Bolivia’s Vast Altiplano and Argentina’s Remote Puna Territory
This immersive journey is built around photographing geography at its most elemental. Spanning Bolivia’s Altiplano and Argentina’s remote northwestern Puna, the expedition is designed for photographers drawn to vast spaces, stark horizons, volcanic forms, mineral color, and the dramatic light that only exists at extreme altitude along the spine of the Central Andes.
The expedition begins in La Paz, Bolivia, with two days dedicated to altitude acclimatization and photography. Here, the focus is on layering—Indigenous neighborhoods and colonial architecture framed against canyon walls, steep valleys, and the surrounding Altiplano rim. Early mornings and late afternoons are timed for long shadows, side light, and atmospheric depth, allowing photographers to ease into the rhythm of working at elevation while building visual narratives that blend culture and geography.
From La Paz, the route turns west toward Lake Titicaca, where scale and reflection dominate the photographic experience. Crossing the Strait of Tiquina to Copacabana and continuing to the Island of the Sun—the cradle of Inca mythology—we work with wide horizons, rippling water, and changing skies. The lake’s vastness offers minimalist compositions by day and subtle tonal transitions at dusk before we sail back to Copacabana and continue to Sajama National Park. Here, photography shifts toward contrasts: steaming hot springs against frozen ground, wild vicuñas moving through open plains, and the world’s highest queñua forest set beneath snow-covered volcanic peaks.
From Sajama, we travel south across the Altiplano to Tahua, positioned on the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni below Mt. Thunupa, rising to 5,321 m / 17,500 ft. This is a place of pure geometry and scale—endless salt polygons, distant volcanoes floating on the horizon, and cactus-covered islands breaking the white expanse. Daytime photography emphasizes pattern and perspective, while nighttime brings opportunities for long exposures beneath some of the darkest skies in the Andes.
Continuing south, the expedition climbs into the Lipez region, a sparsely inhabited wilderness shaped by volcanism and erosion. Lava fields, pastel stone deserts, and jewel-toned lagoons create constantly shifting palettes. At Laguna Colorada, thousands of flamingos feed and breed at 4,300 m / 14,200 ft, providing scale and movement against crimson water and wind-carved peaks. We photograph the boiling mud pits of the Sol de Mañana caldera, the reflective waters of the Salar de Chalviri hot springs, and the luminous Green Lagoon near the Chilean border—just an hour north of San Pedro de Atacama—before turning east across the Altiplano toward the multi-colored canyons of Tupiza. Along the way, we detour to little-visited escarpments known only to a few, where solitude allows careful composition without distraction.
South of Tupiza, we exit Bolivia at Villazón and cross into Argentina at La Quiaca, continuing through the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca. The chevron-shaped mountains of Hornocal are photographed in late light, when color saturation and shadow depth are at their peak. We overnight in the adobe town of Purmamarca, surrounded by softly eroded hills that glow at sunrise and sunset.
The final stretch ventures deep into Argentina’s Puna, where photography becomes increasingly abstract. Salt flats, painted deserts, volcanic cones, expansive lava flows, and massive pumice stone fields dominate the landscape. The route passes through the Hornocal mountains, onward to San Antonio de los Cobres, across the Devil’s Red Desert, and into the remote outpost of Tolar Grande. Sunrise at the Cono de Arita reveals perfect symmetry rising from a salt flat, followed by the vast emptiness of the Salar de Antofalla. We continue to the remote calderas and multi-colored lakes of Volcán Galán and Diamond Lake, near Antofagasta de la Sierra, where scale is measured in silence and distance rather than landmarks. The final days unfold based out of El Peñón, with sunrise and sunset over white dunes and endless fields of pumice formed from jagged volcanic ash.
After sixteen days in the high Andes, the expedition gradually descends into the wine country of Cafayate, where reds and greens replace the mineral palette of the Altiplano. The journey concludes in the colonial city of Salta—your connection point for flights to Buenos Aires and beyond—bringing to a close a photographic expedition focused on form, light, and landscape across South America’s most remote frontier.
*optimum March to November
10 Guests
4x4 vehicles
Hotels & Hostels
Level 3 - Moderate
We, of course, would do whatever is necessary in case of medical emergency and evacuate to the closest hospital or clinic to make sure you receive medical care.
