Real Bolivia to Brazil: Self-Launched Adventure

Welcome to La Paz — the world's highest capital city at 3,500m. Take it easy on arrival to acclimatise. Check in to your hostel and head out to find dinner; the Sopocachi or Rosario neighbourhoods have great local restaurants. A bowl of sopa de maní (peanut soup) is the perfect introduction to Bolivian cuisine.

🚌International flight into El Alto International Airport (LPB). Minibus/taxi to city centre (~£2-4)

🛏Hostel dorm in La Paz — try Loki La Paz or Adventure Brew Hostel (~£8-12/night)

• →Arrive and check in to hostel — allow time to acclimatise to altitude
• →Explore the Rosario or Sopocachi neighbourhoods for dinner
• →Book your overnight bus to Uyuni for Day 2 at the terminal or via a local agency (~£10-12)

Spend the morning exploring La Paz on foot. Head to the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches' Market) on Calle Linares — a fascinating open-air market selling potions, llama foetuses and ritual artefacts. Chat to vendors about the significance of the items. Pop into the Coca Museum nearby (BOB15 / ~£1.50). In the late afternoon, make your way to the bus terminal for your overnight bus to Uyuni.

🚌Overnight bus La Paz → Uyuni (~12 hrs, ~£10-12). Companies include Todo Turismo and Trans Omar.

🛏Overnight bus (semi-cama/recliner seat — bring a warm layer, temperatures drop significantly at altitude)

• →Self-guided walk to the Witches' Market (Mercado de Hechicería) — free entry
• →Visit the Coca Museum in Rosario district (~£1.50)
• →Optional: Tiawanaku day tour via local agency (~£20-25)
• →Take overnight bus to Uyuni (~12 hours, ~£10-12) — book at terminal or via agencies on Calle Sagárnaga

Arrive in Uyuni town in the morning and check in to your hostel to drop bags. Join a 3-day 4WD salt flats tour — these are easily booked independently through agencies in Uyuni town (avoid booking online in advance as local prices are significantly cheaper). Day one covers the eerie Train Cemetery just outside town, then the vast Salar de Uyuni salt flats — the world's largest. Visit Colchani Salt Factory and finish at Isla Incahuasi (Fish Island), a rocky cactus-covered outcrop in the middle of the flats.

🚌Included in 3-day 4WD tour

🛏Basic dormitory/salt hotel in or near the salt flats — included in 3-day tour price

• →Book a 3-day 4WD Uyuni salt flats tour through a local agency in Uyuni town (~£70-90 all-in for 3 days including accommodation, meals and transport) — try Cordillera Traveller or Esmeralda Tours
• →Visit the Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes) — included in tour
• →Explore Salar de Uyuni salt flats on foot — included
• →Visit Colchani Salt Factory — included
• →Visit Isla Incahuasi (Fish Island) — included

Day two of your 4WD salt flats tour. Drive through the spectacular Andean desert, passing volcanoes and vivid mineral lakes. The highlight is Laguna Colorada — a red lake teeming with flamingos, llamas, viscachas and foxes. Tonight you sleep in a basic dormitory in the desert at altitude — bring layers and a sleeping bag liner.

🚌4WD vehicle — included in tour

🛏Basic desert dormitory (~4,500m altitude) — included in 3-day tour. Facilities are very basic; hot water not guaranteed.

• →Drive through Atacama Desert scenery — included in tour
• →Visit Laguna Colorada and spot flamingos and wildlife — included
• →Stargaze from the desert at night — free

Rise early for the optional thermal baths at Polques (BOB30 / ~£3) before passing geysers and snow-capped volcanoes on the drive to the Chilean border. Cross into Chile and arrive in San Pedro de Atacama by mid-afternoon — a charming oasis town with adobe streets and extraordinary desert scenery. The evening is free to find dinner; the main street has a good range of Chilean and international restaurants.

🚌4WD tour drops you at the Chilean border — arrange onward shared transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (~£8-10, ask your tour agency in Uyuni to arrange this)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in San Pedro de Atacama — try Hostal Ckunja or Hostal Puritama (~£15-20/night)

• →Optional soak at Polques Thermal Baths (~£3) — included at end of 4WD tour
• →Cross the Bolivia-Chile border (ensure passport and any visa requirements are checked in advance)
• →Explore San Pedro de Atacama's adobe streets and main plaza on foot — free
• →Find dinner on Calle Caracoles — budget ~£8-12

A free day to explore San Pedro at your own pace. Wander the Plaza de Armas, visit the local church and browse the crafts market. Consider booking a Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) tour — one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, best visited at sunset when the colours turn golden. The local cafe scene is excellent, with French-influenced bakeries and great coffee.

