While young people flock to the city for its booming industry, traditionally dressed residents sell ancient potions at the Witches Market.
  • Elegant colonial architecture, political history in spades and the hilly neighbourhoods dotted with terracotta roofs – Sucre might be Bolivia’s most beautiful city.
  • Discover the Bolivian mining town of Potosi – once a hive of activity due to its nearby abundance of silver ore, and now a historical snapshot of small-town industry.
  • Take an unforgettable 4WD adventure across the Salar de Uyuni – some of the largest salt lakes in the world. Pass cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with flamingos.
  • Get under the skin of Buenos Aires with plenty of time to explore. With its eclectic neighbourhoods, emphasis on food and wine and huge theatre scene, it’s the perfect place to travel independently.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • La Paz, Potosi and Uyuni all are situated at high altitude. Even at 2900 metres above sea level, the air is a lot thinner and it can take a bit of time to adjust. Some people aren’t affected at all, but to be safe, be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy. Although altitude sickness can affect anyone, it’s important that you’re healthy enough to travel, as pre-existing medical conditions can worsen at high altitude. During your trip, ensure you monitor your health carefully. It may even be a good idea to arrive into La Paz early so that you have time to acclimatise to the altitude. Please see the important ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more information.
  • Making your way across the Salar de Uyuni isn’t exactly luxurious. There will be long travel days spent in 4WDs on dusty and bumpy tracks. Temperatures in the area can be very cold, especially at night, so bring warm clothes with you. Meals are simple, toilet facilities are basic, showers can be cold, and the multi- share accommodation is dormitory style. This is all part of the adventure. Without a doubt, this amazing experience will be one of the highlights of your trip to South America.
  • Bolivia is the least developed and most challenging country you’ll travel through during this trip. Facilities are basic and food might be simpler than what you’re used to. Transportation between different locations can be slow and isn’t as easy as it might be in developed countries. Yet this is all part of the ‘off-the-beaten-track’ charm and adventure that makes Bolivia such a great place to visit.
  • There are some long travel days and an overnight bus journey on this trip. Although the buses feature comfortable reclining seats, they are not beds. There’s also usually a toilet on board, and some of the buses make toilet stops. These trips can be tiresome, but an adventure trip around South America wouldn’t be complete without an overnight bus journey.

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Bolivia & Argentina including Argentina and Bolivia

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Plane, Overnight bus, Local bus, 4x4

Accommodation

Hotel ( 11 nights), Dormitory (2 nights), Overnight Bus ( 1 night)

Activities
  • Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
  • Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
  • Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada
Add on activities
  • La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market' - Free
  • La Paz - Coca Museum - BOB15
  • La Paz - Tiawanaku Tour - USD50
  • La Paz City Tour & Moon Valley - USD40
  • Museo de la Recoleta - BOB15
  • Sucre - Dinosaur footprints at Cal Orcko (Admission Fee) - BOB70
  • Sucre - Casa de la Libertad - BOB28
  • Potosi - Santa Teresa Convent Museum - BOB33
  • Potosi - National Mint of Bolivia - BOB60
  • Potosi - Cerro Rico mine tour - BOB150
  • Quebrada de Humahuaca - Free
  • Purmamarca Town - Free
  • Garganta del diablo (Devil's Throat Waterfall) - Free
  • Quebrada de las Señoritas & Hornocal Hill - USD45
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
  • Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
  • Buenos Aires - Tango Show and Dinner - USD120
  • Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetry - USD5
  • Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from - USD120

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in La Paz. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
2. This trip ends on Day 15 and you are free to leave at any time.
3. Nationals from the United States need a visa to enter Bolivia and you we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or Embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border. Please see the visa information on these trip notes for more information.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for bus tickets, train tickets or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 2 (Overnight Bus) and Days 7,8 (Dormitory) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
6. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
7. Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilize the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness
8.We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available, there is a daily limit for withdrawals and the exchange rate does fluctuate.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Joyce · Traveled January 2024
I did not expect to fall in love with Bolivia, but I did. Flying into La Paz at night, with its amber lights and aerial trams and down to earth people - was magical. Mountain biking and a charmingly elegant cooking class in Sucre. Scampering along the vast brick landscape that is the rooftop of the church in Potosi. These were just the warm up for the adventure to Salar de Uyuni, where our guide and the drivers set up a series of photo shoots in the other worldly terrain that were great fun. We periodically stopped to view the magical wildlife and volcanic geysers along the way. We sang together in good spirits as we drove through the desert and enjoyed our stay at a charming dormitory constructed of salt bricks. The description of this trip does not do justice to the many hidden gems that make up Bolivia. The magician behind it all was our extremely capable and charming tour leader, Henrry, who took care of us like a mother hen.
Review submitted 21 Jan 2024

Keziah · Traveled December 2023
What a remarkable trip for Bolivia & Argentina! Big shout out to the best tour guide ever- Karina Molina. Wish we had her in our entire South America trip. She made this trip incredibly fun, interesting, enjoyable and entertaining. Thank you Karina & Intrepid for a trip of a lifetime x
Review submitted 12 Jan 2024

Henriette · Traveled December 2023
Great trip bus and special the 4/4 cars they putting to many people in one car
Review submitted 16 Jan 2024

douglas · Traveled November 2023
Karina has been the best tour leader that I have had the pleasure of meeting.I have had the most enjoyable experience of my travelling even though I usually am a solo traveler.You guys have a great asset on your hands .
Review submitted 24 Nov 2023

Todd · Traveled October 2023
This as a wonderful way to learn about Bolivia and Argentina. A lot of time is spent exploring these places on the trip, which added to the experience.
Review submitted 06 Nov 2023
Best of Bolivia & Argentina
From
USD $2,040