28 Oct 2026
Twin share
£3,595pp
Single from £4,250
Escorted tour
Bolivia to Brazil for 18–35s: Uyuni, Uruguay & Rio – 25 Days
For 18 to 35-year-olds: five countries from the salt flats of Uyuni and the Atacama to Buenos Aires, an Uruguayan ranch, Iguazú and Rio.
25 days
From £3,180
Tour overview
This 25-day small-group adventure is designed for travellers aged 18 to 35, crossing five countries of South America from the highest capital in the world to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Groups have up to 16 travellers, with a leader throughout, and travel by 4×4, local and overnight buses, ferries and two internal flights. Accommodation is a mix of simple hotels for 18 nights, two nights in basic dormitories on the Altiplano, two nights on a working ranch and two nights on overnight buses. Twenty breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included.
The journey begins in La Paz, with a guided walk through the Witches' Market, before an overnight bus to Uyuni. Three days by 4×4 cross the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, with a stop on the cactus-covered Isla Incahuasi, then the high Altiplano of volcanoes and coloured lakes, where flamingos feed on the red waters of Laguna Colorada. You cross into Chile at San Pedro de Atacama, with two days to explore the desert, then travel over the Andes to Salta in northern Argentina.
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A flight takes you to Buenos Aires for four nights of steak, tango and football, with a leader-led visit to the San Telmo market for empanadas and ice cream. Some new travellers join here. A ferry crosses the River Plate to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay's oldest town, before two days in Montevideo and two nights on an estancia, sharing home-cooked meals with the family who run the farm.
An overnight bus brings you to Iguazú Falls, seen from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, where boardwalks lead you almost close enough to touch the water. A flight to São Paulo and a transfer to the colonial town of Paraty follow, then a ferry to Ilha Grande, a car-free island of rainforest trails and empty beaches. The trip ends in Rio de Janeiro.
The physical rating is medium, with long travel days, high altitude in Bolivia and basic facilities on the Altiplano. This trip is for young travellers on a budget who want a sociable, fast-moving journey across South America, with plenty of free time.
Trip highlights
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La Paz and the Witches' Market (Days 1–2)
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Three days by 4x4 across the Salar de Uyuni and the Altiplano (Days 3–5)
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The Atacama Desert at San Pedro (Days 5–6)
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Buenos Aires and the San Telmo market (Days 10–13)
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Two nights on an Uruguayan estancia (Days 16–17)
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Iguazú Falls from both sides, Ilha Grande and Rio (Days 19–25)
Your route
14 stops from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro
- La Paz Days 1–2
- Uyuni Day 3
- Laguna Colorada Day 4
- San Pedro de Atacama Days 5–6
- Salta Days 7–8
- Buenos Aires Days 9–13
- Colonia del Sacramento Day 14
- Montevideo Days 14–15
- Estancia Stay (Uruguay) Days 16–18
- Iguazu Falls Days 19–20
- São Paulo Day 21
- Paraty Day 21
- Ilha Grande Days 22–23
- Rio de Janeiro Days 24–25
Why choose this tour
A sociable trip for 18 to 35-year-olds, crossing five countries with the logistics handled. Salt flats, desert, waterfalls and beaches in a single journey.
Best suited to
- Travellers aged 18 to 35 only
- Solo travellers looking for a sociable group
- Budget-minded travellers who want to see a lot
- Gap-year and career-break travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
25 days from La Paz, Bolivia to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Day 1 · La Paz Arrive in La Paz
Arrive in the world's highest capital, at around 3,500 metres, for a welcome meeting at 6pm.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · La Paz, Witches' Market La Paz
A guided walk through La Paz and the Witches' Market, then board an overnight bus to Uyuni.
- Hotel
- Overnight bus
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi Uyuni and the salt flats
Set off by 4x4 across the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, visiting the salt factory at Colchani and Isla Incahuasi.
- Hotel
- Dormitory
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 · Laguna Colorada, Eduardo Avaroa Reserve The Altiplano
Drive through a high desert of volcanoes and lakes to the red waters of Laguna Colorada, home to flamingos and llamas.
- Hotel
- Dormitory
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 · San Pedro de Atacama To San Pedro de Atacama
An optional dawn soak in thermal pools, then cross into Chile to San Pedro de Atacama.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Atacama Desert San Pedro de Atacama
A free day for the Valley of the Moon, the salt lagoons or the town's cafés.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Salta Over the Andes to Salta
A long, scenic journey across the Andes into northern Argentina.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Salta Salta
A walk around Salta's colonial centre, with free time to explore.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 9 · Salta, Cerro San Bernardo Salta
A free day. Climb the 1,070 steps of Cerro San Bernardo or explore the city's museums.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 10 · Buenos Aires Fly to Buenos Aires
Fly to Argentina's capital, with the evening free for a tango show or a steak dinner.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · San Telmo Buenos Aires
Visit the San Telmo market to taste empanadas and dulce de leche ice cream, then explore.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 12 · Buenos Aires Buenos Aires
Meet new travellers joining the group, then take an orientation walk around the city centre.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 13 · Buenos Aires, Palermo Buenos Aires
A free day for the Teatro Colón, Palermo's parks and restaurants, or a football match.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 14 · Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo Colonia to Montevideo
Cross the River Plate by ferry to the World Heritage-listed old town of Colonia, then continue to Montevideo.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 15 · Montevideo Montevideo
A free day to walk the Rambla and explore Uruguay's capital.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 16 · Estancia To the estancia
Travel by bus to a working ranch for two nights in the Uruguayan countryside.
