Sunny from Contours in Bolivia at the Uyuni Salt Flats
Contours is excited to showcase a new itinerary, a breathtaking 16-day adventure that will immerse you in the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of Chile, Bolivia and Peru. Prepare to be captivated by otherworldly deserts, vibrant cities, and ancient ruins on our very special “Journey through Chile Boliva and Peru” holiday.
This hand-crafted itinerary was recently tested by Sunny from our team. Let’s delve into some of the highlights that await you:
Days 1-3: Atacama Desert, Chile
Your journey through Chile Bolivia and Peru adventure begins in San Pedro de Atacama, a charming oasis town nestled in the heart of the dramatic Atacama Desert. Upon arrival in Calama, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to your comfortable stay at Refugio – Casa de Don Tomas. This welcoming hotel offers private terraces, a refreshing swimming pool, and delicious on-site dining, providing the perfect base for your desert explorations.
One of my trip highlights was seeing rain in the Atacama Desert – this was my third time in the Atacama and I was hoping to catch some rain in the Worlds driest desert. We had a private driver and Awasi guide at our disposal which meant that we were able to go out an explore off the beaten track and enjoy water flowing in this normally parched landscape.
Sunny Gill, Contours Travel
Over the next few days, you’ll discover the unique wonders of this region. Take a shared half-day tour to the mesmerizing Cejar Lagoon, where the high salt concentration allows you to float effortlessly, much like in the Dead Sea. Continue to the mysterious Ojos del Salar, two freshwater pools steeped in local legend, and finally, witness the stunning reflections across the vast salt landscape of Tebenquiche Lagoon.
Prepare for a full-day trip into the altiplano landscapes on a shared tour to the Miñique and Miscanti Lagoons. Located high in the Andes, these deep blue brackish lakes, surrounded by towering mountains and volcanoes, offer a truly surreal spectacle. Along the way, you’ll visit the charming village of Toconao and the Chaxa Lagoon, where you’ll have the chance to spot flamingos. Lunch in the quaint village of Socaire is included, ensuring a comfortable and enriching day.
Days 4-6: Journey into the Landscapes of Bolivia
Sunny from Contours at the National Reserve of Andean Fauna Eduardo Avaroa, Bolivia
Your Journey through Chile Bolivia and Peru continues as you are privately transferred across the border to Bolivia, entering the National Reserve of Andean Fauna Eduardo Avaroa. Prepare to be awestruck by the verdant Green Lagoon, an emerald mirror reflecting the majestic Licancabur Volcano. Traverse the surrealist Salvador Dali Valley and the Siloli Desert, keeping an eye out for the peculiar Stone Tree formation and native wildlife like vicuñas and vizcachas.
Palacio de Sal Hotel
The day culminates at the striking Red Lagoon, teeming with three species of flamingos and boasting an intense red hue due to unique mineral deposits. You’ll spend the night in the unique Palacio de Sal Hotel in Villamar, built entirely from salt!
Walk on the ‘sky’ at Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
Your exploration of Bolivia continues through the dramatic highlands of Alota, with its incredible rock formations sculpted by wind and erosion. You’ll pass through traditional altiplano villages before reaching the vast expanse of the Uyuni Salt Plains. A highlight of this day is a visit to Isla Incahuasi, a rocky outcrop covered in giant cacti, offering panoramic views of the seemingly endless white landscape. Enjoy a memorable picnic lunch on the salt flats and capture fun, perspective-bending photographs with the help of your guide. Your overnight stay will be at the comfortable Jardines de Uyuni.
We saw flamingos flying over the Salt Flats – the Salt Flats with the mirror reflection alone is spectacular, but to see a ‘flamboyance’ of flamingos flying over the seemingly endless salt flats was truly breathtaking.
Sunny Gill, Contours Travel
Days 7-9: La Paz – A City That Thrives
The Witches Market La Paz Bolivia
A private transfer takes you to Uyuni airport for your flight to La Paz, the world’s highest administrative capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to the luxurious Atix Hotel, a boutique haven celebrating Bolivian art, design, and culture.
ATIX hotel La Paz
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of La Paz with a unique private city tour led by a “lustra calzado” (shoeshiner), offering a different perspective on the city’s popular neighborhoods and markets. Ascend via the city’s impressive cable car system for views of the colorful “Ch’uwa Uma” neighborhood. Explore bustling markets like the “Mercado de las Flores” and the fascinating “Witches’ Market,” learning about Andean cosmovision – its all part of your Journey through Chile Bolivia and Peru.
This trip also includes visits to the colonial heart of the city, including the Church of San Francisco and Murillo Square, before venturing to the otherworldly Valley of the Moon with its whimsical eroded formations.
Tiwanaku ruins, a half day tour from La Paz Bolivia
Delve into Bolivia’s ancient past with a private half-day tour to the fascinating Tiwanaku ruins. This pre-Inca civilization flourished centuries ago, and you’ll witness the impressive stonework of the Gate of the Sun, the Ponce and Fraile monoliths, and the sunken temple. Visits to local museums will further enrich your understanding of this significant archaeological site.
Days 10-11: The Mystical Waters of Lake Titicaca
Now your Journey through Chile Bolivia and Peru will see you embark on a scenic journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. You’ll visit the charming town of Copacabana before taking a motorboat to the Island of the Sun, considered the birthplace of Andean spirituality. Explore the Pilkokaina ruins before a short hike to the eco-friendly Ecolodge La Estancia, offering stunning lake views and built in harmony with the local Aymara community.
