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Map of Epic Bolivia to Brazil including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile

From the Pacific to the Atlantic, this South American adventure ticks all the right boxes

This trip is designed for those with a truly adventurous spirit! Snap trick photos at Bolivia's dream-like Uyuni Salt Flats, chase waterfalls at Iguaza Falls and stroll the streets of Buenos Aires. By the time you arrive at the sandy beaches of Rio, you’ll have experienced the major highlights and many surprises of this vast and wonderful continent.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.

Start
La Paz, Bolivia
Finish
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Destinations
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
GGYAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Travel solo, together

You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

Why you'll love this trip

  • Get amongst the weird and wonderful in La Paz, from the strange brews of the witches’ market to the tasty treats of Mercado Lanza.

  • Ever dreamt of walking on water? Now’s your chance. Kind of. The sprawling salt lakes of Bolivia serve up some seriously mind-bending photo ops.

  • The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll be able to see it from both sides.

  • The heaving, metropolis of Rio de Janeiro is a great way to end the trip. Party down with the locals and experience a culture at the beating heart of Brazil.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The weather in this region can be extreme.

  • Due to the high altitude of many of places visited on this trip, some people can suffer from altitude sickness. Please read the 'Medical and Health Information' section of the Essential Trip Information for details.

bolivia_uyuni_man-jumps-for-lollipop
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The city of La Paz in Bolivia surrounded by snow capped mountains
A group of travellers in front of Salar De Uyini salt flats in Bolivia

Itinerary
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Welcome to La Paz, the quirky Altiplano city of your dreams. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. As La Paz is 3600 metres above sea level, please ensure you take the necessary measurements in regards to altitude sickness (refer to ‘Is This Trip Right For You?’ and ‘Health’ sections for important information).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • La Paz - Guided City Tour - USD18
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Your second day in La Paz is free to explore after a brief guided walk with your leader. The city is renowned for its markets, especially the Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches' Market), which sells potions, incantations, stones and artefacts. Ask a local about their significance – most people are happy to explain. Perhaps visit the Coca Museum, which isn’t too far from your hotel in the Rosario district. 

Late in the afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Uyuni (approximately 11-12 hours). There are comfortable recliner seats on the bus, but it can be cold on-board so it’s important to bring warm clothing and wear base layers. There’s usually a toilet on the bus and the driver will also make a couple of stops along the way.
Accommodation
  • Overnight bus (1 night)
Included Activities
  • La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'
  • La Paz - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • La Paz - Chacaltaya & Moon Valley Tour - USD16
  • La Paz - Tiawanaku tour - USD39
  • La Paz - City Tour & Moon Valley - USD25
  • La Paz - Coca Museum - USD2
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Arrive in Uyuni Town. This remote town sits on the edge of the high Altiplano, a wilderness area extending for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. The area is notorious for being extremely cold, so it’s important to pack warm clothing and base layers. Upon arrival to Uyuni (early morning) venture out on a three-day 4WD excursion. Be prepared for a busy few days ahead. The first stop will be at a rusty Train Cemetery before you continue on to Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. While this may be a typical stop for many travellers, it’s also often a highlight. Make the most of your time on the salt flats taking lots of photos and explore Inka Wasi Isla, which is a rocky island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.
Accommodation
  • Dormitory (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uyuni - Salt flats tour
  • Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
  • Uyuni - Orientation Walk
  • Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
  • Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada & Laguna Verde
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please be aware that from December to March, there’s a risk of the salt lake being flooded. If this is the case, the itinerary will be adapted to accommodate this

Today will be spent driving through the spectacular landscape of the Andean (Atacama) Desert, which is sprinkled with volcanoes and lakes. Stop by the red lake of Laguna Colorada, where you’ll be able to spot wildlife such llamas, flamingos, viscachas and foxes feasting in the nutrient-rich waters.
Accommodation
  • Dormitory (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation in the desert is basic and shared. A single supplement is not available here. Shower facilities can be unreliable and cold, as the pipes often freeze in the winter months. Electricity is generated by solar panels, so there won’t be enough power to charge electronic devices. In the rainy season, the itinerary may need to be altered depending on the accessibility of roads.

Be prepared today to reach an altitude of around 4900 metres.

This morning get up super early, embrace the cold and stop by the desert’s natural thermal baths for an optional soak. Then head to the Bolivia/Chile border, where the Bolivian part of your trip comes to an end. Pass by geysers, salt flats and snow-capped volcanoes on your way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. As a small oasis town, San Pedro is surrounded by extraordinary scenery. You'll arrive around 6pm at San Pedro.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bolivian Altiplano – Polques Thermal Baths - USD1
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Use these two days to get under the skin of this burgeoning tourist destination. San Pedro’s cafe and restaurant scene has grown considerably over the last couple of years. With a mix of Chilean, French and Italian influences, you’ll be sure to find a great spot for lunch and dinner. Perhaps head out on an optional tour to the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) or join an astronomical tour once the stars come out, just chat to your leader for details.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (2 nights)
Optional Activities
  • San Pedro de Atacama - Bike Rental - USD8
  • San Pedro de Atacama - Astronomic Tour - USD35
  • San Pedro de Atacama - Moon Valley - USD18
  • San Pedro de Atacama - Sandboarding - USD28
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)

