A epic adventure by land, air and sea from the salt flats of Bolivia to the ice-bound wilderness of Antarctica.
Created in partnership with EYOS Expeditions, this journey brings together some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes into one extraordinary odyssey.
Over the course of three weeks, travel the length of the Andes from the high-altitude deserts and salt flats of Bolivia and northern Chile to the forests, lakes and mountains of Patagonia. Float above the Atacama by hot air balloon, cross towering dunes by buggy, hike active volcanoes, raft crystal-clear rivers, meet Mapuche elders, and track the elusive Patagonian puma. By night, there are elegant private dining set-ups, astrotours and cultural performances.
The adventure culminates aboard a private expedition yacht exploring Antarctica, cruising between icebergs, landing among penguin colonies, kayaking and hiking across the planet’s last great wilderness.
Private aircraft and 4×4 overland transfers link each chapter seamlessly, from wilderness lodges and private residences to an exclusive desert camp.
WHEN TO GO
November to February
PRICE
From $1,000,000 – for 8 people
Uyuni Salt Flats
The journey begins with a private 4×4 crossing deep into Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. Spanning almost 11,000 square kilometres across the high Altiplano, this vast expanse of white salt stretches to the horizon in every direction, dotted with volcanic peaks, mineral springs, cactus-covered islands and remote settlements.
Settle into Explora Uyuni, a minimalist retreat on the slopes of Tunupa Volcano. Explore the bubbling Ojos de Sal springs and the slopes of Tunupa, where ancient mummies rest in caves overlooking the flats. Climb to the volcano’s rim for sweeping views across the salar, a panorama that feels closer to another planet than anywhere on Earth.
As darkness falls, return to the salt with your guide for an evening of stargazing, discovering Andean constellations and lunar mythology beneath some of the planet’s clearest skies. A highlight is a private dinner beneath the open sky, with a mirrored table, contemporary art installations, traditional music and dancing, and a feast prepared by one of Bolivia’s most acclaimed chefs.
Atacama Desert
Leaving Bolivia behind, spend three days crossing the Altiplano by 4×4. It is one of South America’s great overland journeys, passing flamingo-filled lagoons, mineral-red and emerald green lakes, steaming geysers fields and volcanic peaks across an almost treeless plateau. Crossing the Salvador Dalí Desert, wind-sculpted rock formations and vast open spaces create a landscape that feels closer to another planet than anywhere on Earth. Nights are spent at private outposts at Chituca and Ramaditas.
Gradually, the high plateau gives way to northern Chile. Salt pans, canyons and ochre-coloured valleys replace the high-altitude wilderness of Bolivia. Arriving at your private desert camp, the first evening is spent around the fire, with local music, stories and dinner beneath the stars.
At sunrise, the desert reveals another perspective from the basket of a hot-air balloon, floating across the landscape as the first light reaches Licanbur Volcano. Back on the ground, explore Rainbow Valley and the ancient petroglyphs of Hierbas Buenas by 4×4 and dune buggy, ride with Atacameño horsemen along historic trading routes, and visit a local village to try your hand at local pottery techniques that have bene practiced here for centuries.
Chilean Lake District
From the desert, fly south to Chile’s Lake District, where a private family estate sits among native forest overlooking Lake Villarrica and the smoking cone of Villarrica Volcano.
Hike the volcano, then sit down to lunch prepared by the villa’s private chef high on its slopes. Raft the Trancura River, ending with a traditional Patagonian asado beneath a 500-year-old tree. Set sail across Lake Villarrica, dropping anchor to swim in quiet bays. Spend time with members of the local Mapuche community, learning about their traditions, mythology and connection to this landscape.
Back at the estate, taste fine Chilean wines with the house sommelier, join the estate’s chef to prepare a seasonal feast using produce gathered from the gardens, or head into the woodlands for forest bathing, gathering by night for candlelit dinners.
Torres del Paine
From the Lake District, continue south into the heart of Patagonia, to Torres del Paine National Park – one of the world’s great wildernesses, home to towering granite peaks and vast open steppe. Set on the shores of Lake Sarmiento, Awasi Patagonia provides a front-row seat to the Patagonian steppe and its wildlife.
Hike through open grasslands beneath the imposing Paine Massif, passing ancient Aonikenk rock art and herds of guanaco, and learn about the geology, wildlife and human history that have shaped this remote corner of Patagonia. Stop along the way for a traditional Patagonian asado served beside the tranquil waters of Laguna Azul, surrounded by some of the park’s most striking scenery. Search for the puma, Patagonia’s most elusive predator, accompanied by specialist trackers – venturing into quiet valleys and ridgelines before dawn, reading tracks and subtle signs across the landscape.
Antarctica
The final chapter of the journey leads to the White Continent. Fly from Patagonia to King George Island, bypassing the Drake Passage, where the Hanse Explorer awaits to carry you south into one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.
Sail among the South Shetland Islands, through the Antarctic Sound and into the iceberg-strewn waters of Paradise Bay. Days are guided by the conditions, and the ice, making each voyage entirely unique. Explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot – landing on remote shores amidst vast colonies of penguins and seals, kayaking beneath towering ice cliffs, watching humpback whales feed, and walking among landscapes sculpted by wind, ice and sea over thousands of years.
There are few places left on Earth that feel this remote or this untouched. Vast, silent and humbling in equal measure, Antarctica is a fitting finale.
Plan South America x EYOS
Our partnership is built on a simple idea: that extraordinary places are best experienced with the right people on the ground.
EYOS brings decades of experience in polar and expedition yachting, operating in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. Plan South America adds long-established expertise in designing highly tailored itineraries across Latin America, with a highly experienced team who work in these environments year-round, unparalleled local knowledge, and an unrivalled black book of guides and private properties.
Together, we create seamless journeys across land, air and sea into the most remote and demanding environments on Earth – spanning high-altitude deserts, remote mountain ranges, coastal wilderness and polar seas.
CONTACT US
Bespoke journeys across Latin America and Antarctica, designed by specialists.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