Most international flights into Bolivia arrive in the very early morning hours at El Alto International Airport, which sits at a breath-taking 13,200 feet (4,100 meters) above sea level—on the edge of the Altiplano. If this is your first time at high altitude, you may feel light-headed or short of breath, which is completely normal. Don’t worry—we’ve planned for it. Once you clear Immigration (where your tourist visa is issued on arrival) and Customs, a Sergio Photo Tours representative will be waiting for you at the passenger meeting area. We’ll handle your luggage and escort you to our private vehicle. We’ll descend nearly 3,000 feet (about 900 meters) into the heart of La Paz, down winding roads with sweeping views into the city’s dramatic canyon setting. Our destination is the Casa Grande Suites—a 5-star hotel in the Calacoto neighborhood—situated at a more comfortable 10,200 feet (3,100 meters). You’ll have the morning to check in, rest, and begin adjusting to the elevation at your own pace. Lunch is on your own at the hotel, and we recommend taking it slow, staying well hydrated, and listening to your body. Everyone acclimates differently—some feel fine within hours, others may take a couple of days. Our itinerary builds in plenty of time to ease into it. At 2:00 p.m., we begin our introduction to La Paz with a four-hour private city tour. You’ll photograph and explore local open-air markets, colonial neighborhoods, the famous witches’ market, and a series of stunning panoramic viewpoints that showcase the city’s unique geography. After returning to the hotel, you’ll have time to rest and freshen up before we gather for a welcome dinner. We recommend a light dinner, no alcohol or caffeine, and plenty of water. During the day, feel free to try a cup of mate de coca—a traditional herbal tea that aids with acclimatization. In the evening, consider switching to calming teas like chamomile or anise to help with digestion and rest. You’re officially in the Andes. We’ll take good care of you from here on out.
Hotel: Casa Grande Suites (5*) Meals included: D
Pre-sunrise departure to the Cumbre de Animas for sunrise. Return for breakfast at the hotel, then time to rest. After lunch, we drive into the highland valleys south of La Paz—an area rarely visited by outsiders but rich in traditional Andean culture and dramatic terrain. These valleys are home to small agricultural communities that have worked the land for generations, using irrigation from the glaciers of Mt. Illimani to grow potatoes, corn, and other high-altitude crops. We’ll follow a series of rural roads through canyons and open valleys, stopping to photograph village life, terraced fields, and the impressive backdrop of the Cordillera Real. The scenery combines wide views and small details, ideal for landscape and cultural photography. In the late afternoon, we set up at a location chosen for its clear view of Mt. Illimani, to photograph the last light of day on the mountain and surrounding peaks. We return to La Paz in the evening for dinner and rest.
Hotel: Casa Grande Suites (5*) Meals Included: B, L, D
We depart after breakfast and head across the Altiplano towards the Peninsula of Copacabana and the port-side town of Copacabana. The road crosses the Strait of Tiquina where we cross on a ferry barge. Once across we continue our journey high above the lake with spectacular views of the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, the Cordilleras Real and Apolobamba and the Islands of the Moon and Sun before arriving in Copacabana in time for lunch. Afterwards we depart to the Island of the Sun in a private boat, sailing along the rocky shores for about an hour. Landing on the eastern side of the island we begin our slow walk uphill to where the most stunning views of Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real are located. We return to our boat later in the day and sail back to Copacabana for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Las Olas (3*) Meals Included: B, L
En-route back to La Paz, the Cordillera Real will be on our left, the massive glacier-covered mountain range that has been keeping watch over us for the past few days. Our destination is the city of El Alto, as we are not going down into La Paz, but continue south on the Altiplano and then west towards the Chilean border. You will see the great variety of landscapes, towns and villages before we head to the more remote western border of Bolivia. Lunch en-route and arrive in the late afternoon before sunset at our favorite location, a lagoon that reflecs Mt. Sajama, Bolivia’s tallest mountain (6,542 m / 21,463 ft) that dominates the landscape. Dinner and overnight in Sajama National Park
Hotel: Hostal Tomarapi (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
After our sunrise shoot, we have breakfast then depart south across the Altiplano and have a picnic lunch south of Oruro on the Altiplano, within striking distance of the salt flats. Our arrival time at the northern edge of the salar de Uyuni will be late afternoon, with plenty of time to be ready for our sunset shoot location near the village of Tahua where our hotel is located. Post sunset, we check into the hotel and freshen up before dinner.
Hotel: Tayka de Sal (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Our sunrise shoot location at the salt flats is literally 3 minutes from the hotel. Post sunrise, we return to the hotel for breakfast. We pack and depart for the drive up Thunupa Volcano for the ‘helicopter view’. After enjoying the spectacular view of 10,000 square kilometers of salt…and visiting a cave with ancient mummies we descend and head south. Our destination for the end of the day is the town of Uyuni. If it’s dry, we can drive across and visit cactus islands en-route. If not, we will need to drive around and have to adjust our schedule to arrive at the town of Colchani to see the sunset from the SE corner. Dinner and overnight in Uyuni.
