La Paz to Rio
From CAD $6015
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
This 30-day stretch takes you from Andean altitude to Atlantic coastline — by bus, by local routes, and with a crew that makes the long rides part of the story. You'll discover Uyuni’s horizon-for-days salt flats and San Pedro’s desert skies. All before a run through Argentina and Uruguay, then Iguazu Falls and Rio to close it out.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 18 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
Included Experience
- La Paz: Tuck into a 3-course set menu at Manq’a (“food” in Aymara), a seriously cool restaurant with a big heart. Your meal supports culinary training and better opportunities for vulnerable youth, while championing sustainable, fairly priced local produce and proud cultural food traditions.
- La Paz: See the city through the eyes of masked shoe shiners (these are the people who keep La Paz moving). Expect a walking tour that goes beyond the usual sights, with real stories about daily life, stigma, and informal work, all while supporting community projects that back shoe shiners and their families.
- La Paz: Leave La Paz after dark and roll into Sucre on a 13-hour overnight journey. Oh yeah, and there are comfy reclining seats on this ride!
- Sucre: Get your bearings in Bolivia’s “White City”. Wandering the colonial centre with its elegant plazas, architecture, and easy-going vibe. Then you can grab a proper local bite at Salteñería El Patio — Sucre’s go-to for juicy salteñas in a classic courtyard setting.
- Potosi: Walk the UNESCO-listed historic centre where grand churches and cobbled streets meet the shadow of Cerro Rico. Expect a loop through Plaza 10 de Noviembre, plus time to dive into the Casa Nacional de la Moneda — the former mint turned museum that tells the story behind Potosí’s wealth (and its cost).
- Potosi: Head to a local ex-miner’s home for a home-cooked meal and a no-filter chat about life in the mines. You'll enjoy local dishes like quinoa soup and potatoes, plus get a deeper look at the challenges (and resilience) behind this tough line of work.
- Uyuni: Roll through Uyuni’s high-altitude outpost vibes — dusty streets, a lively plaza, and market stalls with llama wool and quinoa on repeat. It’s the rugged launchpad for what you came for… and your Trip Manager will help you get orientated before the big landscapes take over.
- Uyuni Salt Flat: Near the Uyuni Salt Flats, this special stay is made out of salt. Yep, actual salt. It’s an accommodation with a seriously unique twist, serving up a stay in one of South America’s most surreal landscapes. Geological icon meets human ingenuity. Not a bad combo for a night on the trip!
- Salta: Wander around Plaza 9 de Julio and the city’s leafy, pastel-lined streets, taking in the cathedral and the glow of San Francisco Church. As evening hits, you’ll have the chance to soak in the local peña scene (think folk music energy and regional flavours).
- Buenos Aires: Head out with your Trip Manager to get the lay of the land — key spots, neighbourhood vibes, and the best ways to spend your free time.
- Montevideo: Get your bearings in Uruguay’s laid-back capital with a stroll through Montevideo’s streets, plazas, and waterfront vibes. Expect local colour, easy wandering, and plenty of spots to pause for a cafe stop or a snack as you explore at your own pace.
- Colonia Del Sacramento: Wander Colonia del Sacramento’s cobbled lanes and colonial streets at the perfect pace. Explore the Barrio Histórico, snap the lighthouse views, cafe-hop between bougainvillea-draped houses, then finish along the rambla as the Río de la Plata lights up at sunset.
- San Antonio de Areco: Just 500 metres from the historic centre of San Antonio de Areco, this special stay gives you the best of both worlds: a real Argentine ranch setting with the town just a short walk away. Think classic estancia energy and a countryside backdrop without straying too far from the action.
- Iguazú Falls: Take a walk through the lush rainforest trails, finishing up at the very edge of the Devil’s Throat. You’ll have time to wander the different walkways, basking in the views and watching out for rainbows and wildlife too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, how about the optional Gran Aventura speedboat ride?
