Day 3

 

Route for the day: San Pedro de Atacama – Laguna Colorada?. Drive on tarmac road towards Paso Jama, and into the Bolivian Altiplano, which is crisscrossed with gravel trails. Border crossing from Chile into Argentina. Drive along the shore of the Laguna Verde, past simmering geyser pools to the shimmering, brick red Laguna Colorada offering possible sightings of enormous flocks of flamingos. Overnight camp on the lakeshore.

Day 4

 

Route for the day: Laguna Colorada – Tupiza. Drive through the Bolivian high plains, the Altiplano. The mountains of the "Cordillera de Lipez", many of which rise more than 6,000 metres, can be seen from a great distance. Drive on gravel tracks to Tupiza, a quiet settlement surrounded by shimmering rocks, mountains and ravines, resembling the Wild West. Evening meal together and hostel accommodation.

Day 5

 

Route for the day: Tupiza – Humahuaca?. Drive South through the stunning landscape of the extreme reaches of the Chicas mountain chain, with bizarre rock formations, cactus forests, and deep ravines. Border crossing from Bolivia into Argentina. Drive through Jujuy province, which may be one of the poorest provinces in Argentina, but is home to an enormous wealth of archaeological and cultural treasures. Drive to Humamuaca. Overnight stay in a hostel.