Andean Circle

Day 1.  Salta

Upon arrival in Salta, reception at the airport by our bilingual guide and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a private city walk: In 1,582 the city of Salta was founded and its till bears distinct Hispanic character that set it apart from other cities in the country. Our city walk begins when our guide picks passengers up at hotel and starts the walk until 9 de Julio main square to appreciate the most important buildings located around it. Passengers will continue through Caseros St. until reaching San Francisco’s Church, where they will be able to visit it. Later, they will continue until San Bernardo Convent, the oldest building in the City. From this point, passengers will walk until the base of the cable car station in San Martin Park, in order to go up San Bernardo hill. San Bernardo hill chair lift ticket is included. Once at the top, they will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the City and the Lerma Valley, where Salta is located. 
Overnight: Hotel Del Virrey 

Day 2.  Salta

Day at leisure for optional tours. We suggest taking part of a regular excursion to get to know Cachi or Cafayate in the Calchaqui Valleys (see options below). 
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Del Virrey 

Day 3.  Humahuaca

After breakfast, departure with on a shared excursion scorted to Humahuaca Gorge. On the way to Humahuaca, the tour passes by different villages such as Volcán, Tumbaya and Maimará with its ""Paleta del Pintor” (Painter’s Palette). In Purmamarca, a famous village for its well known ""Cerro de los Siete Colores” (Seven Colours Hill), you will have time to visit the handicraft market and to walk around the village. In Tilcara, we visit its Archeological Museum and the ""Pucará"", amazing indigenous ruins (entrance fee is not included). We then continue the trip, passing by Huacalera and Uquía, until we finally arrive to Humahuaca, an ancient picturesque village, where we will have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, free time for own exploration or short hikes with our guide. 
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Solar de la Quebrada hotel

Day 4. Humahuaca – Villazon – Uyuni 

After breakfast, we will take a regular bus to La Quiaca, escorted guide. Upon arrival to La Quiaca, the Argentinean guide will bring you close to the border, then you cross it by your own and once you make all immigration & customs processes you meet your Bolivian guide who will assist you to take the train to Uyuni. At arrival in Uyuni transfer to your hotel. 
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Los Jardines de Uyuni hotel

Day 5.  Uyuni – Colchani – Pucara de Ayque - Uyuni

Trip to Colchani to see how people produce salt. Visit to the great Uyuni salt flats to Incahuasi Island a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus. Continue northwards to see Pucara de Ayque fort and the nearby chullpares on the foothills of Thunupa Volcano. Trip back to Uyuni.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Los Jardines de Uyuni hotel

Day 6.  Uyuni Salt flats – Villamar 

Morning trip towards south crossing the salt flats. Leaving it behind in Chuvica, to then, enter the highlands and small branches of the western range. Pass the villages of San Juan and San Agustín until the rich high valley of Alota. Continue southwards with great stone formations produced by the erosion, to finally reach Villamar.
Included: Breakfast. Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Los Jardines de Mallku Cueva 

Day 7.  Villamar – San Pedro de Atacama

LONG DAY! Early departure to Eduardo Avaroa reserve (REA), going through Polkes and visiting Laguna Colorada (4,278m), declared a RAMSAR site, “Sol de Mañana” geysers, Chalviri lagoon and its natural hot springs of Polques. Continue through the nice high desert of Pampas de Dali until “Laguna Verde”, a beautiful green lagoon at the foothills of the Licancabur Mountain. Continue to the border Hito Cajon, where we will change vehicles and continue our trip to San Pedro de Atacama (service provided with only driver).
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: La Casa de Don Tomas Hotel

Day 8.  San Pedro de Atacama – Moon Valley

Pick up at your hotel. We will leave San Pedro heading towards Calama. 
 
First, we will explore the Death Valley, a mountainous and sandy valley nearby San Pedro. The Death Valley is located inside the salt mountain range, a surprising spectacle of amazing forms, hills and minerals that shine in the distance. Geologically, it corresponds to a sunken lake bottom, where the sediment stratums once horizontal, have adopted a vertical position due to the folds in the crust. Afterwards, we will continue to the Moon Valley, one of the most spectacular phenomenon in the Atacama Desert because of its geomorphic features of geological structures that suffered by erosion thousands of years by the climate effects. Optional short hike to one of the giants and dunes in the valley. In the evening, return to your hotel in San Pedro. Entrance fee is not included.
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: La Casa de Don Tomas Hotel

Day 9.  San Pedro de Atacama

Free day for optional tours. We suggest visiting Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village. Overnight in San Pedro.
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: La Casa de Don Tomas Hotel

Day 10. San Pedro de Atacama

Departure day by your own.
Included: Breakfast