South America: La Paz, Santiago & the Uyuni Salt Flats - 11 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What countries does this tour explore?

  This tour delves into the history, culture, and wilderness of Bolivia and Chile.

• What are some of the main highlights of this tour?

  Key highlights include marveling at the surreal salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, exploring the otherworldly desert landscapes of the Atacama Plateau, encountering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, and enjoying an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon in San Pedro de Atacama.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, which indicates a moderate level of activity.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes hotels/guesthouses for 8 nights and G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels for 2 nights, typically in multi-share rooms.

• How many meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 16 participants.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  Yes, the minimum age for participants is 12 years and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  The travel style is 'Classic', offering a blend of guided adventures and free time to connect with the destinations.

• What types of transportation are used throughout the tour?

  Transportation includes planes, public buses, 4x4 vehicles, and hiking.

• Are there optional activities available?

  Yes, there are many optional activities such as Death Road Biking and city tours in La Paz, hiking, mountain biking, and searching for dinosaur footprints in Sucre, Potosí mine visits, and an Observatory Tour, Hot Springs visit, mountain biking, or sandboarding in San Pedro de Atacama.

• Will there be a guide leading the tour?

  Yes, all group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, who provides information and recommendations. Local guides are also used for more specific knowledge in certain areas.

• What currencies are used in Bolivia and Chile, and how should I manage my money?

  The currency in Bolivia is the boliviano (BOB) and in Chile is the Peso (CLP). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances, but it's best to carry a combination of US dollar cash and cards. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 is also recommended. Traveler's cheques are not recommended.

• What is the policy on tipping during the tour?

  Tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%) is customary. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation of $5-10 USD per day is suggested. Tipping your CEO is also appreciated, with a guideline of $20-25 USD per person, per week.

• How does accommodation work for solo travelers?

  Solo travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement for these trips.

• What should I know about health and medical considerations for this tour?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations. You should carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements, as the CEO is prohibited from administering any drugs. Be aware that the tour may visit remote areas away from medical facilities.

• What happens if weather conditions affect the tour route, especially in the Salar de Uyuni?

  During the rainy season, the locations visited in the Salar de Uyuni may change due to some routes being covered by water.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who provides information, offers suggestions, and introduces local contacts. Local guides are also used for more specific knowledge where beneficial.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What currencies are used in Bolivia and Chile, and what payment methods are recommended?

  The currency in Bolivia is the boliviano (BOB) and in Chile is the Peso (CLP). Credit cards and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Avoid travellers cheques as they are difficult to change. Be aware that a 5%-10% fee may apply to credit card purchases.

• Is an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances outside of our control.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include: In La Paz (Death Road Biking Adventure, La Paz City Tour, Valley of the Moon Tour, Witches' Market Visit); In Sucre (Hiking, Mountain Biking, Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion, Rewilding Yampara); In Potosí (Casa de la Moneda, Potosí Mine Visit); In San Pedro de Atacama (Observatory Tour, San Pedro de Atacama Hot Springs, Sandboarding, Mountain Biking); In Santiago (Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit, Day Trip to Isla Negra, Day trip to Valparaiso, Santiago City Tour).

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects is strongly recommended. Review your itinerary for adventure activities that may require extra coverage.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers?

  No, solo travellers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement. However, shared accommodation is mandatory on nights 6 and 7 of this tour.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include encountering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, crossing the world's largest salt flat by 4x4 at the Salar de Uyuni, exploring the former capital of Sucre on your own, and enjoying an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon.

• What modes of transportation will be used on this trip?

  The tour utilizes planes, public buses, 4x4 vehicles, and involves hiking.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, which are integrated into the tour operator’s itineraries globally. The tour operator covers all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included in this trip.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before travelling?

  Inoculations may be required for the countries visited; it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements, as the tour often visits remote areas away from medical facilities. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. The tour operator encourages visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and recommends the Equaldex tool for destination-specific information to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is your responsibility to contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements based on your nationality and destination.

• Are there laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the trip?

  Accommodation will be in hotels/guesthouses for 8 nights, and in a tour operator-supported lodge/basic hotels for 2 nights (multi-share).

• Are local and international flights included in the cost of the trip?

  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. International flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, but may be included on some combo tours. Please check with your booking agent for specific details.

• Is tipping customary on this trip?

  Yes, tipping service providers such as waiters (approximately 10%) is customary in Latin America. Recommendations for local guides and drivers range from $5-10 USD per day. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $20-25 USD per person per week.

• What are the general safety and security guidelines for this trip?

  It's recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave valuable jewellery at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. Your group leader can amend the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety. During free time, use your own good judgment for optional activities. In cities, stay in small groups and use taxis at night. Participate in water activities only when accompanied by a guide.

• What is the policy regarding illegal drugs and the sex trade on this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated on any trips and contravene local laws, putting the group at risk. Exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to the tour operator's philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.