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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Bolivia and Chile, exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of the region. Begin in La Paz, one of the world's highest capitals, and delve into its vibrant markets and museums. Discover the ancient ruins of Tiahuanacu and the bustling miner's market in Potosi. Marvel at the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats and the unique Fish Island. Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Valley of the Giants and the multi-colored Laguna Colorada, home to James Flamingos. Conclude your adventure in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, nestled in the expansive Atacama Desert. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals included, this small group tour offers an unforgettable cultural experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
La Paz - Explore one of the highest capitals in the world.
Discover the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Tiahuanacu.
Marvel at the incredible salt flats of Uyuni.
See the famous rock formations of the Valley of the Giants.
Find the multi-coloured Laguna Colorada where the James Flamingos flock.
Visit the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in the expansive Atacama Desert.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Bolivia, upon arrival you'll be met at La Paz airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore the highest capital city in the world.
Day 2: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll enjoy a full day tour of the scenic city of La Paz - visit world-class museums like the Gold, Murillo and Costumbrista, explore traditional street markets and head up to the Mirador de Killi Killi for fantastic views over the city. Later you'll marvel at the geological formations of the Valley of the Moon, located 10km outside the city.
Day 3: Potosi
Location: Potosi
Accommodation Name: Overnight Bus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travelling through the Bolivian Highlands, you get the opportunity to see the Aymara Indian's way of life - one of the oldest American cultures. It is considered the cradle of the American man and one of the most advanced cultures in development at that time. Their main constructions which you will visit are the Kalasasaya Temple to see its Gate of the Sun, the monoliths Ponce and Fraile, the Akapana pyramid and the Semi underground temple. Visit the old colonial village of Tiahuanaco, where you can see the use of stones from the ruins in their constructions. You also visit the Puma Punku Temple, an example of extremely high quality in stone carving. Tonight we travel by overnight bus to Potosi.
Day 4: Potosi
Location: Potosi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arriving early on day 4, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you depart to the miner’s market “Calvario”, where you will be able to buy coca leaves and cigarettes, which can be given to the miners. You’ll continue to the silver mines where you can visit the private, cooperative mines and watch the miners at work. Exploration of the silver began in the colonial period and is maintained today using the same working tools. You shall see the traditional rites where the miners pray to Tata Ckajcha or make the “Ch’alla” to the “Tio“(God of the mines, owner of the silver).
Day 5-6: Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region
Location: Uyuni
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a guided tour of colonial Potosi, dating from the days when this city, the highest in the world, was larger than either London or Paris. A gorgeous example of native artwork with many pretty churches and temples including the church of San Lorenzo. Also visit the National Mint of Bolivia before transferring to Uyuni. On day 6 depart for the incredible salt flats of Uyuni. Arrive into Colchani which is the best place to observe the methods of salt extraction from the salar. Included today is a trip to Fish Island, a unique oasis with giant cacti reaching 10m high. There’s also time to see the cemetery of trains where the remains of 19th century steam locomotives rest. Enjoy lunch out on the salt flats. Lunch is taken in the middle of the Salt Flats and later on continue to the archaeology museum of Coqusa and on to the exclusive Hotel Palacio de Sal built entirely of salt. This evening opt for a night stroll through the eerie surroundings.
Day 7: Villa Mar
Location: Villa Mar
Accommodation Name: Villa Mar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Villa Mar enroute visiting the colonial church of San Cristobal, the villages of Culpina and Alota and the famous rock formations of the Valley of the Giants. You’ll also visit local cave paintings and the fort of Tomas Lakjas
Day 8: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
On the morning of day 8 visit the multi-coloured Laguna Colorada where James Flamingos flock. The rich red colouration is derived from algae and plankton, which thrive in its minerals. Continue to Laguna Verde where the Licancahur Volcano looms large. Along the way visit the Sol de Manana geysers, the Chalviri thermal waters and the Valle de Dali. This is a site of intense volcanic activity. After lunch cross the border into Chile and enjoy the impressive views of the Atacama Salar with a beautiful view of the Licancábur Volcano of 5916 meters of altitude as you transfer to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 9: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of services with a departure transfer to Calama Airport.