🚌Walking/bicycle hire within San Pedro (~£5/day for a bike)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in San Pedro de Atacama (~£15-20/night)

• →Self-guided walk around Plaza de Armas and San Pedro town — free
• →Visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) — book via a local agency or GetYourGuide (~£20-25 with guide and entrance)
• →Optional: Meteorito Museum (~£3)
• →Optional: Cejar Lagoon (salt lagoon swim) via local tour (~£25-30)

San Pedro de Atacama sits at one of the best stargazing locations on earth, thanks to its altitude, dry air and lack of light pollution. Book an astronomy tour tonight — a truly unforgettable experience. Earlier in the day, consider an early morning trip to El Tatio Geysers (the world's highest geyser field), which erupt spectacularly at dawn. Book via a local agency.

🚌Included in day tours

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in San Pedro de Atacama (~£15-20/night)

• →Early morning El Tatio Geysers tour (departs ~4am, returns midday) — book via local agency (~£20-25 including transport)
• →Afternoon rest and cafe-hopping on Calle Caracoles
• →Evening astronomy tour — book via ALMA or Space Obs (~£20-25)

A long but scenic travel day crossing the Chile-Argentina border and arriving in Salta — nicknamed 'La Linda' (The Beautiful) for good reason. The journey passes extraordinary Andean landscapes. Arrive in the evening; Salta's main plaza is lined with colonial architecture and lively restaurants. Grab a local empanada and glass of Torrontés white wine (Salta is Argentina's wine country).

🚌International bus San Pedro de Atacama → Salta (~12 hours, ~£20-25). Book at bus terminal or via agencies in San Pedro.

🛏Hostel in Salta — try Hostel Viejo Jack or Carpe Diem Hostel (~£10-15/night)

• →Scenic bus journey through Andean border crossing — book in advance via Andesmar or Pullman Bus (~£20-25)
• →Arrive Salta and do a self-guided evening walk around Plaza 9 de Julio — free
• →Dinner at a local parrilla — budget ~£10-15

A full free day to explore Salta. Hike the 1,070 steps up Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic views over the city — or take the cable car if you'd prefer a gentler ascent. Back in town, visit the MAAM Archaeological Museum (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology), which houses the famous Inca children mummies found on nearby Llullaillaco volcano. Salta's colonial centre is a joy to wander.

🚌Walking within city; cable car optional (~£3-4)

🛏Hostel in Salta (~£10-15/night)

• →Hike up Cerro San Bernardo (1,070 steps, free) or take the cable car (~£3-4 each way)
• →Visit MAAM Archaeological Museum (~£3)
• →Wander Plaza 9 de Julio and visit the Cathedral and Cabildo — free
• →Optional: Day trip to the Quebrada de Humahuaca via local agency (~£20-25)

Take an early morning domestic flight from Salta (SLA) to Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) — book well in advance for the best fares via Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM (~£40-70). Check in to your Buenos Aires accommodation in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the Palermo or San Telmo neighbourhoods — Buenos Aires has world-class restaurants, bars and tango shows.

🚌Domestic flight Salta → Buenos Aires (~£40-70). Airport bus (Tiendas León) to city centre (~£3-4).

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Palermo or San Telmo — try América del Sur Hostel or América Hostel (~£15-20/night)

• →Domestic flight Salta → Buenos Aires (~2 hours, ~£40-70 — book via Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM)
• →Check in and explore your neighbourhood
• →Evening: find a local parrilla for steak and Malbec — budget £15-20
• →Optional: Book a tango show in advance via GetYourGuide (~£40-60 with dinner)

Spend the morning at the San Telmo Market (open daily, best on Sundays for the street fair) — grab empanadas and try dulce de leche ice cream from a heladería. Head to the colourful Caminito street in La Boca neighbourhood — free to walk and photograph. In the afternoon, visit La Recoleta Cemetery, the ornate final resting place of Eva Perón (~£8-10 entry). Finish the evening with drinks in Palermo Soho.

🚌Subte (metro) day pass ~£2-3; taxi/Uber between neighbourhoods ~£2-4

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (~£15-20/night)

• →San Telmo Market — free entry, budget ~£5-8 for snacks
• →Caminito Street, La Boca — free
• →La Recoleta Cemetery — ~£8-10 entry (book timed entry online in advance)
• →Optional: El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop — free to browse
• →Evening drinks in Palermo Soho

Self-guided walking tour of the Microcentro: stroll down Avenida de Mayo, see the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house — free to view exterior), and photograph the famous Obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio. Browse the Puerto Madero waterfront. In the afternoon, head to Palermo for lunch at a neighbourhood bistro. Tonight, experience Buenos Aires nightlife — the city doesn't get going until midnight.

