La Paz to Rio via Uyuni and Iguazu - 22 Nights

Arrival to La Paz Airport, transfer your accommodation and check in. Free day to relax and take it easy, maybe explore a little this high city.

Note: La Paz is really high so it is best to do everything slow the first days. Drink a lot of water, eat light, avoid alcohol and don't rush!

At 08:00, Tiwanaku Day Trip:
After a 1½-hour ride you will reach these pre-Columbian ruins, surrounded by beautiful nature. The ancient city and culture of Tiwanaku is supposed to be one of the most important in the American continent. It is believed that they were even more advanced in pottery, astronomy and math than the neighboring Incas. If you are traveling further north you will see Tiwanaku influence in the archaeological sites of Peru. After a visit to the uncovered ruins (there is a lot that is being uncovered but is not open to the public), the tour returns to La Paz and will leave you at you hostel or hotel at about 16:00. You will be amazed to learn how this ancient people used to leave and what they believed, so different from us nowadays.

Free day in La Paz to visit the old town.

Check out, go on your own to the bus station to take the bus to Copacabana, a small town at the shores of Lake Titicaca. After a 3-hour ride, arrival to town and check in. At 14:30, you will go on a light hike to Kasanani Hill, beautiful and ancient astronomical observation site built by the Incas to follow the movement of the sun and the moon and calculate eclipses and follow the change of seasons. 200 m from there you will find the Intikala temple, or Stone of the Sun, a series of big seats carved in stone. Then you will visit the Cathedral of the Virgen de Copacabana, that holds inside the image of the Holy Mary carved by an Inka in 1583. After that, you will reach the summit of the hill so see great views of the Titicaca lake and surroundings. Back to hotel and dinner.

At 08:00, you will take a boat to the northern part of Isla del Sol, arriving around 10:30 to the community of Challapampa. You will visit the Gold Museum and then walk for half an hour to the Inca Chincana Ruins, to later reach the Table of Stone. Along the island, many archaeological sites can be seen with one highlight: the Sacred Rock, or the Rock of the Origins, where according to the legend, Manco Capac and Mama Occlo departed to stablish the city of Cusco later on. At mid day, back to the Port to have lunch.

At 14:00, you will board the boat to begin the trip to the south of the island, stopping at Yumani Port to see boats made of "totora" (cattail in english). From the port, you will hike up to the village of Yumani at the southern end of Isla del Sol, passing by a series of Inca ruins and 3 sacred springs of water. Yumani is an Aymara comunity that built its town on top of an Inca site, with streets and walls made of stone. At the summit, you will see the sunset, and then it's back to the hotel and dinner.

After breakfast, walk down to the port through another route to pass by the ruins of the palace of Polkokaina and the Temple of the Sun. Back to Copacabana at 11:30 with time to catch the bus to La Paz. The bus to La Paz takes about 3 hours, so you will have time between 17:30 and 20:00-21:00 to go walking or eating. In the meantime you can leave your bags at a luggage store in the bus station. From La Paz, you will take an overnight bus to Uyuni town. Please try to use whatsapp during the trip as some tickets and important information are shared this way in Bolivia.

Morning arrival to Uyuni from la Paz. Wait at a cafe before the Overland begins. At about 10:00, departure to the village of Colchani, the entrance of the most beautiful salt flat in the world (and the biggest and the highest!). You will board the Jeep 4WD you are going to use until the end of the overland and meet your driver and other staff. They almost don't speak English and even their Spanish is basic but are normally very friendly and helpful. This is the beginning of the real adventure. Salt flat crossing to be amazed by the feeling and the colours of the "out of this planet " landscape.

The driver has to drive slowly and you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy and be amazed by this wonder. You will never forget this day. At the end of the day you will get to a Salt Hostel to spend the night. Salt Hostel means that the walls and some beds are built with salt bricks.

Note: The itinerary can be changed en route if the driver sees any changes in weather conditons or in the roads, or for any reason they judge the itinerary needs to be different. But the attractions will remain the same.

