From Buenos Aires to the Salar de Uyuni via the Atacama – An adventure between sky and earth
Andes & High Plateaus 17 days classique

From Buenos Aires to the Salar de Uyuni via the Atacama – An adventure between sky and earth

Embark on a journey to the heart of Argentine, a land of contrasts and intense emotions. Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital where European elegance blends with Latin American passion. Tango, colorful neighborhoods and refined gastronomy set the tone for this first immersion in the country.

From€6,587per person
20 years of local expertise5/5 (4 reviews including 4 Google)

Duration

17 days

From

€6,587/pers.

Ideal seasons

Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Style

Itinerant travel

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Couple, With friends, senior

The spirit of travel

Depart for a trip to Argentina, a land of contrasts and intense emotions. Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, a vibrant capital where European elegance blends with Latin American passion. Tango, colorful neighborhoods and refined gastronomy set the tone for this first immersion in the country.

You then head to Salta, a colonial jewel in northern Argentina, surrounded by colorful valleys and Andean landscapes. Ancestral traditions are still very much present here and give this stage a warm and authentic atmosphere.

The journey continues in the ochre light of Purmamarca, a small Andean village nestled at the foot of Cerro de los Siete Colores. At dawn, the mountains reveal their shades of red, ochre, pink and green in the fresh air of the altiplano. You take time to immerse yourself in this mineral and silent landscape, at the pace of the wind and dusty paths.

Then comes the moment to leave the Argentine valleys. Aboard the bus, you gradually gain altitude on the winding roads of the Andes. The crossing into Chile is already part of the journey, between lunar landscapes, endless expanses and turquoise lagoons where pink flamingos graze. Gradually, the Atacama Desert emerges on the horizon. Around San Pedro de Atacama, night gives way to a particularly clear sky, studded with stars.

The journey then continues south, running along the backbone of Chile to the sea. After the arid universe of the desert, the change of scenery is striking. In Valparaíso, painted houses adorn the hills, connected by staircases and old funiculars. You wander through its alleyways dotted with murals and cafes facing the Pacific, while sea air gently accompanies the end of the journey.

From this Pacific port, once a stopover for navigators from around the world, comes the time to return. The colors of the mountains, the silence of the desert and the hills of Valparaíso mingle with memories before your departure to France. One last way to measure the distance traveled, between Andes, desert and ocean.

The stages of your journey

D1–2
Buenos AiresTango de Mayo Hotel
D3
IguazúIguazú Jungle Lodge
D4
Puerto IguazúIguazú Jungle Lodge
D5
IguazúIguazú Jungle Lodge
D6
SaltaSolar de la Plaza
D7–8
TilcaraLas Marias hôtel boutique
D9
SaltaColores de Purmamarca
D10–12
AtacamaLa Casa de Don Tomás
D13
San Pedro De AtacamaLa Casa de Don Tomás
D14–15
UyuniHotel Luna Salada
D16
Santiago Du ChiliLa Quinta by Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto
D17
ValparaísoRepas

Highlights

Three countries, three universes in a single journey
Striking contrasts along the way
A true crossing of the Andes
A variety of experiences without multiplying pace changes
An itinerary designed to take time to discover

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Your arrival in Buenos Aires

Your stay in Argentina begins at Ezeiza international airport. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your hotel, located in the heart of Buenos Aires.

Tango de Mayo Hotel
Jour 2
D2

Buenos Aires, its enigmatic history

  • Historic city center

Begin your discovery of the capital on the Plaza de Mayo, the cradle of Argentine history. With your guide, revisit the major stages of independence and the country's political struggles, with the Casa Rosada, the colonial Cabildo and the Cathedral as your backdrop.

Continue on foot along the Avenida de Mayo to the National Congress, passing elegant Belle Époque-style cafés.

  • San Telmo – Authenticity and bohemian atmosphere

Next, head to San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhoods. Along its cobbled streets, discover its colonial houses, antique shops, covered market and artist studios. The walk also takes you to Plaza Dorrego, animated by tango culture.

  • La Boca – Colors and popular traditions

By local transport, continue toward La Boca. You stroll through Caminito, known for its colorful houses, tango dancers and murals. Your guide tells you about the neighborhood's working-class history, its links to Italian immigration and its residents' passion for the Boca Juniors club.

Tango de Mayo Hotel
Jour 3
D3

Departure for Iguazú

Buenos Aires → Puerto Iguazú

2h1300 km

You head north to Argentina to reach the province of Misiones, where water, lush green vegetation and exotic animals create an entirely new landscape.

Iguazú Jungle LodgeBreakfast
Jour 4
D4

Visit to the Argentine side of the falls

Departure for the discovery of the waterfalls, on the Argentine side, an extraordinary spectacle with its 275 cascades. Walk on the lower and upper walkways to admire the many facets of this incredible natural site as best as possible. It is often said that Brazilians have the best view of the falls and that Argentines have the most beautiful cascades…

You will visit the interpretation center and take the paths leading to the different falls: Dos Hermanas, Bossetti, Escondido, Union, San Martin.