- Hotel
- Estancia (multi-share)
- Meals
- Lunch
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Day 17 · Estancia Estancia life
A slow day of farm life and home-cooked meals with your hosts.
- Hotel
- Estancia (multi-share)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 18 · Estancia Overnight bus to Iguazú
A final lunch on the ranch, then a long overnight bus towards Iguazú.
- Hotel
- Overnight bus
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 19 · Foz do Iguaçu Iguazú Falls, Brazil
Cross into Brazil to see the panoramic views of the falls in Iguaçu National Park.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 20 · Iguazú National Park Iguazú Falls, Argentina
Return to Argentina to follow the boardwalks right up to the thundering water.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 21 · São Paulo, Paraty Paraty
Fly to São Paulo and transfer to the colonial town of Paraty.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 22 · Paraty, Ilha Grande Paraty to Ilha Grande
A free morning in Paraty, then a ferry to the car-free island of Ilha Grande.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 23 · Lopes Mendes Ilha Grande
A free day for rainforest trails and remote beaches such as Lopes Mendes.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 24 · Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro To Rio de Janeiro
Take a boat to the mainland and travel on to Rio de Janeiro.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 25 · Rio de Janeiro Trip ends in Rio
The trip ends after breakfast. Stay on for Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- La Paz (1 night) Hotel
- La Paz to Uyuni (1 night) Overnight bus
- Salar de Uyuni and Altiplano (2 nights) Dormitory
- San Pedro de Atacama (2 nights) Hotel
- Salta (3 nights) Hotel
- Buenos Aires (4 nights) Hotel
- Montevideo (2 nights) Hotel
- Uruguay (2 nights) Estancia (multi-share)
- To Iguazú (1 night) Overnight bus
- Iguazú (2 nights) Hotel
- Paraty (1 night) Hotel
- Ilha Grande (2 nights) Hotel
- Rio de Janeiro (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 18 nights in hotels, 2 nights in dormitories, 2 nights on an estancia and 2 nights on overnight buses
- Meals 20 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners, including home-cooked meals on the estancia
- Transport 4x4s across the Salar de Uyuni, local and overnight buses, ferries, and flights from Salta to Buenos Aires and Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo
- Guided visits and walks in La Paz, Uyuni, Salta, Buenos Aires and Rio
- The Salar de Uyuni and Altiplano 4x4 crossing, including Isla Incahuasi and Laguna Colorada
- Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides
- Leader throughout
Not included
- Flights to La Paz and from Rio de Janeiro
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You are under 18 or over 35 — this trip is for 18 to 35-year-olds
- You want comfort every night — there are dorms, a shared ranch and overnight buses
- You want short travel days — some journeys are very long
- You want flights to South America included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £3,180 per person, twin share, tour only. 31 upcoming departures.
11 Nov 2026
Twin share
£3,520pp
Single from £4,175
25 Nov 2026
Twin share
£3,550pp
Single from £4,205
23 Dec 2026
Twin share
£3,450pp
Single from £4,105
06 Jan 2027
Twin share
£3,540pp
Single from £4,195
13 Jan 2027
Twin share
£3,340pp
Single from £3,995
20 Jan 2027
Twin share
£3,340pp
Single from £3,995
17 Feb 2027
Twin share
£3,340pp
Single from £3,995
03 Mar 2027
Twin share
£3,180pp
Single from £3,835
17 Mar 2027
Twin share
£3,440pp
Single from £4,095
07 Apr 2027
Twin share
£3,180pp
Single from £3,835
21 Apr 2027
Twin share
£3,440pp
Single from £4,095
12 May 2027
Twin share
£3,440pp
Single from £4,095
26 May 2027
Twin share
£3,180pp
Single from £3,835
02 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,440pp
Single from £4,095
16 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,340pp
Single from £3,995
23 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,180pp
Single from £3,835
07 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,340pp
Single from £3,995
21 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,340pp
Single from £3,995
04 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,540pp
Single from £4,195
25 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,540pp
Single from £4,195
08 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,605pp
Single from £4,260
15 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,605pp
Single from £4,260
29 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,605pp
Single from £4,260
06 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,605pp
Single from £4,260
13 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,605pp
Single from £4,260
27 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,605pp
Single from £4,260
10 Nov 2027
Twin share
£3,540pp
Single from £4,195
24 Nov 2027
Twin share
£3,540pp
Single from £4,195
01 Dec 2027
Twin share
£3,180pp
Single from £3,835
22 Dec 2027
Twin share
£3,180pp
Single from £3,835
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Who can join this trip?
This trip is only for travellers aged 18 to 35. Many people join on their own, making it an easy way to meet other travellers.
What is the accommodation like?
Mostly simple hotels, with basic dormitories on the Altiplano, a multi-share ranch in Uruguay and two nights on overnight buses.
Will the altitude affect me?
La Paz and the Altiplano are high, over 3,500 metres and up to around 5,000 metres. Take it easy, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice before you travel.
Can I join for part of the trip?
The group changes in Buenos Aires, so some travellers join or leave there. Ask a specialist about shorter sections.
How long are the travel days?
Some are long, including two overnight buses and the drive over the Andes to Salta. Two flights save time on the longest stretches.
What should I pack?
Layers for cold nights on the Altiplano, sun protection, swimwear for Ilha Grande and a small bag that is easy to carry on buses.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary