BOLIVIA  CHILE  ARGENTINA 127 SOUTHAMERICA Imaginative Facts Tour code: LAAJ • Activities: 4WD excursion around Uyuni and the Atacama Desert • Accommodation: 9 nights simple hotels, 2 nights basic lodges, 3 nights overnight bus • Transport: Public and private bus, 4WD jeep • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Easter Island Extension' DAY 1: LA PAZ- Arrival day. DAY 2: LA PAZ- A full free day in the high capital city of La Paz. This evening we take an overnight bus to Sucre. DAY 3: SUCRE- We have time to explore Sucre, one of Latin America's colonial gems with elegant streets and lively markets. DAY 4: SUCRE - POTOSI- Free morning. In the afternoon we take the bus to Potosi. DAY 5: POTOSI- A full free day in Potosi. There is the chance to visit one of world's oldest silver mines. These were once the source of the city's wealth and are still used to this day. DAY 6: POTOSI - UYUNI- We travel to the remote town of Uyuni, our base for exploring the salt flats of southern Bolivia. DAY 7: SALT FLATS EXCURSION- We take 4WD jeeps from Uyuni in Bolivia to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The Salar de Uyuni sits at 3,666m above sea level, making it the largest and highest salt flat in the world. An awe- inspiring sight. ( LD) DAY 8: HIGH ANDES CROSSING- We continue our journey, reaching 5,000m in altitude, with the only company being wild vicunas and guanacos that gallop away on our approach. The end of the journey is the striking Laguna Colorada, with its population of more than 30,000 flamingos. ( BLD) DAY 9: ATACAMA DESERT- The dramatic sight of Licancabur Volcano tells us that we are leaving Bolivia behind and crossing the border into Chile. We make for the small but lively oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. ( B) DAY 10: ATACAMA DESERT- A free day in San Pedro de Atacama. There is the opportunity to visit Moon Valley, a dramatic lunar landscape of wind- eroded hills, and to walk along the crest of ' The Great Sand Dune' and watch the sunset from the top. DAY 11: CALAMA - LA SERENA- In the afternoon we take the bus to the nearby town of Calama, where we board our overnight bus to La Serena. DAY 12: LA SERENA - PISCO ELQUI VALLEY- Free day to relax on the nearby beach or to take an optional excursion to the beautiful Pisco Elqui Valley, a beautiful grape-growing area with plenty of hiking options. We also have the opportunity to visit Chile's biggest pisco distillery. DAY 13: LA SERENA- A full day to explore this carefully restored colonial town. Evening overnight bus to Santiago. DAY 14: SANTIAGO- Early in the morning we arrive at Santiago, the Chilean capital, a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks. DAY 15: SANTIAGO- Tour ends. Note: Days 7- 9 may change during the rainy season ( January- March) due to high water levels in the salt flats. Journey through the wild lands of southern Bolivia and northern Chile • Enjoy the Bolivian cities of La Paz, colonial Sucre and Potosi • Take a 4WD excursionto the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, the highest in the world • Witness the lagoons, hot springs and geysersof the Atacama Desert • Chill out at La Serena beachor visit the scenic Pisco Elqui Valley • Relish clear southern skies, remote settlements and volcanic scenery Bolivia Chile Andean Journey Imaginative Facts Tour code: LAVP • Activities: Optional hiking, whitewater rafting, horse- riding, mountain- biking in Pucon and Bariloche, horse- riding at the estancia • Accommodation: 9 nights simple hotels, 2 nights estancia ( multi- share), 2 nights overnight bus • Transport: Public bus, train, boat • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Explore the mysteries of Easter Island on our ' Easter Island Extension' DAY 1: SANTIAGO- Arrival day. DAY 2: SANTIAGO - PUCON- The Chilean capital is a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks, set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks. We have a free day to explore the city, before boarding the overnight bus to Pucon. ( B) DAY 3: PUCON- Arrive in Pucon, in the heart of the stunning Lake District. Few landscapes can equal its beauty, with areas of volcanic cones blanketed by glaciers. DAY 4: PUCON- The excellent facilities offered by the lakeside resort of Pucon give us the chance to enjoy many different activities. Choose from hiking, white- water rafting, horse- riding or volcano climbing, among others. ( B) DAY 5: PUERTO VARAS- We take a bus to the small lakeside village of Puerto Varas, a charming German enclave at the foot of the snow- capped Osorno Volcano. In the evening we can visit the fish market and enjoy an excellent fresh seafood dinner - possibly the best in the country. ( B) DAY 6: PEULLA- This morning our epic journey into Argentina begins. We drive around Lake Llanquihue before crossing the stunning Lake Todos Los Santos by boat. The lake is also known as Lake Emerald, due to its vivid blue- green waters. Later we arrive in Peulla, a charming village in the heart of the Lake District. ( B) DAY 7: BARILOCHE- Cross the Perez Rosales pass to reach Puerto Frias. Once in Argentina we board a boat to cross Lake Frias to Puerto Alegre, and from there a short bus ride takes us to Puerto Blest where we take a boat once again to cross the beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi. Stunning snowy peaks surround us - the journey of a lifetime! We then travel to Bariloche, our base for two nights. ( B) DAY 8: BARILOCHE- Situated by the clear waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is definitely one of the top adventure destinations in Argentina. The rivers are ideal for rafting, and the mountain paths are great for hiking, mountain biking and horse- riding. There is also time to enjoy the town's lively nightlife. ( B) DAY 9: BARILOCHE- After a free day we board an overnight bus for our journey into the Argentinean pampas. ( B) DAY 10: ARGENTINEAN PAMPAS- On arrival we transfer to a traditional estancia. Estancias are Argentinean ranches that welcome guests, and are an important part of the local history and culture. ( LD) DAY 11: ARGENTINEAN PAMPAS- We enjoy a full day at the estancia. There is time to explore on foot or on horseback in the company of the local gauchos, test our ability with a lasso and taste an original ' asado', an Argentinean barbecue. ( BLD) DAYS 12 & 13: BUENOS AIRES- Today we say goodbye to our hosts and take a bus to Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan Argentinean capital. Buenos Aires is famous for its tango, football, sophisticated outlook and European-style architecture. A full free day to explore the city. ( B) DAY 14: BUENOS AIRES- Tour ends. ( B) Note: If the lake crossing service is not running for any reason, we will travel by bus between Puerto Varas and Bariloche. An active trip through some of the continent's most dramatic scenery • Travel from cosmopolitan Santiago to the cultural melting- potof Buenos Aires • Experience the Lake District's emerald lakes and snow- capped volcanoes • Cruise the famous ' Lake Crossing' between Chile and Argentina • Enjoy the natural delights of Argentina's adventure city, Bariloche • Immerse yourself in traditional estancia lifein the Argentinean Pampas Chile Argentina Volcanoes & Pampas Single Supplement £ 160 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 28.62 * Price includes tour price of £ 735and local payment of US$ 220All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 849pp Land Only * Single Supplement £ 290 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 28.13 * Price includes tour price of £ 975and local payment of US$ 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1135pp Land Only * adventureradventurer Tour duration 15 daysTour duration 14 days StartsEnds La PazSantiago 2009 Starts SatEnds Sat 14- Feb- 0928- Feb- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun 29- Mar- 0912- Apr- 09 17- May- 0931- May- 09 12- Jul- 0926- Jul- 09 13- Sep- 0927- Sep- 09 25- Oct- 0908- Nov- 09 06- Dec- 0920- Dec- 09 StartsEnds La PazSantiago 2010 Starts SunEnds Sun 28- Feb- 1014- Mar- 10 11- Apr- 1025- Apr- 10 23- May- 1006- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 15- Aug- 1029- Aug- 10 26- Sep- 1010- Oct- 10 07- Nov- 1021- Nov- 10 19- Dec- 1002- Jan- 11 StartsEnds SantiagoBuenos Aires 2009 Starts SatEnds Fri 03- Jan- 0916- Jan- 09 28- Feb- 0913- Mar- 09 Starts SunEnds Sat 12- Apr- 0925- Apr- 09 31- May- 0913- Jun- 09 26- Jul- 0908- Aug- 09 27- Sep- 0910- Oct- 09 08- Nov- 0921- Nov- 09 20- Dec- 0902- Jan- 10 StartsEnds SantiagoBuenos Aires 2010 Starts SunEnds Sat 14- Mar- 1027- Mar- 10 25- Apr- 1008- May- 10 06- Jun- 1019- Jun- 10 18- Jul- 1031- Jul- 10 29- Aug- 1011- Sep- 10 10- Oct- 1023- Oct- 10 21- Nov- 1004- Dec- 10 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

