Andean Discovery - 18 days
Andean Discovery - 18 days
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Tour Overview
Embark on an 18-day Andean Discovery adventure through Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, exploring vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Begin in Santiago with a cultural city tour, then journey to the Atacama Desert to witness the surreal Valley of the Moon. Cross into Bolivia to marvel at the stunning Laguna Verde and the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, staying at the unique Hotel Palacio de Sal. Discover the picturesque town of Humahuaca and the archaeological site of Pucara in Argentina. Experience the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, and conclude your journey in Buenos Aires, exploring its historic neighborhoods and lively tango scene. Enjoy superior accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transfers throughout this unforgettable South American adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Chile. Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of your evening at leisure.
Day 2-3: Santiago
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour of Chile's capital. Starting at San Cristobal Hill, you'll visit the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and the Government Palace. Then head east to experience some of Santiago's older neighbourhoods, such as Plaza Concha y Toro, which is known for its cobblestone streets and historic mansions. The tour ends at a handicraft store where you can admire lapis lazuli jewellery, a stone that is only found in Chile and Afghanistan.
Day 3 is free for you to explore this cosmopolitan city for yourself, whether you want to discover its fascinating museums, unwind in one of the hillside parks or check out what Santiago's buzzing nightlife has to offer.
Day 4: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Santiago - Atacama. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Atacama. Upon arrival at Calama airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 5-6: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
This afternoon you'll depart on a half-day excursion to the beautiful Moon Valley. Sculpted over thousands and thousands of years by erosion, this otherworldly landscape features incredible rock formations and sand dunes. Visit the salt caverns and climb the mayor sand dune for breathtaking views, before returning to San Pedro de Atacama in the evening.
Day 6 is free to spend at your leisure.
Day 7: Laguna Colorada
Location: Laguna Colorada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Villa Mar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Atacama - Villa Mar (Bolivia). Today you will journey via the Hito Cajón Bolivian border to Villa Mar, passing the Valley of Dali and Chalviri hot springs enroute. Other stops include the Geysers of the Sun Morning, where you can admire the spectacular colours of the hot mud, and Laguna Colorada, home to the famous James Flamingos.
Day 8-9: Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region
Location: Uyuni
Accommodation Name: Hotel Palacio de Sal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Villa Mar - Uyuni. We arrive in Colchani where you will be staying for the next 2 days at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, one of the world's most unusual hotels and the first hotel in the world built entirely of salt. After dinner, enjoy an evening walk near the hotel. The sky at this latitude is considered one of the clearest in the world.
On day 9, we visit the bizarre rock formations of the Stones Valley and take in the incredible landscapes of the vast dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats, visiting the famous giant cactus of Incahuasi Island (commonly known as Fish Island). Next, learn about the process of salt extraction at a salt processing plant before enjoying lunch in the middle of the Salt Flats.
Day 10: Tupiza
Location: Tupiza
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Tupiza
Meals Included: Breakfast
Uyuni Salt Flats - Tupiza. Today travel to the tranquil Bolivian town of Tupiza, stopping en route to visit the mining centre of Atocha. On arrival enjoy a short walk through the city.
Day 11: Humahuaca & Pucara
Location: Humahuaca
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Purmamarca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tupiza - Humahuaca - Purmamarca (Argentina). Today you will cross the border into Argentina, travelling to the colourful northwest region and the picturesque town of Humahuaca. Enjoy some free time to explore before continuing to Tilcara. Here you will visit the most important archaeological site in Argentina. Known as Pucara, this hilltop fortress boasts exceptional views over the valley below. Enjoy a short visit to the town of Tilcara and its fascinating Archaeological Museum, before the short drive to Purmamarca.
Day 12: Salta
Location: Salta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Purmamarca - Salta. Enjoy free time this morning to explore Purmamarca Village, where highlights include the famous Hill of Seven Colours, the church and the craft market. Discover its narrow streets and meet the locals, before travelling to the city of Salta, which is renowned for its handsome colonial architecture and rugged mountainous backdrop.