Hotel: El Toñito (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
An early departure is best for the better light as we head into the Sud Lipez region. We will rise in altitude as we head south, crossing valleys and hills and explore cities of stone (ancient lava flows) before arriving at the top of Anaconda Canyon, a hidden oasis from the Altiplano winds. We continue onto the Black Lagoon that has an easy 25-minute walk to a beautiful view from above before we head down to water level. Both viewpoints are excellent for photos! We have time to explore around here before departing to another location for a picnic lunch. As we head further south we will explore more lava canyons with surreal rock formations near Italia Perdida and Vinto Lake that usually has flamingos and other waterfowl. We should arrive in the town of Villa Mar in the late afternoon and check into our hotel. Depending on the light we could head out for sunset before dinner and overnight in the town of Villa Mar.
Hotel: Las Nubes (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Today is dedicated to getting to Laguna Colorada – a three-hour drive west on pretty rough roads – and the Green Lagoon. We depart after breakfast so you can see the amazing landscapes en-route. The Red Lagoon is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and home to pink flamingos at 14,000 ft. We continue south and up to the Sol de Mañana boiling mud pits (close to 16,000 ft. and the Chalviri salt flat. This is a good place to stop to soak in the Polques Hot Springs after we visit the Siloli Desert and Green Lagoon, further west, next to the Chilean border. We will have a picnic lunch en-route. We return to Laguna Colorada for sunset. Our hostel near Laguna Colorada is basic, clean and secure. Dinner and overnight at Laguna Colorada.
Hotel: Hostal Latitudes (2*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Experiencing the sunrise at Laguna Colorada is one of those unforgettable life moments that one must witness. We set out 45 minutes before sunrise, ensuring we reach the prime spot for this captivating light show. We observe thousands of flamingos beginning to stir from their chilly resting place. As the sun ascends, their chirping fills the air, the steam from the warm water inlets rise into the sky and the daily cycle of life continues. We return to the hostel for a quick and hearty breakfast before heading east. This part of the Altiplano is a región full of lagoons, volcanoes, canyons and deserted towns from the Spanish colonial period. Lunch en-route. As we arrive at the edge of the Altiplano we drop down 1,000 m to the eroded multi-colored canyons of Tupiza. We will catch sunset here before continuing to the town of Tupiza. Dinner and overnight in Tupiza. Setting us up for the short drive to the Argentine border tomorrow.
Hotel: Mitru (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Our last sunrise in Tupiza before we head south to Villazon and prepare to enter Argentina. We will cross arrive around noon at the Villazón, Bolivia // La Quiaca, Argentina border crossing. Here you will meet your Argentine guide and driver, and change vehicles. After a quick lunch stop we continue south to the town of Humahuaca. This is a cultural and natural Unesco Heritage Site located in a narrow river valley which is a natural corridor that runs in a north-south direction. On its East side the steep and colored Zenta Mountains create a natural barrier from the Yungas jungles to the east, while on the Quebrada’s West side the Oriental Andes Mountains tower up to almost 6000 meters high and separates the lower valleys from the Altiplano or Puna. The Quebrada de Humahuaca is dotted with small villages and hamlets of adobe houses. Its rich soil produces vegetables that are naturally organic due to the altitude weather and mountain conditions. It is also the newest altitude wine region in Argentina. The town of Humahuaca has a colonial feel, with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings that reflect its past as it was a significant location for the Inca Empire, then playing a vital role in the colonial era and the Argentine battles for Independence from Spain. It hosts local food markets and is a supply centre for people that live in the high mountains. After lunch we begin the hour-long, 24 km climb from 3000 to 4350 metres to the Serranía del Hornocal viewpoint, from where you will see it light up in the afternoon sun. From the vehicle you have to walk to get closer to the mountains – walking at 4300 m, and then uphill back to the vehicle. From El Hornocal we descend back to the Quebrada de Humahuaca for the evening.
Hostal: Ñaupa Wasi (3*) Meals Included: B, L
After breakfast we depart west to the village of Susques via Salinas Grandes, then head south towards Cauchari, Salar de Pocitos and onto Tolar Grande. This is a log day, so we want to get to the heart of the Puna further south as quick as we can. We will be making time in the early part of the day so we can coincide our route with the afternoon sun at the Desierto del Diablo/Desierto Rojo (Devil’s / Red Desert) before arriving post-sunset to the small mining town of Tolar Grande.
