Explore Bolivia to Brazil
Trip Code: GGBLC
Why we love it
Take a unique route from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro, stopping at tiny villages and indigenous towns along the way to get an authentic view of South America., Hit the off-road on a two-day 4WD adventure across the largest salt flats in the world – Uyuni – exploring cactus islands, train cemeteries and mineral lakes teeming with flamingos., Harness your inner gaucho during a three-day stay at a working estancia in Uruguay. Ride horses relax in nature or get involved with farm work – it’s up to you., The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and this tour includes a visit to both sides for a complete experience., Spend a day in Tilcara, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Argentina that is surrounded by steep and spectacular gorges and mountains.
Is this trip right for me?
This trip visits places as high as 4900 metres above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on travelling at altitude and ensure you are familiar with signs of AMS.
This tour includes a 4WD excursion through the Andean Desert and salt flats. Expect dusty and bumpy travels, extreme weather and basic facilities. Without a doubt, you can also expect exploring this surreal landscape to be one of the highlights of your trip to South America.
Please note that our leaders are not able to organise a trip to the ‘Death Road’ cycling route to Coroico for you due to safety concerns. Injuries are common along the road and there have been a number of fatal accidents. Our leaders are also unable to organise tours to the Potosi Mines.
There are some long travel days and two overnight bus journeys on this trip. Although the buses feature comfortable reclining seats, they are not beds. There’s also usually a toilet on board and some of the buses make toilet stops. These trips can be tiresome, but an adventure around South America wouldn’t be complete without a bumpy bus journey.
While at the estancia in Uruguay, you can choose to participate in the day-to-day activities of the farm as much or as little as you like. If you do choose to get involved, prepare for some early morning starts and to get your hands dirty when working directly with animals. The accommodation is multishare and meals are served family style. Please inform an Intrepid booking agent if you have any dietary requirements.
Important information
1. This trip is a combination of two of our most popular tours. As such, the make up of your group and your tour leader may change on Day 14 and Day 24.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2, 20 (Overnight bus), Days 7, 8 (Dormitory) and Days 17, 18, 19 (Estancia) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. United States citizens need a visa to enter Bolivia and we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border.
Please see the ‘Passports and visas’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
4. Please note you may require a Brazilian Visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2–5 weeks at the discretion of the embassy or consulate.
5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally, on certain trips they are needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
Please be aware that while hiking the Inca trek or the Quarry trek that you may be joined by passengers from other Intrepid groups.
What to bring/pack
Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You'll also need a day pack/bag for activities and day trips. In terms of weight, airlines generally allow a maximum of 20kg for check in luggage. In addition, flights in Peru will allow 1 piece of small hand luggage for carry on (maximum dimensions allowed for carry on: 25cm depth x 35cm width x 45 cm height).
Other than the items and clothing you always need on a trip, below we have listed packing suggestions specific for this trip:
RECOMMENDED:
- Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary
- Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments
-Electrical adapter plug.
- Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids.
- Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both
OPTIONAL:
- Ear plugs to guard against a potential snoring room-mate
VALUABLES:
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is available at many hotels and towns during this trip, although you might need to wait for a two-night stop in order to make sure you get it back in time. While laundry at hotels is usually charged by the item, laundromats usually charge by the kilo or per load, which is generally inexpensive (2 USD per Kg).
ESSENTIAL:
- Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through cities as well as bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Day Pack - A day bag that has easy access to water bottles (external side pockets) or a day pack with a built in hydration bladder. This bag only needs to be large enough to hold the few things you need during the day (hat, water, camera, snacks, rain jacket etc)
- Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots - Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
- Walking clothing - Its best to bring clothes that can be layered so you can adjust layers according to the weather which is ever-changing in the Falklands. Please ensure this includes a waterproof jacket and pants.
-Basic personal toiletries, ESSENTIAL:
- Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through cities as well as bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, RECOMMENDED:
- Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary
- Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments
- Electrical adapter plug.
- Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and band-aids.
- Insect repellent
- Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both
- Swimwear
-Sleeping bag: Night time temperatures are often well into the minuses it can often get as cold as -5 degrees. Blankets are provided however due to the extreme weather conditions we strongly recommend that you either rent or bring your own sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags can be rented in Uyuni for the 3-day tour for about 10 USD (total cost, not per day).
- Warm clothes: Thermal underclothes, being small and light, a light water and windproof jacket
-Travel Towel: We recommend bringing a travel towel for the Uyuni part of this trip as we can't always guarantee towels will be provided at your stay in the basic accommodation.
OPTIONAL:
- Ear plugs to guard against a potential snoring room-mate
- Phrase book
VALUABLES:
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is available at many hotels and towns during this trip, although you might need to wait for a two-night stop in order to make sure you get it back in time. While laundry at hotels is usually charged by the item, laundromats usually charge by the kilo, which is generally inexpensive (about USD 2 per kilo)
Physical rating
Joining your group
Hotel Golden Palace, Calle Sagarnaga 531 Esq. Max Paredes, Sagarnaga, La Paz, BOLIVIA, Phone: +591 22488954, Fax: +591 22492017
Located right in the touristic centre of La Paz, Golden Palace offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel is located 400 metres from the Witches Market, the Coca Museum and from La Paz's famous San Francisco Cathedral.
Alternate Joining Point
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
24 Jan 2025 (GGBLC250124)
28 Feb 2025 (GGBLC250228)
14 Mar 2025 (GGBLC250314)
04 Apr 2025 (GGBLC250404)
18 Apr 2025 (GGBLC250418)
02 May 2025 (GGBLC250502)
06 Jun 2025 (GGBLC250606)
18 Jul 2025 (GGBLC250718)
01 Aug 2025 (GGBLC250801)
22 Aug 2025 (GGBLC250822)
19 Sep 2025 (GGBLC250919)
10 Oct 2025 (GGBLC251010)
24 Oct 2025 (GGBLC251024)
07 Nov 2025 (GGBLC251107)
21 Nov 2025 (GGBLC251121)
26 Dec 2025 (GGBLC251226)
02 Jan 2026 (GGBLC260102)
23 Jan 2026 (GGBLC260123)
27 Feb 2026 (GGBLC260227)
13 Mar 2026 (GGBLC260313)
03 Apr 2026 (GGBLC260403)
17 Apr 2026 (GGBLC260417)
01 May 2026 (GGBLC260501)
05 Jun 2026 (GGBLC260605)
17 Jul 2026 (GGBLC260717)
31 Jul 2026 (GGBLC260731)
21 Aug 2026 (GGBLC260821)
18 Sep 2026 (GGBLC260918)
09 Oct 2026 (GGBLC261009)
16 Oct 2026 (GGBLC261016)
06 Nov 2026 (GGBLC261106)
20 Nov 2026 (GGBLC261120)
25 Dec 2026 (GGBLC261225)
Hotel Golden Palace
Calle Sagarnaga 531 Esq. Max Paredes
Sagarnaga
La Paz
BOLIVIA
Phone: +591 22488954
Fax: +591 22492017
Joining instructions
Finishing your trip
Americas Benidorm Hotel (Benidorm Palace Hotel), Rua Barata Ribeiro, 547, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL, Phone: +55 2125488880
Alternate Finish Point
If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends.
Alternatively, please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi or instructions to reach the airport by public transport.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 22
Lunches included: 5
Dinners included: 6
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts.
Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc.
More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, coeliac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you.
For those on strict Kosher or Halal diets, we understand your dietary requirements are important, however, sometimes due to cultural and language differences these are not always easy to convey when you are travelling. Your guide will do their best to assist you in translating your needs when eating out, but please be aware that these diets are almost unheard of in much of the continent and the best they may be able to accommodate is no pork and shellfish. If this will be a concern for you you may need to consider opting for vegetarian or vegan meals for the included meals in your itinerary. We recommend researching kosher or halal options in your destination country prior to travel to see if you are able to buy snacks once there, otherwise consider bringing some from home.
Climate & seasonal information
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
BOOKING ENQUIRIES / ISSUES
For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at:
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/contact-us
Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +51 996 055559 Lima, +51 940 512701 Cusco
Accommodations
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Transportation
Our overnight buses have reclinable seats - usually more comfortable than your average economy plane seats. You may be offered a simple dinner on board or stop at a service station to buy snacks and drinks. Before boarding an overnight bus, it's always a good idea to have music, a book, water, snacks and warm clothing ready.