Today will be a long day of travel (approximately 12 hours), as you leave San Pedro and head for Salta, Argentina. Salta's rich history, colonial architecture, friendly locals and surrounding natural attractions make it one of Argentina's main attractions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Salta - Orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Salta - Archaeological Museum - USD2
  • Salta - Cerro San Bernardo Chairlift - USD3
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Salta and its attractions. If you’re after something active, hike up the 1070 steps to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo; the mountain that looms over Salta. You can take a gondola (cable car) to the top if you’d prefer. Either way, the view from the top is magnificent.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After a free morning in Salta, take an included flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires. This evening, you might like to enjoy a tango show, a football match or a steak and glass of Malbec in one of the city’s fashionable restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Tango Show and Dinner - USD90
  • Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from - USD120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free to explore Buenos Aires. Join the tourists and walk among the tombs at the La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. Visit the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, Boca Juniors. If you need to rest your feet, settle down at one of the many street side cafes to watch the world go by with the locals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
  • Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetery - USD7
  • Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
  • Buenos Aires - Caminito Street - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meet your leader and new fellow travellers for an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) and the Obelisk.. In the evening, attend a group welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location.

Today is a free day in Buenos Aires. You can spend the day how you like and tick off all the best photo ops or talk to your leader for some fun ideas. If you’re a culture and history buff, you’ll want to walk among the mausoleums at the La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. If you love art, hang out in the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street. Maybe you’re a bit of a foodie, in which case you’ll want to kick back and take the time to sip a nice Malbec while enjoying a "Bife de Chorizo" in the Palermo neighbourhood. If in doubt, settle down at one of the many street side cafes and watch the world go by with the locals. In the evening you'll be taking an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu (the Argentinian side of the falls).
Accommodation
  • Overnight bus (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
  • Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetry - USD7
  • Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
  • Buenos Aires - Caminito Street - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The overnight bus will take approximately 19 hours. While this may be tiresome, your leader will encourage you to use this time to mingle, play games and get to know your trip mates. Snacks will be provided, but make sure to bring extra food and drinks in case you get hungry. There will be a toilet onboard and the reclining seats are comfortable, but you might want to bring a travel pillow for a good night’s sleep.  

As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, take a minivan across the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Depending on traffic, this should take about an hour. Close to the borders with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguacu is Brazil's gateway to the famous Iguazu Falls. If hotel rooms are ready when you arrive, you’ll be able to check in before heading out to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. From here, you’ll have panoramic views and the chance at a great Insta pic. Take an optional helicopter flight over the falls (at your own expense) for an unforgettable bird’s eye view. Depending on time, you can also visit the local bird park while you’re here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Bird Park Entrance - BRL70
  • Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - BRL530
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel back to Argentina today to visit the falls from the other side. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get close enough to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over 2 kilometres long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts (not the kind your grandpa has). There are over 270 falls in total, with some reaching up to 80 metres in height. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls and feel the water on your skin! In the afternoon return to Foz do Iguacu, where you’ll spend a second night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
Optional Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit - USD15
  • Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you'll take an included flight to Rio de Janeiro. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with this vibrant city. Home to one of the seven wonders, Rio has lots of day trip opportunities if you have the time. Depending on your flight time, you can explore Tijuca National Park and its lush rainforest, visit the botanical gardens for a relaxing walk, tour Guanabara Bay in a yacht or get the perfect pic at the Selaron Steps.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens - BRL67
  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car - BRL150
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day in Rio. People-watch on Copacabana or Ipanema beach, take a tour of the city, or if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. Maybe take the tramcar up to the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa or head up Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue. As evening approaches, you can take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before partying in the samba clubs of Lapa. There is even an optional activity to visit the island of Ilha Grande, a paradise just a short boat ride away from Rio’s centre.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Football Game (schedule dependent) from - BRL400
  • Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer - BRL118
  • Rio de Janeiro - Carnaval Experience (transfer not included) - BRL75
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
ILHA GRANDE OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
This activity will only run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you wish to do this and your tour does not finish on one of these days, you may need to book additional accommodation to allow for this activity. Pick-up time is between 6 am and 7:30 am and drop-off is not until approximately 8:30 pm.

Today your South American adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time following check-out.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Carnival rehearsal (June to Carnival only) from - BRL120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

16 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

4x4, Bus, Overnight bus, Plane, Taxi, Van

Accommodation

Dormitory (2 nights), Hotel (14 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)

Included activities

  • La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'
  • La Paz - Orientation Walk
  • Uyuni - Salt flats tour
  • Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
  • Uyuni - Orientation Walk
  • Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
  • Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada & Laguna Verde
  • Salta - Orientation walk
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
  • Rio de Janeiro - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Epic Bolivia to Brazil trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Dormitory ) and Day 8 (Overnight bus) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. While there will be one leader for every 16 travelers, there may be more than 50 travelers joining you on this experience.
3. Please note the order and days of the activities may change depending on availability.
4. This trip starts with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
5. There are no activities on the final day & you are free to depart anytime.
6. 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.
7. Please note you may require a Brazilian Visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2-5 weeks at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Please speak with your travel agent well in advance for further advice.
8. 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. Please read the following document carefully:
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9. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
10. In addition to a negative PCR test, Traveler’s Affidavit, and health insurance, entry into Chile currently requires submitting proof of vaccination in advance of travel. As this validation process can take a while, it is recommended that you submit your electronic validation request 30 days in advance of Travel. The link to submit and more information is available here: https://www.chile.travel/en/traveltochileplan/

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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