Hotel: Casa de Monica (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
One of the most photogenic locations near here are the Casualidad and Julia mines – truly spectacular locations – then comes the Salar de Arizara and the Cono de Arita! This volcano is considered one of the most amazing natural features in all of the Puna and our decisions are based on seeing it at the perfect angle and time. Our goal today is to photograph the Cono de Arita at sunset, before returning to Tolar Grande for dinner and sleep. Overnight at Casa de Monica (2*). (B, L, D)
Hotel: Casa de Monica (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Early morning departure for sunrise at the Cono de Arita on the Salar de Arizaro and from there onto a nice route through the Puna, enjoying volcanoes, green lagoons and wildlife en-route. Our goal is to arrive at Laguna Carachi Pampa for sunset while seeing amazing places en-route. We finish the day in El Peñon for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Hosteria Casa de Reina(3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
We need an alpine start in order to be at our location at the White Sands for sunrise. Afterwards we return to El Peñon for breakfast then head north and east to the massive caldera of Galan Volcano and Diamond Lake. This route involves remote roads up to 5,000 m in altitude with stunning locations of the Argentinian Puna. We return to El Peñon for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Hosteria Casa de Reina (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we begin with a sunrise shoot at the surreal Piedras de Pomez, which are near to the White Sand Dunes. We can shoot a little and scout the dunes for later in the day. We return to El Peñon for a late breakfast and rest until it’s time for lunch. In the afternoon our first destination are the brilliant White Sand Dunes – which are created by the winds that scout the pumice fields – and depending on the current weather we can shoot in the Dunes or the Pomez fields. We can make the call based on the current weather and light conditions. We return to El Peñon for the evening.
Hotel: Hosteria Casa de Reina (3*) Meals Included: B, L, D
Early departure from El Peñon, descending to the lower temperate valleys on a 7-hour drive to Cafayate where green and red will replace the beige and brown of the Puna. We will have brief stops along the way for a bite of food and some coffee. Upon arrival in Cafayate, we will check into our hotel before dinner at a nice restaurant (not included). Overnight in Cafayate at the Villa Vicuña hotel (or similar).
Hotel: Villa Vicuña (3*) Meals Included: B, L
Post breakfast, we drive from Cafayate to the airport in Salta – a relaxed 3 hour drive on a paved road. If you prefer to be dropped off at a hotel of your choice, we are happy to do so. The hotel for tonight is not included in the service but we can make reservations for you.
*Depending on your domestic flight schdule within Argentina, you need to be 1.5 to 2 hours at the airport before your departure.
Hotel: none Meals Included: B
Sergio Ballivian arranged for me and my husband a two-week private photo tour of Bolivia whereby we visited some amazing landscapes close to Pa Laz as well as several regions of the Altiplano. From the first contact he was very responsive and gave us excellent advice as to the itinerary and especially places to visit that were a bit off the beaten track. The entire trip was perfectly organized, save drivers, best possible accommodation and an experienced photographer and guide who knew the country inside out and, on top, was very knowledgeable about light conditions/best places for photo opportunities and all the items photographers are interested in. I am not a very good photographer (yet) and Sergio helped me to improve my more basic photo skills with lots of good advice which I appreciated a lot. He is a very sociable person with a great sense of humor and we utterly enjoyed travelling with him. We travel a lot and this trip was certainly one of the best we ever experienced. Our itinerary was full of highlights and it actually exceeded our expectations, both in terms of services rendered as well as in terms of places visited. Muchissimas gracias Sergio!
Mind blowing vistas, high altitude dreamscapes and unforgettable moto adventures that make "long way around" look like kids play. What more could we ask for? From the moment we arrived to 10 days and over a thousand photos later, Sergio's guidance and leadership through the wilds (and a few cityscapes) of Bolivia was life changing. Bolivia has so much to offer and you simply must be led by someone who knows the culture, lives there, and can get you to the "secret spots" only he would know. Everywhere we went everyone we met knew Sergio and in turn he was able to get access to places nobody else could get us into. We traveled via motorbike from La Paz to Uyuni, and all places in between. From raw to jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife, to people places and friendly faces - we saw it all and archived our experiences with mind-blowing photos that we'll be sharing and fondly bringing us back in our minds to those places we love so dearly.
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. Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis. All prices are in U$ Dollars.
Contact us for guidance on a quote for your group or private trip.
| Lowest Price | 7-10 travelers | $ 14,665 / per person |
| Average Price | 4-6 travelers | $ 15,245 / per person |
| Optimum Price | 2-3 travelers | $ 16,965 / per person |
| Highest Price | 1 solo traveler (= private tour) | $ 23,675 / 1 solo traveler |
| Single Supplement Fee | per person / per tour | $ 895 / per single room |
Deposit & Terms (universal — identical on every tour. Custom tours have special terms, please contact us. ): A 30% deposit (minimum $1,000 per person) reserves your space. Of that, $1,000 per person is a non-refundable administrative fee — but it’s never lost: it’s always credited toward your trip, even if you change trips or dates, and it’s part of the total price, not an extra charge. Balance due 90 days before departure. Trip insurance (with a “cancel for any reason” rider) is required. See our Terms & Conditions for full details, or contact us for a custom or private quote.
Start Date: October 3, 2026
End Date: October 19, 2026
Start Date: November 7, 2026
End Date: November 23, 2026
