Bolivia & the Atacama: La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama
This 12-day photography journey through Bolivia and Chile follows the route from La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama, taking in Tiwanaku, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni and Reserva Nacional De Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa.
We begin in La Paz, with markets, the cathedral, Plaza Murillo, the cable car and Valle de la Luna. A day at Tiwanaku opens the Andean past before we fly to Sucre, where the historic centre, Casa de la Libertad and Cal Orcko dinosaur footprints lead us onward. The route climbs to Potosí for Cerro Rico’s silver-mine heritage and the Casa de la Moneda, then continues to Uyuni. This first half is paced around city walks, archaeological sites and highland drives.
On the salt flats, we visit the Train Cemetery, Colchani’s salt-harvesting village and walk Incahuasi Island. We cross the Salar de Uyuni toward sunset, then travel by 4WD into the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, through volcanoes, deserts and coloured lagoons, with Andean wildlife such as pink flamingos and llamas along the way. Stargazing there is close to free of light pollution. The days are long and the altitude is real, so we keep the rhythm steady.
Southward we stop at the Stone Tree, Sol de Mañana’s geysers and Laguna Verde, with an optional thermal soak, before crossing into Chile. We finish around San Pedro de Atacama with Valle de la Luna, Death Valley and an early sunrise at El Tatio, plus Machuca, then the transfer to Calama. It suits travellers comfortable with high ground, open landscape and full days.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
What to expect
- Travel Style: All of the highlights, Cultural Immersion
- Lodging: Comfortable accommodations with character
- Transportation: Mix of public and private transport, 4x4 expeditions on epic roads
- Dining Options: Meals are not included, except when specified in the program.
- Physical Rating: Excellent fitness level required and a good acclimatation
What Not to Expect
- Guaranteed wildlife sightings in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve or on the Salar de Uyuni.
- Free time for independent exploring beyond the activities listed for each day.
Who is it for
- Travellers who want Andean archaeology and colonial history combined with the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama in a single overland route.
- Photographers who are content to spend long days in vehicles between La Paz, Tiwanaku, Sucre, Potosí, Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama.
- Travellers comfortable with early starts, such as the sunrise visit to the El Tatio geysers, and with nights spent at high altitude.
Who is it not for
- Travellers who prefer short travel days or a single base instead of a new town every one or two nights.
- Anyone who does not want to spend consecutive days above 3,500 m, including the 4WD crossing of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 7 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in La Paz
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Transfer from El Alto Airport to La Paz
La Paz: markets, cathedral and the Valle de la Luna
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La Paz City Sightseeing
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Valle de la Luna (La Paz)
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La Paz Cable Car Ride
Tiwanaku ruins
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Transfer La Paz –> Tiwanaku
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Tiwanaku Ruins visit
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Transfer Tiwanaku –> La Paz
Flight to Sucre and the city centre
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Flight La Paz –> Sucre
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Sucre city tour
Cal Orcko dinosaur footprints and the drive to Potosí
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Cal Orcko dinosaur footprints
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Transfer Sucre –> Potosi
Potosí silver-mine heritage and the drive to Uyuni
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Potosí silver-mine heritage
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Transfer Potosi –> Uyuni
Train Cemetery, Colchani and the Isla Incahuasi
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Train Cemetery visit
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Colchani salt-harvesting village visit
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Incahuasi Island walk
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Salar de Uyuni tour and sunset
4WD through the lagoons to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve
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Eduardo Avaroa Reserve 4×4 Day: Volcanoes, Deserts, and Colored Lagoons
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Stargazing in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve
Stone Tree, Sol de Mañana and Laguna Verde, then into Chile
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The Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra) in the Siloli Desert
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Optional Morning Soak in the Thermal Waters
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Sol de Mañana geysers and Laguna Verde
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Transfer Jama –> San Pedro de Atacama
Valle de la Luna and Death Valley
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Valle de la Luna and Death Valley (San Pedro de Atacama)
Geysers del Tatio at sunrise and Machuca
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Geysers del Tatio at sunrise
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Machuca village
Transfer to Calama airport
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Transfer San Pedro de Atacama –> Calama Airport
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 7.995 USD (666 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 6.895 USD (575 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 5.595 USD (466 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 4.795 USD (400 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van)
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11 and Departure day, Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11 and Departure day, Dinner on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10 and day 11
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.679 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
