A 4×4 adventure through Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia offers a thrilling way to experience the diverse landscapes of these three countries, from the dramatic Atacama Desert in Chile to the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia and the striking mountains of Argentina’s northwest. This type of road trip gives you the flexibility to explore remote and rugged areas that are often inaccessible to regular vehicles, while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes.

This exciting 15-day itinerary covers the best off-the-beaten-path destinations in northern Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. The focus is on the Andean Altiplano, salt flats, high deserts, and remote national parks.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Arrival: Arrive in Santiago, the capital of Chile, and pick up your 4×4 vehicle (we will make sure it’s equipped with GPS, extra fuel, and other necessary supplies).

Evening: Relax and prepare for your trip ahead. Spend the night in Santiago, where you can enjoy some local food like empanadas or pastel de choclo.

Day 2: Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama

Drive: Set off early and drive to San Pedro de Atacama (around 17-18 hours drive). Alternatively, you can split the trip and stay overnight in La Serena or Calama.

Scenic Stops: As you head towards the desert, you’ll see stunning landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, and high-altitude plains.

Evening: Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the Atacama Desert, and settle in. Take it easy and prepare for a day of exploring tomorrow.

Day 3: Explore the Atacama Desert

Morning: Start with a visit to Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), known for its dramatic, moon-like landscapes. Enjoy a short trek or a drive through this surreal place.

Afternoon: Visit Laguna Chaxa in the Salar de Atacama, where you can spot flamingos and other wildlife.

Evening: If time allows, take a drive to the Tatio Geysers (a 90-minute drive from San Pedro), where you can enjoy the geothermal activity, with a stunning sunrise if you wake up early.

Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, Bolivia

Drive: Early morning departure for Uyuni, Bolivia (around 10-12 hours). The journey includes a border crossing at Hito Cajón (Chile-Bolivia border).

Scenic Stops: On the way, you’ll pass through stunning altiplano landscapes, including high-altitude lakes, desert scrublands, and towering mountains.

Evening: Arrive in Uyuni, the base town for exploring the Salar de Uyuni.

Day 5-6: Salar de Uyuni & Eduardo Avaroa National Park

Day 5:

Morning: Explore the world-famous Salar de Uyuni (the world’s largest salt flat), where you can take surreal perspective photos, visit Incahuasi Island (home to giant cacti), and learn about salt harvesting.

Afternoon: Drive through the salt flats to Eduardo Avaroa National Park, home to lakes, volcanoes, and unique wildlife.

Evening: Spend the night in a salt hotel or a basic accommodation in Eduardo Avaroa National Park.

Day 6:

Morning: Explore Laguna Colorada, a red-colored lake teeming with flamingos, and Laguna Verde, which sits at the foot of Volcán Licancabur.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the park before heading back to Uyuni in the late afternoon.

Evening: Rest in Uyuni for the night.

Day 7: Uyuni to Potosí

Drive: Set off towards Potosí, a historical mining town in Bolivia (around 6-7 hours). Potosí is known for the Cerro Rico silver mines.

Afternoon: Once you arrive, take a brief tour of the town’s colonial architecture, including Plaza 10 de Noviembre, and visit the Casa de la Moneda (the mint where colonial silver coins were produced).

Evening: Enjoy local Bolivian cuisine, such as empanadas or salteñas, for dinner.

Day 8: Potosí to Sucre

Drive: Take a scenic drive (3-4 hours) to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.

Afternoon: Explore Plaza 25 de Mayo, the Catedral Metropolitana, and the Museo de Arte Indígena.

Evening: Wander around the beautiful streets of Sucre and enjoy a quiet evening in this relaxed city.

Day 9: Sucre to Tarija

Drive: Depart for Tarija, a charming city known for its wine production (around 6-7 hours).

Afternoon: Explore the vineyards of Tarija and take a wine tour. Bolivia is known for its Tannat wine.

Evening: Relax in the cooler, valley town of Tarija, known for its laid-back atmosphere and local wines.

Day 10: Tarija to Salta, Argentina

Drive: Head towards Salta, Argentina (around 5-6 hours), crossing the border at Aguas Blancas.

Afternoon: Explore the city of Salta, known for its colonial architecture, such as Catedral de Salta and Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña, where you can learn about the Inca mummies discovered nearby.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local Argentine restaurant, trying dishes like empanadas salteñas or asado.

Day 11: Salta to Cafayate

Drive: Take a scenic drive (around 3-4 hours) to Cafayate, a picturesque town in the Calchaquí Valley known for its vineyards and Malbec wine.

Afternoon: Visit a local winery, tour the vineyards, and enjoy wine tastings of Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white wine.

Evening: Relax in the small town of Cafayate and enjoy a peaceful evening in the valley.

Day 12: Cafayate to Purmamarca

Drive: Continue your journey towards Purmamarca (around 6-7 hours), located in the Quebrada de Humahuaca region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful mountains and indigenous culture.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) and the Purmamarca Market, where you can buy traditional handicrafts.

Evening: Spend the night in this small town, enjoying the mountain views and quiet ambiance.

Day 13: Purmamarca to San Salvador de Jujuy

Drive: Head to San Salvador de Jujuy (around 2 hours), the capital city of Jujuy Province in Argentina.

Afternoon: Explore the city’s central market, colonial architecture, and nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca. You can also visit Laguna de los Pozuelos, a high-altitude lake home to flamingos.

Evening: Enjoy the local cuisine, including Argentine empanadas or locro (a traditional stew).

Day 14: San Salvador de Jujuy to Mendoza

Drive: Travel to Mendoza (around 8-9 hours), Argentina’s premier wine region.

Afternoon: Visit local vineyards, sample Malbec wines, and explore the Plaza Independencia.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a winery restaurant, with a stunning view of the Andes.

Day 15: Mendoza to Santiago

Drive: Head back to Santiago (about 6 hours), crossing the border back into Chile through the Paso Los Libertadores mountain pass, one of the most scenic routes in South America.

Evening: Return your 4×4 vehicle in Santiago and relax before your flight.