10 Day Salt Flats of Bolivia & Chile Small Group Tour

Welcome to La Paz. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. At around 3,600 m, La Paz feels like the top of the world. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of commerce, finance and industry. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. There are no activities planned for today so you are free to explore. Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

This morning enjoy a half day tour to experience the city. Visit the Killi Killi viewpoint where you can take impressive pictures of the city. Then visit the historic centre of the city of La Paz including Plaza Murillo, Executive Palace, Legislative Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. We will then continue to the Valle de Luna, or Moon Valley, to see amazing geological formations. Created by erosion, the valley resembles a lunar landscape. On return to the city centre, we will take a ride on the yellow line cable car for a beautiful panorama of the city of La Paz. One of the most picturesque means of urban air transport, the cable car will allow you to witness the secrets of the city from the air as well as admire the snow-capped mountain of Illimani. Finally, visit the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches Market), a place full of traditions and objects to carry out ancestral Andean rituals. Other stalls display colourful handi-crafts. In the afternoon, transfer back to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Killi Killi viewpoint La Paz Valle de Luna El Alto Mercado de las Brujas

In the morning after breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport to take your included flight to Sucre. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Sucre is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia and South America. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the enchanting streets of the city, where the neoclassical facades, magnificent colonial churches, and the warm hospitality of its people create a captivating atmosphere. Known as the "Ciudad Blanca" or White City, Sucre preserves the colonial architecture of past centuries in its historic centre. Explore the most attractive places and important historical monuments, including the May 25th Square, the Cathedral, the renowned House of Freedom (where Bolivia's declaration of independence was signed on August 6th, 1825), the museum, The Recoleta (which served as a convent, barracks, prison, and museum), the Church of San Francisco, and much more. The afternoon and evening will be yours to explore Sucre at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Sucre May 25th Square House of Freedom Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your group will be required to check in together.

This morning is free to further explore the city. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Potosi by private transport. Once the wealthiest city in the Americas thanks to its location at the base of silver ore-rich Cerro Rico (Rich Hill). The discovery and extraction of the silver led to a financial boom for the Spanish empire; however, the city's riches quickly diminished and its citizens soon slipped into poverty once the silver dried up. The evening will be at your leisure to enjoy Potosi. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Begin your morning after breakfast, with a guided walking tour through the significant streets of Potosi, exploring the local market, and venturing to a silver mine, where we hear from a former miner about its history and tragic legacy. In the afternoon, leave Potosi behind and embark on a journey to the town of Uyuni. Nestled on the edge of the high Altiplano, Uyuni serves as a gateway to the expansive Salt Flats. Notably, it is situated above the world's largest lithium reserve, boasting around 100 million tons. While this won't jumpstart a dead battery, the extracted lithium from Uyuni has the potential to fuel the planet's smartphones and electric cars for the next century. Upon arrival, take advantage of free time to relax before the thrilling Salar de Uyuni excursion scheduled for tomorrow. Inspiring Highlights Potosi Silver Mine Potosi market Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. To ensure a safe and enriching experience, we've collaborated with a local operator to provide a secure option for your mine visit. This tour involves a visit to the miner's market, a minerals distillery, and an external exploration of the mine. We believe this experience offers a great understanding of the socio, cultural, and economic importance of the mine to Potosi and the region while avoiding the risks associated with entering the mine. Please be aware that your group leader is strictly prohibited from recommending or assisting travellers in booking alternative mine tours.

Today will be an early start, as we take an exciting full-day excursion to the incredible salt flats of Bolivia. The first stop will be the Train Cemetery. Later, we'll head to the town of Colchani, where the salt processing centre is located. You'll receive a comprehensive explanation of the drying, grinding, and packaging process. Afterward, we'll proceed to the Salar, making our first stop at the Ojos de Salar, offering a glimpse of the internal activity of the salt flat. Following that, we'll visit Playa Blanca, home to the unique "Salt Hotel-Museum", the first of its kind. Around noon, we'll explore "Incahuasi Island" situated in the heart of the Salt Flat. Here, you'll encounter extraordinary calcareous rocks, extensive populations of cacti, caves, tunnels, and a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Salt Flat. By late afternoon, we'll return to the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Train Cemetery Colchani Salar de Uyuni - Salt Flats Salt Hotel-Museum Incahuasi Island Special Information Transport today will be by 4x4 with 4 guests per vehicle to ensure a window seat. Your tour leader will rotate between vehicles throughout the day.

An early start today as we head to the Bolivia and Chile border. Please remember to keep your passport handy. The journey will take most of the day but offers stunning scenery along the way as you pass by geysers, salt flats, and snow-capped volcanoes on your way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. There will be opportunities to stop for photos and stretch your legs. Lunch is included en route. As a small oasis town, San Pedro is surrounded by extraordinary scenery. Your night is free to explore the town and its many restaurants. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

This morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the many shops and cafes of the township. In the afternoon, indulge in a private tour to the Moon Valley, one of the key highlights of the salt mountain range. Explore the duna mayor, the amphitheatre, the tres marías, and the scenic viewpoint known as “Piedra del Coyote.” As the day concludes, savour the breathtaking sunset against the backdrop of the Andes Mountain range, accompanied by a delightful cocktail for your enjoyment. Inspiring Highlights Moon Valley Piedra del Coyote

Today are free to explore the local area and its stunning scenery. We recommend booking an optional tour to make the most of your time in this unique landscape. Special Information The below-mentioned tours may be shared with other travellers. Due to timings, only 1 optional tour may be booked for this day.

Your tour comes to an end today and there are no activities planned. A group transfer will be provided for the 90 minute drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport. We recommend booking a flight departing between 2pm and 6pm to partake in the included transfer. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Please ensure your flight from Calama Airport departs in the afternoon in order to take advantage of the included group transfer. Should your flight depart in the evening you may have a longer wait at Calama Airport if partaking in the group transfer. If you choose to extend your stay or are unable to partake in the group transfer, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. An alternate transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.