Important note: The Bolivian High Plateau, also known as the Puna, is a remote region with limited services, scarce water, no electricity in many areas, and a local culture very different from what most travelers may be used to. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the journey is unforgettable but the itinerary is subject to change at any time due to weather conditions, road closures, or limited availability of accommodations. Schedules are flexible, food is simple (not gourmet), and both the altitude and the vehicles can be uncomfortable. The salt flats may be flooded, requiring alternate routes. If you're approaching this trip with expectations of punctuality, comfort, and polished service, you might not enjoy it. But if you come with an open mind, understanding the limitations of the region and its people, you'll likely have the adventure of a lifetime - and take home some of your best travel memories.

After a night by the salt flat, the tour heads towards the desert and the high plateau, also called Puna or Altiplano. In the morning, you will see the canyon of river Anaconda and in the afternoon, you will go past the Siloli Desert, where the wind and sun and a bit of rain carved strange volcanic rock formations. By lunchtime, you will probably be at Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon, also called Laguna Negra). Arrival at the hostel and dinner. The hostels are very basic, but clean, and a part of the Altiplanic experience.

Early departure to be able to dive deeper (or higher!) into the desert and the Puna. The vehicle will drive along deserted landscapes, climbing higher and higher without even noticing it is happening. You will see lagoons with plenty of wildlife (Red and White lagoons), huge white-topped mountains and volcanoes, and altiplanic plains while you talk to your companions and learn about their travels. Lunch is provided near hot springs and after that, the second part of the day takes you to the Sol de Mañana Geysers and finally to Laguna Colorada, where more than 30.000 flamingoes nest every year. Please note that on this day you will reach 4.500 meters above sea level, so take into consideration the many tips to avoid “soroche”. The trip ends in San Pedro de Atacama after crossing the border at Hito Cajon. Check in and free day in San Pedro de Atacama.

Free day to relax or to visit valle de la Luna

Geysers del Tatio Excursion:
You will be picked up at the hostel between 04:30 - 05:00 (depending on the season) to be able to admire the driest and highest desert in the world. The road will take you between hills and mountains of the tough Andes range until you reach the geothermal site of the Geysers, 1 hour and a half after departure. There you will be able to admire the out of this wolrd Geysers, fumaroles and steaming craters that show the volcanic activity of the region. The Geysers reserve is located at 89 km from San Pedro and 4.230 meters above sea level. So temperature is low in summer (-6 degrees Celcius) and even colder in winter (july-august) (-20 degrees Celcius). It is very important to take warm clothes and plenty of water to help your body adapt to such a high altitude. Breakfast is offered viewing the geothermic field and on the way back there is a short stop at Machuca Village. Back to San Pedro at about 12.30.

Check out, go to the bus station to take the bus to Salta. After a long and very interesting ride, you will arrive in Salta in the afternoon. Find your own way to the hostel. Check in and free evening.

Note: buses between San Pedro and Salta dont have departures on Sundays.

Cafayate and Villages Day Tour
We are leaving from Salta to the South, taking the route 68, passing through little towns like Cerrillos, La Merced, El Carril, Cnel. Moldes, La Viña (agricultural area which main production is tobacco). We are visiting the village of Alemanía, and from there we are entering to Cafayate Gorge, where we'll see in the mountains the erosion of millions of years, created by wind and water (Devil's Throat, Amphitheater, The Monk, The Castles, Parrot's House, The Windows and The Toad). After visiting these places, we are arriving to the town of Cafayate to visit a winery and to taste the specialty of the region, torrontés wine. After walking through the town, we are coming back to Salta through the same gorge, which will offer us a different landscape in our way back to the city.

Departure time: 07:30-07:50 (there can be variations depending on location of accommodation)
Duration: 10 hours
Frequency: Daily departures. Blackout 25 December and 1 January.
Transport: Mini-Bus

Breakfast and free day to relax, walk around this beautiful colonial city and try to go to a “peña” at night. There are many available optional day trips.

Check out, go on your own to the bus station to take the night bus to Resistencia.

Arrival to Resistencia and change bus to reach Puerto Iguazu. Arrival and transfer to your accommodation.