What's Included
Accommodation
Standard (superior and deluxe available on request)
English-speaking guides
Services of English-speaking guides at local sites are included.
Overnight bus
An overnight bus from La Paz to Potosi is included.
Transfers and tours
All relevant transfers and tours on a private basis, apart from the overnight bus, are included.
Guided tour of La Paz
A full day guided tour of La Paz is included.
Guided tour of Tiahuanaco ruins
A half day guided tour of Tiahuanaco ruins and Puma Punku is included.
Guided tour to El Calvario miners’ market
A half day guided tour to El Calvario miners’ market and the mine is included.
Guided tour of Potosi
A half day guided tour of Potosi is included.
Excursion to Uyuni Salt Flats
A full day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats is included.
Visits to San Cristobal and villages
Visits to the church of San Cristobal and the villages of Culpina and Alota are included.
Visit to Laguna Colorada and Sol de Manana geysers
A visit to the Laguna Colorada and the Sol de Manana geysers enroute to San Pedro de Atacama is included.
Airport transfers
La Paz airport arrival transfer and Calama airport departure transfer are included.
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What's Not Included
International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes an overnight bus from La Paz to Potosi and all relevant transfers and tours on a private basis, except for the overnight bus. Airport transfers are provided upon arrival in La Paz and departure from Calama.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of standard accommodation with an option to upgrade to superior. Experience a unique stay at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, built entirely of salt, and an overnight bus journey to Potosi.
Check out our Q&As
What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.
Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes a full day guided tour of La Paz, a half day guided tour of the Tiahuanaco ruins and Puma Punku, a half day guided tour to El Calvario miners’ market and the mine, a half day guided tour of Potosi, and a full day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights of standard accommodation, with superior accommodation available upon request.
Is there any transportation provided between locations?
Yes, the tour includes an overnight bus from La Paz to Potosi and all relevant transfers and tours on a private basis apart from the overnight bus.
What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in La Paz, Bolivia, and ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
What are some of the key sites visited during the tour?
Key sites include the archaeological site of Tiahuanacu, the Miner's market of Calvario, the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Valley of the Giants, Laguna Colorada, and the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Reviews of this operator
Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)
Recently returned from Greece, a...
07-May-2024
Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola
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Calvin
Wonderful experience
05-Jan-2023
Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc.
He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.
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Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan
Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland
10-Sep-2021
The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph!
My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.
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Trawls (Google Reviewer)
On The Go Tours Sri...
05-Feb-2024
On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last
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Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)
Traveled through Egypt with On...
30-Nov-2023
Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company
Gavin Harrigan
King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt
16-Sep-2021
I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.
Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.
The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.
On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.
I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace. If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.
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Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)
I would give this tour...
09-May-2024
I would give this tour group no stars if possible.
The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people.
Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70.
Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance.
They knew my age when I booked.
They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.
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Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)
This company doesn’t deserve even...
26-Nov-2024
This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star.
I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare
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Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)
Terrible tour of India. For...
27-Dec-2023
Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room.
Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my
room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure
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brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)
I had used them once...
09-Aug-2023
I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.
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On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of
600 USDper person
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of Bolivia - 9 days
9 Days Starting in La Paz, Bolivia and ending in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Visiting:
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Villa Mar, San Pedro de Atacama
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There’s also time to see the cemetery of trains where the remains of 19th century steam locomotives rest. Enjoy lunch out on the salt flats. Lunch is taken in the middle of the Salt Flats and later on continue to the archaeology museum of Coqusa and on to the exclusive Hotel Palacio de Sal built entirely of salt. This evening opt for a night stroll through the eerie surroundings.","lat":"-20.460353","lng":"-66.826065"},{"title":"Day 5-6: Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region ","name":"Uyuni","description":"Enjoy a guided tour of colonial Potosi, dating from the days when this city, the highest in the world, was larger than either London or Paris. A gorgeous example of native artwork with many pretty churches and temples including the church of San Lorenzo. Also visit the National Mint of Bolivia before transferring to Uyuni. On day 6 depart for the incredible salt flats of Uyuni. Arrive into Colchani which is the best place to observe the methods of salt extraction from the salar. 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