Casa Andina Premium Puno
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over Lake Titicaca before hiking down to the launch area to explore the northern part of the island. Visit the village of Challapampa, its small museum, the Chinkana Inca Temple, and the sacred rock, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. Continue by boat to the Island of the Moon to explore the Iñak Uyu ruins before returning to Copacabana. From there, you’ll journey by road to Puno, Peru, ensuring you have your passport ready for immigration. Your lakeside accommodation awaits at the Casa Andina Premium Puno, offering stunning lake views and comfortable amenities.
Days 12-16: Exploring the Cultural Heart of Peru
Experience the unique culture of Lake Titicaca with a shared full-day tour to the fascinating Uros floating islands, home to the descendants of a pre-Inca group who have built their lives on self-fashioned reed islands. Learn about their traditions and the intricate process of building and maintaining these unique homes. Continue to Taquile Island, where you’ll enjoy lunch and learn about the islanders’ community-based society and rich textile traditions.
You will visit to the majestic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, on a scenic bus ride from Puno to Chivay. En route, marvel at the beautiful Lagunillas lagoon, where you might spot flamingos. Your stay at the Colca Lodge offers a tranquil retreat amidst pre-Inca agricultural terraces and access to relaxing thermal springs.
An early morning excursion takes you to Cruz del Condor, the prime location to witness the breathtaking flight of the majestic Andean condors. On your return to the lodge, you’ll visit the picturesque villages of Pinchollo and Maca. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to the bus station for your onward journey to Arequipa, the “White City.” Your hotel, the Katari at Plaza de Armas, offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding volcanoes.
Explore the historical charm of Arequipa with a private half-day city tour. Visit the impressive Main Square, the intricate Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesús, and the traditional districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, taking in spectacular views of the volcanoes.
A highlight is a visit to the Santa Catalina Convent (pictured left), a fascinating “city within a city” with centuries of history. Finally, you’ll visit the Andean Sanctuary Museum, home to the well-preserved mummy of “Juanita,” the Ice Maiden of Ampato.
An incredible Andean adventure concludes in Arequipa, where you will be privately transferred to the airport for your onward flight, filled with memories of breathtaking landscapes and captivating cultures. How will you Journey through Chile Bolivia and Peru?
Want to travel like Sunny? Here’s an example of what the itinerary above may cost per person twin share and the inclusions.
| INCLUSIONS: | 16 DAYS – CALAMA TO AREQUIPA |
| Transfers: Chile – Calama airport to San Pedro de Atacama by private car Chile – San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajon (Bolivian border) by private car Bolivia – Hito Cajon (Chilean border) to Uyuni Salt Desert by private car Bolivia – Uyuni hotel to airport by private car Bolivia – La Paz airport to hotel by private car Bolivia – La Paz hotel to Puno (Peru) via Sun Island (Lake Titicaca) by private car and motorboat Peru – Puno to Chivay by shared sprinter van Peru – Colca to Arequipa by shared sprinter van Peru – Arequipa hotel to airport by private car Flights: One way air ticket from Uyuni to La Paz including tax Accommodation: 3 nights San Pedro de Atacama Chile – at the El Refugio – Casa Don Thomas (or similar) 1 night Villamar Bolivia – at the Jardines de Malku Cueva (or similar) 1 night Colchani Bolivia – at the Palacio de Sal (or similar) 1 night Uyuni Bolivia – at the Jardines de Uyuni (or similar) 3 nights La Paz, Bolivia – at the ATIX Hotel (or similar) 1 night Sun Island Bolivia – at the Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar) 2 nights Puno Peru – at the Casa Andina Premium Puno (or similar) 1 night Colca Canyon Peru – at the Colca Lodge (or similar) 2 nights Arequipa Peru – at the Katari (or similar) | Included touring: From San Pedro de Atacama, Chile – Shared Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar & Tebenquiche (Half day tour) From San Pedro de Atacama, Chile – Shared Altiplanic Lagoons Minique & Miscanti and Toconao (Full day tour) From Villamar Bolivia – Private 3 days/ 2 nights Uyuni Salt Plains overland trip with driver and guide, all sightseeing and meals From La Paz, Bolivia – Private half day city tour La Paz through a ‘shoeshiners’ eyes From La Paz, Bolivia – Private half day tour Tiwanaku Ruins From Lake Titicaca, Peru – Private 2 days/ 1 night Sun Island overnight program at Ecolodge la Estancia with all meals From Sun Island, Peru – Shared full day tour Uros and Taquile Islands with lunch From Arequipa, Peru – Shared 2 days/ 1 night Colca Canyon sightseeing program From Arequipa, Peru – Private half day city tour Arequipa with Santa Catalina and Andean Sanctuary Museum Meals: 15 Breakfasts 8 Lunches 4 Dinners (total of 27) Priced from AUD per person twin share: $10,749^ BOOK BEFORE 30 MAY 2025 and save a further $1250 per person! Quote: Blog Offer to receive this special pricing. |
| *Terms and Conditions apply. All hotels subject to availability at time of booking. Tours are a mixture of private and shared, if you would like different tours or to add or remove components, Contours Travel can re-design this tour to suit. Flights from/to Australia are not included. For passport and visa requirements see your Contours Travel specialist. All vaccination, tax and other requirements are the responsibility of the traveling guest. | ^Prices based on departures in 2025 (blackout period of 20Dec-10Jan26 applies) and are in Australian dollars based on twin share occupancy throughout. Single, triple and other occupancy prices are available upon request. Offer of $1250 per person saving is only for bookings made with Contours Travel that are booked and deposited before the 30th of May 2025. |
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Contact Contours today to learn more about our new itinerary and begin planning your adventure through Chile, Bolivia, and Peru!
Sunny’s original journey in images