- Puerto Iguazu: Visit a jungle rescue and rehab centre dedicated to helping native animals recover and return to the rainforest when possible. Riding in by trailer and walking guided forest trails, you’ll hear each animal’s rescue story and learn about the real threats they face (trafficking, habitat loss, and road accidents).
- Rio de Janeiro: Ever heard of Favelas? They're growing neighbourhoods in Brazil. And on this tour, we'll visit Favela Cantagalo near Rio. We'll check out the Portal of Saint Roman, walk through alleyways, see the 10 paintings of the Houses-Screen, and even stop by a few viewpoints along the way. You'll even visit the Museu de Favela-MUF, a historical museum about memories and cultural heritage of favelas in the world. It's a collection about 20,000 residents and their ways of life, and how their stories are an unknown but important part of Rio de Janeiro's history. Trust us, you don't wanna miss this one.
Trip Details
Product Code: 41635
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 785.2585A
Starts: La Paz, Bolivia
Finishes: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 30 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6015 ($200 /day)
Itinerary
Hello and welcome to Bolivia! This afternoon is yours to settle in and start soaking up that high-altitude buzz. In the evening, you’ll meet your Trip Manager for a welcome meeting, then we'll head out for dinner and properly meet the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
We'll kick off our La Paz discovery with a half-day Shoe Shiner City Tour and see the city through a local lens. You'll tick off viewpoints, street life, and big city energy. Then it’s free time to roam, market-hop, and snack your way through town. Ever heard of the Bolivian Fighting Cholitas? Tonight, you have the option to see them live in action.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Free day? To do La Paz your way? Mhm, that's right. Choose to cruise the city on Mi Teleférico for big Illimani views, wander the historic centre (San Francisco Church, Calle Jaén, Witches’ Market), or duck out to Valle de la Luna for those surreal, moon-like rock formations. Later, we’ll take a private transfer to the bus station and hop on the overnight bus on a comfy ride to Sucre. Tonight we’ll be rolling through the dark towards Bolivia’s “White City,” ready to wake up in a whole new vibe.
Accommodation: Overnight Bus
We'll arrive around 7am, then hop into a private transfer to the hotel to freshen up. Welcome to Bolivia’s “White City”! We'll explore the city on foot, checking out colonial streets, car-free plazas, and museums if you’re keen, and that chilled Spanish-era vibe. Thinking of what to grab for lunch? Check out Salteñería El Patio, Sucre's go-to spot for authentic Bolivian salteñas (juicy, baked empanadas stuffed with meat, cheese or veggies) in a charming colonial courtyard setting.
Accommodation: Hostal Sucre (or similar)
It’s a free day to roam your way - whether that means browsing Mercado Central for fresh juices, street snacks and local handicrafts, or heading up Recoleta hill to catch sunset over the whitewashed rooftops and tiled domes. If you’re keen to get out of town, join us for an optional visit to the Maragua Crater to check out dinosaur footprints (no kidding!).
Accommodation: Hostal Sucre (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we’ll leave Sucre behind and roll by private transfer to Potosí, trading white-city charm for high-altitude history. This afternoon, we'll explore a city that wears its past loud and clear — cobbled streets, ornate colonial facades, and Cerro Rico looming over it all. We'll hit Plaza 10 de Noviembre for Cathedral views and local market energy, then dive into the Casa Nacional de la Moneda to see the silver-boom story up close (it’s equal parts fascinating and haunting).
Accommodation: Hotel Virreyes (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
You’ve got free time to explore your way, and if you’re curious, you can opt into a tour of the nearby mines for a deeper look at the city’s history. Tonight, we’ll share dinner with a local miner’s family and hear firsthand stories about life here.
Accommodation: Hotel Virreyes (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll kick off today with a private transfer to Uyuni (around 4 hours), swapping colonial streets for wide-open Andean plains. First things first: a quick orientation of this dusty, high-altitude outpost, its adobe buildings and markets selling llama wool and quinoa. You’ll have the afternoon free to get prepped for the Salt Flats — snack run, anyone?