The visit will conclude with the grandiose Garganta del Diablo via the Tren de la Selva. Beneath your feet, thousands of liters of water fall every second into the Iguazu river, a marvel of nature!

Return late afternoon to Puerto Iguazu.

Iguazú Jungle LodgeBreakfast
Jour 5
D5

Visit of the Falls on the Argentine side

Iguazù on the Brazilian side: the power of water

Your day begins with your private English-speaking guide, who meets you at your hotel. Together, you head towards the Iguazu National Park, on the Brazilian side, as dense vegetation gradually surrounds you.

Once there, you follow a unique scenic trail, which takes you from one viewpoint to another facing the falls. This succession of perspectives allows you to take in the full measure of the site and enjoy a spectacular overall view of the cascades plunging into the gorge.

To the rhythm of the falls

The walk continues with the roar of water as the backdrop. The mist refreshes you while rainbows appear in the light. Take time to stop, photograph the landscape or simply watch the cascades unfold before you.

One final approach closer to the water.

At the end of the trail, the walkway takes you almost into the heart of the falls. You find yourself surrounded by mist, close to the water crashing down with force. Another way to discover Iguazù, where the experience becomes more physical and truly allows you to feel them.

Iguazú Jungle LodgeBreakfast
Jour 6
D6

Departure for Salta

Iguazú → Salta

2h1600 km

The setting gradually changes, giving way to colorful mountains, wild valleys and colonial villages. You are entering a region where Andean traditions are part of everyday life and give another dimension to your trip.

Welcome to Northwestern Argentina, a land of colors, cultures and wide open spaces.

Solar de la PlazaBreakfast
Jour 7
D7–8

On the Way to Tilcara

For two days, you travel with your English-speaking guide to discover Northwestern Argentina. Departing from Salta, the road winds through wild valleys, multicolored mountains and Andean villages, in scenery that changes with each kilometer.

From San Salvador de Jujuy to Purmamarca, you then continue towards Tilcara and the majestic Quebrada de Humahuaca. A great opportunity to discover another facet of Argentina, marked by Andean traditions and pre-Columbian culture.

These two days also leave real room for freedom and discovery. You take the time to stop in villages, meet with local people and appreciate the landscapes that dot the route.

Two days to explore a vibrant, colorful and deeply authentic Northwestern Argentina.

Las Marias hôtel boutiqueBreakfast
Jour 9
D9

Discovery of Salinas Grandes

You get back on the road through the landscapes of northwestern Argentina to reach Salta via the Salinas Grandes. Gradually, the road gains altitude and crosses the mountains, until the immense salt desert comes into view. A white expanse that contrasts with the Andean peaks in the background.

Colores de Purmamarca
Jour 10
D10

Departure for the Atacama

You leave Purmamarca at dawn, as the first light illuminates the Seven Colors mountain. On board the bus, you gradually gain altitude on the Andes roads until you reach the Jama Pass, surrounded by desert and mineral landscapes.

On the other side of the border, you reach San Pedro de Atacama, in the heart of a landscape of sand and red earth. You explore the Valley of the Moon, listen to the geysers whistle at sunrise, bathe in the hot waters of the highlands and enjoy, once night falls, the starry sky.

A journey beyond borders, countries, time. A stage that invites you to take time to look, to feel and to contemplate.

La Casa de Don TomásBreakfast
Jour 11
D11

The Devil's Gorges and the Guatin Canyon

Gargante del Diablo

Set out on foot to discover the Garganta del Diablo, a narrow canyon carved by water and time in the heart of the Cordillère de Sel. You advance between its glowing red walls, where the interplay of shadows gives the place an almost supernatural atmosphere.

Cañón de Guatin

The hike continues in the Cañón de Guatín, where two rivers meet, underground heat and the Andean desert. You walk among centuries-old cacti, in a landscape of red rocks shaped by wind, water and time.

La Casa de Don TomásBreakfast
Jour 12
D12

Visit to the Valley of the Moon and the Rainbow Arc

In the landscapes of Valle de la Luna

You discover Valle de la Luna, where wind and time have shaped a setting with lunar qualities. Between sand dunes, canyons and rock formations, take time to observe this mineral universe and its breathtaking panoramas.

Welcome to the colors of Valle del Arcoiris

You then head to the Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoíris), in the Cordillera de Domeyko, near San Pedro de Atacama. The landscape changes again: the colored mineral sediments draw on the rocks shades of red, green, ochre, white and violet.

La Casa de Don TomásBreakfast
Jour 13
D13

Geyser Tour

Before dawn breaks, you head towards the Geysers del Tatio, the largest geothermal field in South America, located at over 4,300 meters altitude. Once there, the first rays of sunlight accompany the magical spectacle of steam columns rising into the air, giving the landscape an almost surreal atmosphere.

La Casa de Don TomásBreakfast
Jour 14
D14

Departure for Uyuni

You leave San Pedro de Atacama and head towards the Chilean-Bolivian border. After border formalities, you enter the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, in the heart of the Bolivian Altiplano landscapes.

The crossing first takes you to the Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, whose waters with brilliant hues stretch out beneath the Licancabur volcano. You then continue through the Dalí Desert, between rock formations and vast desert expanses, before reaching the Salar de Chalviri and its mineral high-altitude landscapes.

At the end of the day, you take the road to the Salar d'Uyuni. You settle in at the Luna Salada Hotel de Sal & Spa, located on the edge of the salt desert and offering a view of its immense white expanse.

Mineral water, entrance fees, lunch and dinner included.

Night at Luna Salada Hotel – 3,800 m altitude.

Hotel Luna SaladaBreakfast
Jour 15
D15

Immersion in the Heart of Salar de Uyuni

This day is entirely dedicated to discovering the Salar d'Uyuni, the world's largest salt desert. You take time to explore this vast white expanse, where horizons seem to stretch to infinity and where light transforms the landscape throughout the day.

During the day, you discover the emblematic sites of the salar and enjoy the different perspectives offered by this timeless setting, which is particularly conducive to photography.

In the late afternoon, you join the Hotel Jardines de Uyuni, a warm and charming address, appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent restaurant.

Mineral water, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees and dinner included.

Night at Hotel Jardines de Uyuni – 3,600 m altitude.

Hotel Luna SaladaBreakfast
Jour 16
D16

Return to Calama, flight to Santiago

You leave early in the morning and cross the landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano one last time to reach the border of Ollagüe, between Bolivia and Chile. The road continues through the vast Andean expanses until reaching Calama airport, the main gateway to the Atacama Desert.

Calama → Santiago Du Chili

You enjoy one last time the landscapes of the Altiplano, between volcanoes, high plateaus and desert vastness. One final journey through the heart of Andean panoramas before closing this adventure in complete serenity.

Breakfast, mineral water and light snack during the journey included.

You then take your flight to Santiago.

La Quinta by Wyndham Santiago AeropuertoBreakfast
Jour 17
D17

Back home

After this unforgettable journey across some of South America's most iconic landscapes, it's time to return home. From vibrant Buenos Aires to Andean lands, your itinerary has taken you to the spectacular deserts of the north.

In Buenos Aires, elegant and passionate capital, you discovered European architecture, historic neighborhoods and the enchanting atmosphere of tango, a first encounter with the Argentine soul.

Further north, Salta and its colorful Andean valleys immersed you in an authentic Argentina, punctuated by colonial villages, ochre mountains and deeply rooted traditions. Then, crossing the Andes led you to the almost unreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert, around San Pedro de Atacama, between high-altitude lagoons, majestic volcanoes and some of the purest skies on the planet, in a unique setting in the world.

The journey ended in Chile, at Valparaíso, a port and artistic city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its colorful hills, its historic elevators and its murals brought a conclusion full of charm and poetry to this exceptional crossing of the continent's south.

You return with a wealth of images, emotions and memories, after an exceptional itinerary connecting Patagonian glaciers, subtropical jungles, high-altitude deserts and cities with unique character.

RepasBreakfast

Price per person

2 pers.€6,587/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Municipal taxes
  • Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise stated in the programme)

Included

  • All services mentioned in the itinerary
  • 24/7 Customer Service during the trip.
  • Nights included with breakfast
  • Domestic flights,
  • Entrance fees to sites

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 45% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 45 % du prix total (acompte retenu)

  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total

  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Argentina for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.

Passport

To enter Argentina, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourist stay without a visa

Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in Argentina.

This exemption allows for a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry into the country. An extension of an additional 90 days can generally be requested on site at the Argentine National Immigration Authority.

Authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • an accommodation address in Argentine territory.

Health and vaccinations

No vaccination is mandatory to enter Argentina from Europe or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions you visit:

  • the yellow fever vaccine is recommended for travelers heading to the tropical zones in the north of the country (Misiones, Formosa, Chaco, and Jujuy provinces);

  • updating routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles) is advised.

It is recommended to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.

Traveling with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.

When a minor travels without one or both parents, a notarized parental authorization may be required by Argentine authorities at entry or exit. It is strongly advised to check beforehand with the competent Argentine consulate.

Other nationalities

Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the Embassy or Consulate of Argentina in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that best suits you:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for compliance with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Visitors can stay in Argentina visa-free with a valid passport for the duration of their stay. An extension of your stay is possible on site with the immigration services. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the Argentine consular authorities, as entry requirements vary depending on your country of origin.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 170 and 280 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Argentina is vast: distances require budgeting for domestic flights.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Max, Creator of off-the-beaten-path Argentina
20years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Buenos Aires Surroundings

Creator of off-the-beaten-path Argentina, based in Buenos Aires

“
A successful trip is not just a series of landscapes. It's a moment where you feel something deeper, something that continues to stay with you after you return.

— Max

APST fund guarantee Secure payment 24/7 assistance★ 5/5