“WOW, we loved this trip. I was blown away by Bolivia, and the road trip from Atacama was an absolute adventure. Flamingo-filled lagoons, dramatic rock formations, steaming geysers. Herds of graceful vicuñas crossing the open roads, viscachas sunbathing on boulders like they owned the place, and a culpeo fox so curious it practically posed for photos. Combined with the windows down and great music, roadside lunches with local beer, and knowledgeable guides who brought every landscape to life, it was the kind of journey where the drive itself becomes part of the experience.
The Uyuni salt flats, caught between rains, were otherworldly—like standing on a mirror reflecting infinity. The wildlife encounters throughout our journey were incredible, and discovering that Bolivian wine and llama could be that delicious — who knew? The food scene completely exceeded our expectations. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared with bold, perfectly balanced flavors and excellent wine pairings. Bolivia’s culinary offerings are seriously underrated.
Bolivia is an incredible hidden gem that won’t stay under the radar much longer. It offers dramatic landscapes and authentic cultural experiences without the crowds that have overtaken other destinations. I’m so glad we visited before the secret’s out!”
– Jessica and Cullan, Georgia
A young, adventurous couple from Georgia but based in Bogotá, Colombia for work, Jessica and Cullan love big adventures, off-the-beaten-path places, mountain biking, photography, and food. They like nice places, but don’t mind a bit of roughing it if it gets them to even greater beauty. They worked with Knowmad’s Bolivia expert, Colin Bennett, and created this masterpiece: a 10-day, active, bespoke trip combining Bolivia and Chile’s Atacama Desert via a remote road trip through the altiplano.
Here’s their itinerary:
UYUNI TO ATACAMA ADVENTURE
DAY 1 Bogotá, Colombia – La Paz, Bolivia
Take an overnight flight, arriving in La Paz the following morning.
DAY 2 La Paz
In La Paz, transfer with your Knowmad guide to your accommodations, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the capital and rest up.
- B – La Casona Boutique Hotel or similar – early check-in considered
DAY 3 Death Road
Cullan: Today, take on the thrill of mountain biking Death Road (in a small group). Head to La Cumbre (4,760 m), which is the highest point, to start riding. You’ll have two portions of road, for a total of 44km of riding down to 1,100m, with a support vehicle behind you. Upon completion, you’ll have time for lunch and a shower if you like before departing for La Paz.
Jessica: You’ll have the day at leisure to explore local markets, shops and more.
- B, L (Cullan) – La Casona Boutique Hotel
DAY 4 La Paz – Uyuni Salt Flats
Transfer to the airport with your Spanish-speaking driver. In Uyuni, drive through one of the world’s most isolated areas, surrounded by nothing but a glittering white landscape, which in the rainy season is mostly covered in water creating an incredible mirror effect. In the evening, watch the sun go down in a blaze of color with a glass of Bolivian wine in hand.
- B, L, D – Hotel Coscaña or similar
DAY 5 Uyuni – Siloli Desert
Today, visit San Cristobal miner village and see the impressive Ollague volcano on the way. Visit different minor lagoons with a diversity of Andean fauna such as flamingoes, vicuñas, vizcachas and many others. Continue to the Siloli Desert, where your hotel is located (4.523masl).
- B, L, D – Taykas del Desierto, Twin Room or similar
DAY 6 Siloli Desert – Hito de Cajon, Bolivia – San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Wake up for an early breakfast and hop in the local thermal waters before you get on the road. Today’s drive continues through the altiplano, through the Dali Desert and Sol de Mañana geysers, the highest point of your tour (4,850 m). Today, you will enter the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve and see the Red and Green Lagoon and visit the Thermal waters of Polques. Once you feel refreshed, you’ll transfer to the border Hito Cajón. After migration procedures, change cars and continue with the driver to your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.
- B, L – Terrantai Hotel, Intiwasi Standard Room
DAY 7San Pedro de Atacama
This morning head to one of the highlights of San Pedro de Atacama, the Tatio Geysers. This is a system of geysers all set on a large geothermal field at 4,300 m. You’ll arrive in the morning as the hot water turns to vapor. You’ll also visit a local community, Machaca to visit a local community before heading back to San Pedro. After gathering your bags, you’ll be picked up by Nayara Alto Atacama’s transfer and taken to your accommodations. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages.
- B, D – Nayara Alto Atacama, Catarpe Room
DaY 8El San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago – Bogotá, Colombia
Continue enjoying your adventures at your lodge and throughout Atacama.
- B, L, D – Nayara Alto Atacama, Catarpe Room
Day 9San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago – Bogotá, Colombia
Continue enjoying your adventures at your lodge and throughout Atacama, in the afternoon, in accordance with your departure flight, transfer 90 minutes to the Calama airport for your flight to Santiago. In Santiago, you’ll check in for your international departure flight.
- B, L
Day 10 Bogotá
Arrive home.
Interested in your own unique Bolivia trip or a Bolivia-Atacama combo? Reach out today!
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly-operated trip.