Breakfast. At around 07:45,Excursion to the Falls, Argentine side (Full Day):
Pick up at accommodation. This tour will take you to visit part of the Iguacu National Park*, that preserves 67.000 ha. of giant trees, vines and ferns living with multicolored butterflies, birds and mammals, all part of the rich local flora and fauna. The park was declared Natural World Heritage in 1984, due to its scenic beauties and the great biological diversity of the subtropical jungle. The famous falls are in the heart of this park. You will start the visit at the local museum and continue the tour along the Lower Trail, from where you can see the Two Sisters Falls, Bossetti Falls, Hidden Falls, a panoramic view of San Martin Island, and Union Falls. Later, you will walk the Upper Trail shifting along walkways located above major falls, up to the majestic San Martin Falls, from where you have a panoramic view of the Brazilian falls. Finally, you go with the Train of the Jungle up to Devil's Throat station. From there, after a 1,000 meters walk along the catwalks, you will reach the spectacular Devil's Throat, where the Iguazu River expresses itself with all its strength and the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows. You will be transferred back to your accommodation.

*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park.

Breakfast. At around 07:45, Excursion to the Falls Brazilian Side, (Half Day):
The guide will take you to visit the wonderful Iguacu Falls*, on the Brazilian side, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Argentine side, perfect for taking the perfect picture you could not take when you were in the other side. You will get close to Floriano, Deodoro, and Benjamin waterfalls, and the walkways lead you also to Santa Maria Falls. It is a short but stunning tour. After the tour, if you are hungry, the guides will offer a stop in a Brazilian all-you-can-eat restaurant. It will depend on your budget, but it is quite a good value for money and it is your chance to try Brazilian dishes!

*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park.

Check out, transfer to Foz do Iguacu bus station (Rodoviaria) to take the night bus to Rio.

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and go on your own to your accommodation. Check in and free rest of day.

Breakfast. At 08:00, Big Dude Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tour:
All of Rio de Janeiro best sights in just one packed day.
From 08:00 to 08:30: Hotel pick-up by mini-bus
11:00 Stop at São Conrado to watch the hang gliders land on the beach.
11:30 Stop at Tijuca Forest for a walk around the park to experience a real rainforest.
12:15 Drive through the Tijuca Forest towards Christ the Redeemer.
12:40 Stop at Christ Statue for a visit to the top (ticket included).
14:15 Drive to Santa Teresa for a lunch break (not included), followed by a walk around the neighborhood
15:30 Drive to Lapa for a visit to the colorful steps “Escadaria Selaron”, made famous by Snoop Dog in his music video “Beautiful”.
16:30 Drive back to hotel with the option of a drop-off at Sugarloaf

Breakfast. Free day to enjoy Rio, the beaches or to take a day tour to Buzios or Angra dos Reis (not included).

Check out, transfer to the airport. End of adventure

- La Paz Airport or La Paz bus station pickup
- 3 nights accommodation in La Paz with daily breakfast
- Tiwanaku Ruins day tour, no lunch included
- Regular bus from La Paz to Copacabana, round trip
- 1 night accommodation in Copacabana
- 1 night accommodation in Isla del Sol
- 1 afternoon, 1 full day and 1 morning guided activities during trip to Copacabana and Isla del Sol
- Entrance fees to the sites in Copacabana and Isla del Sol
- 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch during activities in Copacabana and Isla del Sol
- PM Night Bus from La Paz to Uyuni
- Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama Overland including 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 dinners, Transportation in shared Jeep 4WD for 6 customers from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, 2 nights in dorm, and Spanish speaking guide/driver
- 3 nights accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama
- Geisers del Tatio Excursion
- Bus from San Pedro to Salta
- 3 nights accommodation in Salta with breakfast
- Cafayate Full Day Excursion, lunch not included
- Bus from Salta to Puerto Iguazu with connection in Resistencia
- 3 nights accommodation in Puerto Iguazu with breakfast
- Iguazu Airport pick up and Foz do Iguacu Bus Station drop off
- Full Day Tour to the Falls, Argentine Side
- Half Day Tour to the Falls, Brazilian Side
- Night bus from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro
- 3 nights accommodation in Rio de Janeiro with breakfast
- Big Dude Rio City Tour full day
- Rio de Janeiro Airport drop off