Accommodation: Samay Wasi (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll jump into a private 4x4 with a Local Guide and head out into the wide-open weirdness. Kick things off at the Train Cemetery for rusted-locomotive photo ops and a hit of rail history, then roll through Colchani to see how salt is cut and processed and to browse the local handicraft stalls (yes, there are salt-brick shops). Quick stop at Plaza de las Banderas for a picnic-style lunch with flags snapping in the wind and nothing but white horizon for days. Then, we'll head to Incahuasi Island to walk among towering cacti. Later, we'll pull over on a perfectly flat stretch for those iconic perspective photos, before chasing sunset across the salar and finishing at a (very) remote salt hotel for dinner and a proper rest.
Accommodation: Hotel De Sal "Tambo Loma" - Colcha K (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kick things off at the Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint, where a smoking peak cuts into endless salt plains and copper-toned hills. Then, we'll roll across the Altiplano to the lagoons of Cañapa, Chiarcota and Turquiri to see flamingos strut through neon-blue water (your camera will be working overtime here). Ready for surreal views? Here in Laguna Colorada, the lake glows red and white borax islands pop against a backdrop of distant volcanoes. From there, we'll climb higher into a geothermal field to check out hissing fumaroles and mud pots at nearly 5,000 metres. And if slowing it down sounds like your kind of plan, you're welcome to spend the rest of the day floating in the hot springs and taking in those unreal views.
Accommodation: Hotel Ecologico de Piedra (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After brekkie, we'll roll into landscapes that look straight out of a painting, starting with the Salvador Dalí Desert’s wind-sculpted rock formations. Then it’s on to Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca for green and milky-white waters shimmering beneath towering volcanoes. After soaking up the final Bolivian views, we’ll cross the border into Chile, swap our 4x4s for a bus, and continue on towards San Pedro de Atacama. We'll arrive in San Pedro and check into our hostel before easing into this laid-back desert oasis. We'll spend tonight in this bohemian backpacker hub. Come sunset, the desert flips through shades of orange and pink, and by night the sky goes full stargazer mode.
Accommodation: Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
You’ll have a free day to take it at your own pace — sleep in, cafe crawl, or wander the dusty little streets. If you’re keen to level it up, you can opt into sandboarding for some desert thrills, or jump on the optional Vallecito sunset tour to chase golden-hour views.
Accommodation: Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we'll jump on a public tourist bus for an epic Andean crossing to Salta (in around 10 hours). Expect big-window views as you climb out of the desert, pass salt flats and volcanoes, and hit the Chile–Argentina border at Paso de Jama (4,200m). After winding down into greener northwest Argentina and the Lerma Valley, you’ll arrive at Salta Bus Station and take a private transfer straight to your hostel.
Accommodation: Hostal Prisamata (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We'll kick with an orientation of the city centre, where leafy plazas, pastel colonial facades and arcaded cafes circle Plaza 9 de Julio, with the cathedral and San Francisco Church stealing the skyline. Then it’s a free day to do Salta your way — slow strolls, market wanderings, or cafe hopping. When night falls, you can opt into a Peña dinner & show, soaking up local folk music vibes alongside regional flavours in the streets that come alive after dark.
Accommodation: Hostal Prisamata (or similar)
Say goodbye to Salta. Today, we're jumping on a plane straight to the capital of Argentina. Buenas! You've got the evening to spend exploring the streets of this city before we dive in deeper tomorrow.
Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)
Hola Argentina! We'll kick things off with an orientation to get you sorted, then the afternoon will be yours to explore. Hit the neighbourhoods, cafe-hop, people-watch, or just wander until something delicious finds you. For dinner tonight, opt in for an Argentine Sherpa dinner.
Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)
Today’s yours to dive deeper. You can opt for a trip out to Tigre and explore its riverside delta life. Back in Buenos Aires tonight, level things up with an optional dinner & tango Show — bold moves, big flavours, and pure Argentine drama (the good kind).
Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)
This morning we’ll cruise by private transfer to the port and hop on the ferry across the Río de la Plata, waving goodbye to BA as we head for Uruguay. We’ll arrive into Montevideo, take a private transfer to the hostel, then hit the streets for an orientation of the relaxed coastal vibes, cafe stops, and your first taste of Uruguay.
Accommodation: Viajero Montevideo (or similar)
Today's yours to do Montevideo your way — beach strolls, old town wandering, long lunches, the works. Later, hop on an optional bike ride and see more of the city with the breeze in your face.
Accommodation: Viajero Montevideo (or similar)
You’ll hop on a private transfer to Colonia, swapping city streets for slower, sunnier vibes. After dropping your bags at the hostel, we'll head out on an orientation through this cobbled, bougainvillea-draped beauty of a town. You’ll wander the Barrio Histórico past the old city gate, Plaza Mayor and the Basilica, with the option to climb the lighthouse for rooftop-and-river views, then ease into rambla time for beaches, pier sunsets and the famous Colonia sign.
Accommodation: Viajero Colonia (or similar)
Catch ya' later, Colonia. We’ll walk from the hostel to the cruise terminal and board a fast ferry back across the river. Touch down, meet our private transfer, and trade city buzz for wide-open pampas as we head out of town. Welcome to estancia life. We’ll check into our Special Stay at La Cinacina, just a stroll from the historic heart of this gaucho town — think low colonial houses, tree-lined streets and horses casually passing by. You can opt for horseback riding, then slow it right down: wander the estancia grounds, read under a shady tree, or claim a poolside spot. Tonight, we’ll head into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Pampas energy = unlocked.
Accommodation: Estancia la Cinacina (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Soak up a lazy morning at the estancia — wander the grounds or claim a poolside spot for a few more hours. Then it’s a private transfer to Campana bus station. Snack stock-up for the ride, and you’re set. Settle in for the comfy overnight bus (lie-flat seats = yes please) as the scenery shifts from Buenos Aires plains to greener, subtropical Misiones. Tomorrow, we'll wake up to red earth, rainforest pockets, and yerba mate plantations.
Accommodation: Overnight Bus
Meals: Breakfast
At noon, we'll arrive into Brasil! Check into the hotel, freshen up, and get ready for what’s next. Wanna see Iguassu Falls from above? Of course, you do. So opt in for a helicopter ride for full-scale, jaw-drop views (cue the camera roll).
Accommodation: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)
Today, we'll check out the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls and spend the day getting up close to the thunder and mist on the walkways. If you’re chasing an extra hit of adrenaline, you can opt into the Iguassu Falls Jet Boat. Next up, you’ll visit the Güira Oga Refuge to learn about rescued wildlife and the conservation work happening in the surrounding rainforest, before crossing back into Brazil with free time for dinner.
Accommodation: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Bye bye Iguacu. Time for flight no. 2 of this trip. Hop on your included flight to Rio, then meet your private transfer to our next destination. Island mode = loading. Once we touch down in Porto Real, we'll take a ferry to Ilha Grande . Sandy streets, açaí in hand, jungle-covered hills behind you, and little fishing boats doing their thing out on the water. That's the vibe on this island. Take tonight to do whatever you please.
Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today's all yours to spend relaxing on this show-stopping island. Wanna check out the blue lagoons nearby? There's a speed boat experience up for grabs.
Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today's the final day on this island, so make the most of it. Chill on the sand, swim, or maybe even hike to one of the island’s waterfalls.
Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Sorry, island time is up. But don't worry, there's something even more epic awaiting us today. Time to hop on the ferry back to Porto Real. Jump into a private transfer and head straight to your Rio hostel. After check-in, you can opt in to take the the train up to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping views over the city. Another wonder of the world, ticked off!
Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We'll kick off today by visiting Favela Cantagalo for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. In the evening, you'll have the option to head out with a crew for a farewell dinner. That's right, our South American adventure comes to an end tomorrow.
Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Aaaand, that's it. 30 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
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