🚌Subte and walking

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (~£15-20/night)

• →Self-guided walk: Avenida de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Obelisk — free
• →Puerto Madero waterfront walk — free
• →Lunch in Palermo neighbourhood (~£8-12)
• →Optional: Book a guided Buenos Aires walking tour via GetYourGuide (free/tip-based tours available)
• →Optional: Football match at La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) — book via official club website or GetYourGuide (~£25-40)

A final free day in Buenos Aires to do whatever you missed. Options include a guided tour of Teatro Colón (one of the world's finest opera houses, book in advance ~£12-15), a lazy morning of café con leche in Palermo, a polo match, or simply wandering the city's diverse neighbourhoods. Buenos Aires is a city best experienced slowly — soak it all in.

🚌Walking and Subte

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (~£15-20/night)

• →Guided tour of Teatro Colón — ~£12-15, book online in advance
• →Explore Palermo neighbourhood: parks, cafes, boutiques — free
• →Optional: Polo experience day (~£80-100 via Palermo Polo Club)
• →Evening: farewell Buenos Aires dinner at a proper parrilla

Take the Buquebus ferry across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (~1 hour, ~£25-35 — book in advance at buquebus.com). Spend a few hours exploring the UNESCO-listed Barrio Histórico: cobblestone streets, colourful Portuguese-era buildings, a 19th-century lighthouse (UYU35 / ~£0.70 to climb) and tiny museums. In the afternoon, take a local bus from Colonia to Montevideo (~2.5 hours, ~£5-7).

🚌Buquebus ferry (~£25-35) + local bus (~£5-7)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo — try Che Hostel or Punto Berro (~£12-18/night)

• →Buquebus ferry Buenos Aires → Colonia del Sacramento (~1 hour, ~£25-35 — book at buquebus.com)
• →Self-guided walk through Barrio Histórico (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — free
• →Climb the Colonia Lighthouse for views — ~£0.70
• →Local bus Colonia → Montevideo (~2.5 hours, ~£5-7 — COT or Copay bus lines)

Enjoy a free day in Montevideo, one of South America's most liveable and laid-back capital cities. Walk the 22km Rambla coastal promenade, browse the Mercado del Puerto for a classic chivito sandwich or grilled meats, and visit the Museo del Gaucho. The beach at Playa de los Pocitos is popular with locals for a swim or sunbathe.

🚌Walking and local bus (UYU30 / ~£0.60 per ride)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo (~£12-18/night)

• →Walk the Rambla coastal promenade — free
• →Mercado del Puerto for lunch — budget £8-12
• →Museo del Gaucho — ~£2
• →Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) self-guided walk — free
• →Optional: Playa de los Pocitos for the beach — free

Travel by local bus from Montevideo toward the Uruguayan interior and your estancia (ranch) stay. Book your estancia independently in advance — several offer multi-share accommodation with full board and gaucho activities. Recommended: Estancia Panagea or La Sirena (~£60-80/night full board). Settle in, meet your hosts and enjoy a home-cooked dinner under the stars.

🚌Local Cutcsa or COT bus from Montevideo (~£5-10)

🛏Estancia (multi-share with full board) — book independently in advance. Options: Estancia Panagea, Estancia La Sirena or similar (~£60-80/night full board)

• →Bus from Montevideo to nearby town (~£5-10 depending on destination)
• →Check in to estancia and meet hosts
• →Afternoon: explore the farm, spot local wildlife
• →Group dinner with hosts — included in estancia price

A full day experiencing Uruguayan estancia life. Ride horses across the pampas in true gaucho style, help with farm activities, or simply relax with a book and a mug of yerba mate. Home-cooked meals are included. This is a genuine slow-travel highlight — a chance to disconnect and experience rural South American life authentically.

🚌N/A — staying on the estancia

🛏Estancia (multi-share with full board) (~£60-80/night full board)

• →Horse riding — included in estancia stay
• →Farm activities (feeding animals, working alongside gauchos) — included
• →Relax in the countryside scenery
• →All meals included in estancia price

A final morning at the estancia — say goodbye to your hosts, enjoy a last home-cooked meal, then travel back toward Montevideo or the Argentine border. Board an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazú (or connect via Buenos Aires if necessary). It's a long journey, so pack snacks, download podcasts and get comfortable.

🚌Local bus back to Montevideo (~£5-10) + overnight bus to Puerto Iguazú (~£25-40)

🛏Overnight bus (semi-cama recliner seat)

• →Final morning at estancia — relax and pack
• →Transfer back to Montevideo or border town by local bus
• →Board overnight bus to Puerto Iguazú (~16-18 hours, ~£25-40 via Crucero del Norte or similar)

Arrive in Puerto Iguazú in the morning, check in to your hostel and head straight to Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side. This is one of the world's great natural wonders — 275 individual waterfalls spread over nearly 3km. The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) walkway puts you right above the thundering falls. Buy your park entrance ticket on the day or book online in advance (ARS entry fee, ~£10-15 for foreigners).

