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Signature Salta, Uyuni Salt Flats & Atacama Desert

10 Days
From AUD 10,627

STYLE: Signature Package

Trip Code: MCHMSSA

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure - high altitude, unsealed roads & basic accommodation)

Start: Salta, Argentina

Finish: Atacama Desert, Chile

DestinationDestination

Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, South America

DestinationDeparture Date

Departs Daily

MealsMeals

9 Breakfasts (B), 5 Lunches (L), 3 Dinners (D)

TransportTransport

Transfers from Salta airport to Salta hotel, Transfers from Atcama hotel to Calama Airport. Some Touring in private 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle

TransportAccommodation

Hotels (including Salt Hotel)



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Salta/Purmamarca - Half day tour of Salta city, Full day of touring between Salta and Purmamarca 
Bolivia Salt Flats- 3 Days of exploring Salt Flats and Altiplano including Village of Villamar, Valley of Rocks, Culpina Village, Uyuni Salt Flats, Colchani Village - Private driver/guide and 4WD included
San Pedro de Atacama – Astronomy Tour, Half-Day Archeological Tour of Tulor & Quitor, Tour Salt Mountain & Valley of the Moon, Atacama Salt Lake, Village of Toconao & Chaxa Lagoon

HOW OUR SIGNATURE TOURS WORK

Booking a South America trip with Chimu is easy! Our signature tours are developed so you can choose your own departure date, choose your accommodation style and add extensions to customize your trip!

Choose a   
Signature Tour

Choose a   
Departure Date

Choose your Accommodation Style

Add optional extensions pre or post tour

Enjoy your trip!

OVERVIEW

On this ultimate 10-day adventure you will discover Argentina, Bolivia and Chile! Starting in Salta, explore this charming city and head north to the UNESCO listed region of Purmamarca and see the Hill of Seven Colours and overnight in the small town of Huacalera. Continue north, bound for Bolivia and traverse across the Uyuni Salt Flats – the largest in the world. Here you will enjoy a picnic in the middle of the salt flats and visit Incahuasi island, home to towering cacti up to 10m high. Drive on to the southern Altiplano of Bolivia, admiring stunning and different coloured lagoons. Keep an eye out for flamingos and other bird life. Continue to the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama – the jumping off point to explore the Atacama Desert. 
This trip is perfect to add on before or after an Antarctic cruise. Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile are the two most popular cities for beginning a journey to the white continent. You can also combine the trip with a visit to Patagonia or explore more of the wonders of Argentina and Chile. 

This itinerary is also offered in reverse - Signature Atacama, Uyuni Salt Flats & Salta

ITINERARY

Arrive Salta

Welcome to the charming city of Salta! Located in the north of Argentina you will fall in love with the beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestoned streets.

Salta

This morning is at leisure and later in the day you will take a half day tour of the city. Visit the fascinating MAAM museum and main square with its stunning cathedral, as well as the San Fransisco Church and San Bernardo convent.

Salta to Huacalera

Today you will journey north towards the small town of Purmamarca. En route you will be able to explore the UNESCO listed Querberada de Purmamarca area – enjoy stunning Altiplanos to the west and north and Andean hills to the east. You will see the breathtaking Hill of Seven Colours, with its striking and jagged formations. Explore the colourful handicraft market and see the Pukara of Tilcara.

Huacalera to Uyuni Salt Flats

This morning you will leave your hotel bound for Bolivia. At the border you will farewell your guide after border formalities and meet your local Bolivian guide on the other side. From here you’ll drive north towards Uyuni, taking in the Valley of the Machos, surrounded by beautiful hills of various natural shapes. On arrival check into your accommodation –a hotel made from salt bricks and located on the shores of Salar de Uyuni, the perfect place to rest easy for the night.

Uyuni Salt Flats

This morning you will explore Colchani village, where you observe the methods of salt extraction and salt processing. Set off across the Great Salt Flats to Incahuasi Island, an oasis covered with giant cacti up to 10 metres high. Continuing north to visit the foothills of Thumpa volcano and see Coquesa, which is home to pre-Colombian “mummies. After a long day of exploration, finally arrive at your accommodation –a hotel made from salt bricks and located on the shores of Salar de Uyuni, the perfect place to rest easy for the night.

