The Silver Trail

15 days - from $2170

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. Finally we arrive in lively, stylish Buenos Aires – one of the great capitals of Latin America!

Highlights

• The 1500AD 'Llullaillaco Children'
• Colourful La Boca
• Recoleta Cemetery and Eva Peron’s tomb
• The colonial city of Salta
• Argentina's capital Buenos Aires
• Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colours
• Uyuni Salt Desert's caves and cacti
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial city of Sucre
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• Eat llama in La Paz

Itinerary:

Day 1: La Paz2-3: La Paz - overnight bus4-5: Sucre6: Potosi7-8: Potosi - Uyuni (Great Salt Desert) - overnight train9: Villazón – Humahuaca Gorge – Maimará10: Purmamarca - Salta11-12: Salta - overnight bus13-14: Buenos Aires15: 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 tour guide in Bolivia and Argentina plus there will be the services of local site guides. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.

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.