🚌Local bus to/from park (~£1-2 each way)

🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazú — try Hostel Inn Iguazú or Peter Pan Hostel (~£10-15/night)

• →Bus from Puerto Iguazú town to park entrance (local bus ~£1-2, or taxi ~£5)
• →Argentine side of Iguazu National Park — Upper and Lower Circuit walks (~2-3 hours each)
• →Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) walkway — included in park entry
• →Optional: Boat ride under the falls via Iguazú Jungle — ~£20-25

Cross the Argentina-Brazil border to see Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. The Brazilian viewpoint offers a sweeping panoramic perspective of the entire falls — equally spectacular but very different from the Argentine side. A single walkway leads you right to the base of the Garganta do Diabo. You'll need a Brazilian visa (check requirements for your passport well in advance). Consider staying one night in Foz do Iguaçu before onward travel.

🚌Local bus across Argentina-Brazil border (~£2-3)

🛏Hostel in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil — try Tetris Container Hostel or Bambu Hostel (~£10-15/night)

• →Cross border to Brazil (local bus from Puerto Iguazú ~£2-3, or taxi ~£8-10)
• →Brazilian side Iguaçu National Park — entry ~£10-12 for foreigners
• →Panoramic walkway to Garganta do Diabo viewpoint — included
• →Optional: Itaipu Dam visit (world's second-largest hydroelectric dam) — ~£8-12
• →Bird Park (Parque das Aves) — ~£12-15

Fly from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG or SDU) — book well in advance for the best prices via GOL, LATAM or Azul (~£35-70). Arriving in Rio, take the bus or metro into the city and check in to your hostel. Rio is one of the world's most spectacular cities — even the approach by air over mountains and beaches is unforgettable. Evening is free to explore.

🚌Domestic flight (~£35-70); bus/metro from airport (~£2-4)

🛏Hostel in Rio de Janeiro — try Mango Tree Hostel (Santa Teresa) or El Misti Hostel (Ipanema) (~£12-20/night)

• →Domestic flight Foz do Iguaçu → Rio de Janeiro (~2 hours, ~£35-70 — book via GOL, LATAM or Azul)
• →Airport bus or metro to city centre/hostel (~£2-4)
• →Evening stroll along Copacabana or Ipanema Beach — free

Start with the city's most iconic sight: Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) on Corcovado mountain. Book your timed entry and cog train ticket online well in advance (~£20-25). The views across Rio, the bays and the surrounding mountains are extraordinary. In the afternoon, explore the bohemian hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa on foot — colourful houses, art studios, and the famous Santa Teresa tram (bonde).

🚌Metro and taxi/Uber (~£3-5)

🛏Hostel in Rio de Janeiro (~£12-20/night)

• →Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) — cog train + entry ~£20-25, book online at tremdocorcovado.rio
• →Self-guided walk through Santa Teresa neighbourhood — free
• →Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) — free
• →Lapa neighbourhood and arches — free

Take the famous cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) for 360-degree views over the city, beaches and Guanabara Bay — best visited at sunset (~£20-25, book at bondinho.com.br). Spend the afternoon relaxing on Ipanema Beach — one of the world's most beautiful urban beaches. Watch the sunset from Arpoador Rock, a local tradition. Evening: explore Ipanema or Leblon's restaurant scene.

🚌Metro and Uber (~£3-5)

🛏Hostel in Rio de Janeiro (~£12-20/night)

• →Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain — ~£20-25, book online
• →Ipanema Beach — free
• →Sunset from Arpoador Rock — free
• →Dinner in Ipanema or Leblon — budget £10-18

Explore Tijuca National Park — the world's largest urban rainforest — either independently or on a guided hike (book via GetYourGuide, ~£15-25 including guide). The park has marked trails to Pico da Tijuca and several waterfalls. In the afternoon, consider a guided community tour of Vidigal or Santa Marta favela — these tours are run by community members and offer a genuine and respectful insight into Rio's hillside communities (~£15-20 via local operators).

🚌Uber to Tijuca (~£5-8 each way)

🛏Hostel in Rio de Janeiro (~£12-20/night)

• →Tijuca National Forest hike — guided tour via GetYourGuide ~£15-25, or self-guided (free with Uber to trailhead)
• →Optional: Community-led favela tour of Vidigal or Santa Marta (~£15-20)
• →Evening: explore Lapa neighbourhood for live music and street food

Your final morning in Rio — grab a pão de queijo (cheese bread) and fresh juice from a local padaria (bakery) and head back to your favourite beach or neighbourhood. If time allows, visit the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) in the revamped port area (~£5-8). Then transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Tchau, Rio!

🚌Uber or bus to airport (~£2-25 depending on option and airport)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Final morning beach time or café — free
• →Optional: Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) — ~£5-8
• →Transfer to Rio airport (GIG or SDU) — Uber ~£15-25 or bus ~£2-4