Uyuni Salt Falts to Bolivian Altiplano

Today is packed with jaw-dropping scenery. Pass through the Valley of Rocks, stopping off to view famous rock formations caused by wind erosion. Villages like Culpina, where the houses have been built from natural materials and San Cristobal, which was relocated from its original location because of the zinc and silver deposits in the vicinity. This high-altitude desert environment is home to dozens of colourful lagoons, snow-capped mountains, llamas, Tonight, your accommodation is unique as it has been built into a rock and offers a warm, cosy and comfortable refuge from the desert night.

Bolivian Altiplano to San Pedro De Atacama

This morning you will be transferred to Hiton Cajon, the mountain pass border between Bolivia and Chile. Along the way you will be rewarded with some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world, stopping off for plenty of photo opportunities. flamingos, hot springs, and geysers. After clearing Chilean immigration, make your way to the village of San Pedro de Atacama. This evening you will have time at leisure to relax after a long day.

San Pedro de Atacama

Start your day with a tour of San Pedro de Atacama, the archaeological capital of Chile. Located near the mouth of the main river that feeds the salt flat, this tour will orientate you and give you an understanding of the history, the town, and surrounding areas. This evening you will be collected from your hotel for Astronomy in the Desert, one of the best places in the world to observe stars, planets, and constellations. (B)

San Pedro de Atacama

In the morning you will visit the Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, home to a variety of bird species, including the three types of flamingos, and one of the most important lithium reserves in the world. En route you will stop at the picturesque village of Toconao, built from white volcanic stone and then on to Chaxa Lagoon. In the afternoon, travel across the Salt Mountain Range to reach the Valley of the Moon in time for sunset when the sun brings out the best of the valley's incredible colours. (B)

Depart San Pedro de Atacama

You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ITINERARY

  • Tour the Uyuni Salt flats via 4WD. The days can be long, with a lot of driving but the stunning vistas make up for it. In the wet season you will enjoy stunning reflections as far as the eye can see. In the dry season the salt sparkles in the sun and this is the perfect time for photography using perspective to make unique and memorable photos. Enjoy a picnic in the middle of the salt flats. 

  • Explore 3 countries with this adventurous itinerary. You will see the wonders of Northwest of Argentina , Atacama, the Uyuni Salt Flats.

  • Stay in a unique hotel that is almost entirely made of salt. What an experience to remember! 

  • Atacama and it's moonscape like vistas are not to be missed. Explore lagoons and geysers and see the beautiful constellations on an astronomical tour. 

  • Wander through the charming streets of the colonial city of Salta and venture into Argentina's Northwest. Here you will find valleys, gorges and stunning jagged mountains. 

  • This trip can be combined with a cruise to Antarctica or with additional exploration of Chile, Argentina and Patagonia. 

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date


Best Value!

Superior

Tried & tested upmarket properties with above average facilities and service

10 Days FROM AUD 10,627 Enquire Now

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Important Information

  • During the rainy season (Nov/Mar) the visit to Uyuni salt lake & Isla Pescado will be possible only if weather conditions permit it.
    We would recommend packing clothing suitable for a mountain environment, including sun protection and sunglasses.
    Weather at high altitude can change very quickly and the sun reflected off the Salt Lake is particularly strong.

    Prices are based on per person, twin share.
    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
    All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

  • Inclusions


    Transfers from Salta Airport to Salta hotel
    Transfers from Atacama Hotel to Calama Airport 
    Private full day of sightseeing with a local English speaking guide from Purmamarca to Salta and a private transfer from the Bolivian border
    Private transfer from Uyuni to Bolivian border 
    3N/4D Private Salt Flats Package - travelling with a local English speaking guide in a 4WD 
    Accommodation with breakfast daily
    Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide as detailed in itinerary
    Other meals where stated 

     

    Exclusions

    International and internal flights (unless otherwise specified)  
    Visa & reciprocity fees (if applicable)
    Travel insurance
    Beverages 
    Personal expenses
    Gratuities for tour guides & drivers
    Any items not mentioned as included

  • 2 (light adventure - high altitude, unsealed roads & basic accommodation)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Currency fluctuation, seasonality and availability at time of booking.