17 Days - from $1596
Legend has it that Cerro Rico, the main mountain that overlooks Potosi, has yielded enough silver to build a bridge from Bolivia to Spain. Legend aside, it is a fact that the silver mines of Potosi has generated enough wealth to underwrite the Spanish economy for more than two centuries and also saw the city grow to become the one-time second largest in the Americas. Our adventure starts in Bolivia - the 'Tibet of the Americas'. From La Paz we journey across the Altiplano to colonial Sucre - a city with a rich, varied history and a wealth of historical buildings. Further on we discover the charms of mineral rich Potosi before heading out to discover the stark beauty of the Uyuni Salt Plains. Then we turn south, following the Camino Real (Royal Road) that traces the path of Potosi's silver trade towards the coast. Crossing the Argentinean border we sweep down through the spectacular Humahuaca Gorge to Salta, Argentina's best-preserved colonial city. Next stop is Cordoba, a stronghold of the Jesuits who before their expulsion had helped develop this region into one of the wealthiest in the country. Finally we arrive in lively, stylish Buenos Aires - one of the great capitals of Latin America!
Highlights
La PazSucreUyuni Salt DesertQuebrada de HumahuacaTilcara Pre-Inca RuinsColonial SaltaAlta Gracia Jesuit MissionChe Guevara HouseBuenos AiresItinerary:
1 - 3 La Paz4 - 5 Colonial Sucre6 - 7 Potosi - Uyuni8 Uyuni Salt Desert9 Humahuaca - Tilcara10 - 12 Colonial Salta and optional activities13 - 14 Cordoba15 - 17 Buenos Aires
What's It Like?
Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.
Included: An experienced local leader in Bolivia and Argentina plus there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: Allow US$260 for additional meals.
Valid From: 30/03/2007
Starts/Ends: La Paz/Buenos Aires
Trip Reference: GSST