Day 13-14: Iguazu Falls (Argentina)
Location: Iguazu Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast
Salta - Iguazu. Transfer to Salta Airport for your flight to Iguazu, arriving into Puerto Iguazu Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
On day 14 enjoy a full-day excursion into the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. Your visit can be done via 3 circuits, best-known as the Lower Path, Higher Path and the Devil’s Throat Path. The Lower Path offers great views of the majority of the rapids and falls, however there are a high number of steps along the way (approximate duration: 2 hours). The Higher Path then crosses the top of the canyon and allows you to look down over the edge of the falls (approximate duration: 1 hour). To access the Devil’s Throat Path, you must take the Ecological Jungle Train then follow the trail to the large lookout balconies at the edge of the falls (approximate duration: 2 hours).
Day 15: Iguazu Falls (Brazil)
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Iguazu - Buenos Aires. Today enjoy a half-day excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Separated from the Argentinean National Park by the Iguazu River, the Brazilian Falls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and form part of one of the largest natural protected areas in South America. Stroll along the 1,200-metre catwalk and enjoy stunning views of the 275 falls.
Transfer to Puerto Iguazu Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the capital.
Day 16: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today enjoy a guided tour of the main highlights of Buenos Aires, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Government House and Plaza de Mayo. Watch the locals tango on the streets of the San Telmo neighbourhood and stop at the colourful suburb of La Boca, home to several important artists. You will also visit Palermo, to marvel at its elegant buildings and parks before ending your tour in the exclusive neighbourhood of Recoleta, where you can visit the famous cemetery alongside many fine restaurants and cafes.
Day 17-18: Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend day 17 exploring Buenos Aires at your leisure. Perhaps wander the lively outdoor markets or shop in some of the city's cutting-edge boutiques. Enjoy gourmet cuisine and sample some of the country's renowned wine. No trip to the Argentinian capital would be complete without watching a tango performance, or you could even put on your dancing shoes and learn to tango yourself.
On day 18 it's time to bid farewell to Buenos Aires. Unless you have considered extending your stay you will be transferred from your hotel to the international airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Our rating: Superior -
Airport Transfers
The tour includes airport arrival and departure transfers.
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City Tours
Santiago and Buenos Aires city tours are included on a shared basis.
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Moon and Death Valleys Excursion
An excursion to Moon and Death Valleys is included on a shared basis.
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Uyuni Salt Flat Tour
Tour of the Rocks Valley, Incahuasi Island, and Uyuni Salt Flat is included on a shared basis.
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Humahuaca Gorge Excursion
Humahuaca Gorge Excursion is included on a shared basis.
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Dalí Valley and Geysers Tour
Tour of the Dalí Valley, Chalviri hot springs, Sol de Mañana Geysers, and Laguna Colorada is included on a shared basis.
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Iguazu Falls Tour
Brazilian Falls and Argentine Iguazu Falls Tour is included on a shared basis.
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English Speaking Guides
English speaking local guides are provided for all scheduled sightseeing.
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Transfers and Transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are not included. South American airpasses are available with LATAM and other airline carriers when booked in conjunction with international flights.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes airport arrival and departure transfers, as well as all relevant transfers and transportation. City tours and excursions are conducted on a shared basis, with private touring available for a supplement.
Accommodation
Enjoy 16 nights of superior accommodation, with an option to upgrade to deluxe. Experience a unique stay at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, the first hotel in the world built entirely of salt.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 16 nights of superior accommodation, with an option to upgrade to deluxe. A unique stay at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, the first hotel in the world built entirely of salt, is also part of the experience.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes airport arrival and departure transfers.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes all relevant transfers and transportation. City tours and excursions are conducted on a shared basis, with private touring available for a supplement.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, English speaking local guides are provided for all scheduled sightseeing, including city tours in Santiago and Buenos Aires, as well as excursions to Moon and Death Valleys, Uyuni Salt Flat, Humahuaca Gorge, Dalí Valley, and Iguazu Falls.
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What is the policy on tipping during the tour?
Tipping is not included in the tour package and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
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Are international flights and visas included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Is there an age recommendation for this tour?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Andean Discovery - 18 days
18 Days Starting in Santiago, Chile and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Visiting: Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Laguna Colorada, Uyuni, Tupiza, Humahuaca, Salta, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests