Geological Wonders of the Andes Holiday

On Day 1, you will depart the UK on your international flight to Santiago, Chile. Against the backdrop of snow-capped Andes Mountain peaks, Santiago is an energetic and sophisticated city with an abundance of historical sites, leafy hillside parks and contemporary trendy districts.

Spend two nights in Chile’s capital, with a guided tour included on your second day. Explore the bustling Plaza de Armas and the unmissable Metropolitan Cathedral; Santiago’s riverside artistic hub – Bellavista; and the affluent neighbourhood of Providencia, lined with elegant shops and fine eateries. Finish your tour at Santa Lucia hill, the founding spot of Santiago in the 16th century, culturally complemented by sweeping city views.

Leave Santiago behind, flying to the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Three days are afforded to explore the wonderfully unique lunar-like region. On an encompassing exploration of the driest desert in the world, visit the glistening salt lakes with its resident flamingos, the turquoise highland lagoons, and the deep-cut rocky valleys which all define the topography of Atacama. The night sky is worth the journey alone and the desert is widely considered one of the best star-gazing experiences in the world.

Cross the border into Bolivia by vehicle into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Here you will see the Green Lake with a view of the Licancabur Volcano, the sulphur vapours of geysers and enjoy an open-air dip in the thermal ponds of Polques. You’ll stop by Laguna Colorada, known as the Red Lagoon for its unusual red colouring and a nesting centre for thousands of flamingos. You will also visit the Stone Tree, a unique rock formation caused by wind erosion, and the Dali Desert, so called because of its surreal and barren landscape. In the evening you stay at a the world's highest altitude hotel. The following day your journey continues through the desert, passing lagoons of pink flamingos and stopping at a viewpoint to take in the surrounding views Ollague Volcano and the desert, arriving into Uyuni in the afternoon.

In the evening you can take full advantage of almost zero light pollution with a stargazing experience in the salt flats. With clear weather, you’ll see thousands of stars, various constellations, and the Milky Way, all beautifully reflected on the Salar.

One of the continent’s most spectacular sights, Uyuni has the largest salt flats in the world, and they are both eerie and evocative, as the sky and horizon seemingly fuse over an expansive sheet of white barren terrain. Marvel at the glistening wonderland on your full-day tour including Inca Huasi Island with its giant cacti, a rustic salt factory visit, and see the towering Tunupa Volcano.

Take a short flight from Uyuni to La Paz, picture-perfectly perched on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau. Your afternoon will be spent exploring the myriad of historic and cultural sites of Bolivia’s cosmopolitan and elevated capital including the disjointed labyrinth of colourful markets and the Teleférico (Cable Car). You also journey a short distance out of town to Moon Valley. The incredible geology, canyons and interesting rock formations of Valle de la Luna really make it feel like something out of this world. 

Today you will journey to serene Lake Titicaca. Embark on a boat trip on this sacred lake, which beautifully reflects the surrounding hills in its azure waters. You will arrive at Sun Island in time for a traditional lunch. You will then spend the afternoon exploring the island’s ancient Inca ruins, and incredible views, before returning to Copacabana for the night.

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, speak to your Travel Specialist about staying an extra night near Lake Titicaca at a farming community. Here you can learn about their history and culture, and join traditional weaving workshops, enjoy local homecooked meals and climb Sleeping Dragon hill for beautiful views over the lake. 

take advantage of visiting Copacabana, before crossing the border with Peru. Continue to Puno in time for your flight to Lima. The following day depart Lima on your international flight back to the UK, arriving on day 14.