SOUTHAMERICABOLIVIA  ARGENTINA 128 " The tour gave us a great insight into the country with the small amount of time we had. I loved it! It more than met my expectations. Everything was fantastic!" Amelia Savins south america Imaginative Facts Tour code: LAGR • Activities: 4WD around Uyuni Salt Flats • Accommodation: 11 nights simple hotels, 3 nights overnight bus • Transport: Public and private bus, 4WD jeep • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Easter Island Extension' DAY 1: LA PAZ- Arrival day. DAY 2: LA PAZ- A full free day in the high capital of La Paz. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Potosi. DAY 3: POTOSI- The chance to visit one of the silver mines that were the source of the city's wealth and which are still in use. DAY 4: POTOSI - UYUNI- We travel to the remote town of Uyuni, our base for exploring the salt flats of southern Bolivia. DAY 5: SALT FLATS EXCURSION- Our trip in 4WD jeeps from Uyuni in Bolivia into Argentina following the footsteps of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid begins. Today we visit Salar de Uyuni, the largest and highest salt flat in the world - an awe-inspiring sight. ( LD) DAY 6: TUPIZA - HUMAHUACA - TILCARA-Begin our experience of Argentina. Passing through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca, a gorge of vividly coloured rock, we visit the charming villages of Humahuaca and Tilcara. ( B) DAY 7: PURMAMARCA - SALTA- We continue our journey towards Purmamarca, and walk around the famous ' Seven Colours Hill'. Drive to the colonial city of Salta which was an important stop on the trade routes during the Spanish colonial period. ( B) DAY 8: SALTA- A free day. Visit the beautiful town of Cachi or, depending on the time of year, there is the chance to experience one of the three highest railway services in the world, ' the train to the clouds'. Starting at Salta at an altitude of 1,187 m, this breath-taking journey takes you directly to the clouds during its 217 km itinerary, going via numerous tunnels, bridges and viaducts until it finally reaches 4,230m ( alternative excursions by road are available). ( B) DAY 9: CAFAYATE- Immerse ourselves in the Argentinean wine culture. Cafayate is well known for its famous Torrontes white wine, considered the best of its kind. Besides the delightful architecture of the city, there is the chance to visit the wine museums and cellars, and enjoy some wine tasting. ( B) DAY 10: QUILMES - TAFI DEL VALLE - TUCUMAN- Visit the Quilmes ruins, the largest pre- Colombian site in Argentina, and stop at the unique Pachamama museum, before continuing to the mountain resort of Tafi del Valle. Later in the evening, we drive to Tucuman. ( B) DAY 11: TUCUMAN- A full free day to explore the vibrant and historic city of San Miguel de Tucuman, the cradle of the Argentinean independence movement. Tonight we take an overnight bus to Cordoba. ( B) DAY 12: CORDOBA- The cultural heart of Argentina, Cordoba was home to the country's first university, and today has a large student population. This, combined with its beautiful historic buildings, makes it a great place to explore Argentina both past and present. DAY 13: CORDOBA- A second full day to explore Cordoba and its surroundings before we board an overnight bus to our final destination, Buenos Aires. ( B) DAY 14: BUENOS AIRES- Arrive in Buenos Aires, famous for its tango, football, beautiful European- style architecture, sophisticated shopping and some of the best and most varied cuisine in the whole continent. DAY 15: BUENOS AIRES- Tour ends. ( B) Cross the Andes along one of the oldest trade routes in the Americas • Free time in the Bolivian cities of La Paz and historic Potosi • Take a 4WD excursionto the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, the highest in the world • Enjoy the vivid colours of the Humahuaca Canyon and ' Seven Colours Hill' • Contrast colonial Cordoba, historic Tucuman and delightful Cafayate • Visit Salta, home of the ' train to the clouds'and Buenos Aires Bolivia Argentina The Gold Road Bolivia Argentina The Gold Road La Paz Salar de Uyuni Salta Cafayate Tilcara Tucuman Cordoba Buenos Aires UyuniPotosi Tupiza Brazil Argentina Buenos Aires to Rio Iguazu Falls Posadas San Ignacio Sao Paulo Paraty Angra dos Reis Ilha Grande Buenos Aires Rio de Janeiro Argentina Wild Patagonia Ushuaia Punta Arenas El Calafate Buenos Aires Fitzroy Massif Torres del Paine N. P. Single Supplement £ 315 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 27.80 * Price includes tour price of £ 980and local payment of US$ 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1135pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 15 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Sat La PazBuenos Aires 2009 03- Jan- 0917- Jan- 09 28- Feb- 0914- Mar- 09 18- Apr- 0902- May- 09 20- Jun- 0904- Jul- 09 01- Aug- 0915- Aug- 09 03- Oct- 0917- Oct- 09 26- Dec- 0909- Jan- 10 Starts SatEnds Sat La PazBuenos Aires 2010 16- Jan- 1030- Jan- 10 20- Mar- 1003- Apr- 10 01- May- 1015- May- 10 12- Jun- 1026- Jun- 10 24- Jul- 1007- Aug- 10 04- Sep- 1018- Sep- 10 16- Oct- 1030- Oct- 10 27- Nov- 1011- Dec- 10 We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243