Geological Wonders of the Andes

Discover The Geological Wonders of Chile & Bolivia

Journey through the Andean heartland combining the geological wonders of Chile and Bolivia on this 14-day immersive adventure. Visit the world’s largest salt flat and driest desert and discover Chilean and Bolivian culture in the enthralling cities of Santiago and La Paz.

Highlights

• Discover Santiago, Chile's enthralling historic capital
• Marvel at the landscapes of the Atacama Desert
• Go star-gazing at the world's largest salt flats in Bolivia
• Explore the geysers, unique rock formations and Dali Desert in Bolivia
• Enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Titicaca

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Days 2 & 3 - Santiago

Days 4 - 6 - The Atacama Desert

Days 7 & 8 - Siloli Desert

Day 9 - Uyuni

Day 10 - La Paz

Day 11 - Lake Titicaca

Day 12 - Depart La Paz for Lima

Day 13 - Depart Lima

Day 14 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Santiago, Chile

Days 2 & 3 - Santiago

Against the backdrop of snow-capped Andes Mountain peaks, Santiago is an energetic and sophisticated city with an abundance of historical sites, leafy hillside parks and contemporary trendy districts. Spend two nights in Chile’s capital, with a guided tour included on your second day. Explore the bustling Plaza de Armas and the unmissable Metropolitan Cathedral; Santiago’s riverside artistic hub – Bellavista; and the affluent neighbourhood of Providencia, lined with elegant shops and fine eateries. Finish your tour at Santa Lucia hill, the founding spot of Santiago in the 16th century, culturally complemented by sweeping city views.

Days 4 - 6 - The Atacama Desert

Leave Santiago behind, flying to the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Three days are afforded to explore the wonderfully unique lunar-like region. On an encompassing exploration of the driest desert in the world, visit the glistening salt lakes with its resident flamingos, the turquoise highland lagoons, the deep-cut rocky valleys and the explosive geysers which all define the topography of Atacama. The night sky is worth the journey alone and the desert is widely considered one of the best star-gazing experiences in the world.

Days 7 & 8 - Siloli Desert 

Cross the border into Bolivia by vehicle into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Here you will see the Green Lake with a view of the Licancabur Volcano, the sulphur vapours of geysers and enjoy an open-air dip in the thermal ponds of Polques. You’ll stop by Laguna Colorada, known as the Red Lagoon for its unusual red colouring and a nesting centre for thousands of flamingos. You will also visit the Stone Tree, a unique rock formation caused by wind erosion, and the Dali Desert, so called because of its surreal and barren landscape, arriving into Uyuni late in the afternoon.

In the evening you can take full advantage of almost zero light pollution with a stargazing experience in the salt flats. With clear weather, you’ll see thousands of stars, various constellations, and the Milky Way, all beautifully reflected on the Salar. 

Day 9 – Uyuni 

One of the continent’s most spectacular sights, Uyuni has the largest salt flats in the world, and they are both eerie and evocative, as the sky and horizon seemingly fuse over an expansive sheet of white barren terrain. Marvel at the glistening wonderland on your full-day tour including Inca Huasi Island with its giant cacti, a rustic salt factory visit, and see the towering Tunupa Volcano and the Mummies of Coquesa and the Chantani Museum. 

Day 10 – La Paz 

Take a short flight from Uyuni to La Paz, picture-perfectly perched on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau. Your day will be spent exploring the myriad of historic and cultural sites of Bolivia’s cosmopolitan and elevated capital including the disjointed labyrinth of colourful markets and the Teleférico (Cable Car). You also journey a short distance out of town to Moon Valley. The incredible geology, canyons and interesting rock formations of Valle de la Luna really make it feel like something out of this world. 

Day 11 – Lake Titicaca 

Today you will journey to serene Lake Titicaca. Embark on a boat trip on this sacred lake, which beautifully reflects the surrounding hills in its azure waters. You will arrive at Sun Island in time for a traditional lunch. You will then spend the afternoon exploring the island’s ancient Inca ruins, and incredible views, before returning to Copacabana for the night.  

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, speak to your Travel Specialist about staying an extra night near Lake Titicaca at a farming community. Here you can learn about their history and culture, and join traditional weaving workshops, enjoy local homecooked meals and climb Sleeping Dragon hill for beautiful views over the lake. 

Day 12 – Depart La Paz for Lima

Before lunch, take advantage of visiting Copacabana. In the afternoon, you will return to La Paz in time for your evening departure flight back to Lima.

Day 13 – Depart Lima

Transfer to Lima airport for your onward flight

Day 14 – Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Peru

From £4,999 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room.)

Includes:

• International flights

• 11 nights' accommodation

• 19 meals; 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

• City tours of Santiago and La Paz

• Three-day sightseeing programme in the Atacama Desert

• Full-day tour of Uyuni

• Full-day Lake Titicaca excursion

• Transfer and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites