40 days / 39 nights
1-2-3
30 / 10
43% / 57%
6,000 mi / 9,550 km
This event captures the spirit of what adventure 4WD overlanding is all about. Each day provides an everchanging landscape, from the towering Andes mountains to the arid vastness of the Atacama Desert, the contrasts are dramatic. Peru and Bolivia will be especially enlightening, encountering the Quechua Indians, descendants of the ancient Incan people as well as Aymara and other inhabitants of the high Altiplano. The world's largest and highest salt flats at Uyuni, over 4,000 square miles of desolation and the infamous Yungas Road, Camino de Muerte are beyond description. KaravanADV has created an itinerary that promotes a true immersive off road 4X4 experience, moderately paced, encouraging independence while providing an elevated style of inclusions and services. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime.
April 12 - May 21
April 03 - May 12
Deposit of 5,000 USD per person to secure your position Final payment in full 60 days prior to container sailing date. See Refund and Cancellation Policy
Combine the Patagonia Expedition with the High Andes Expedition for substantial discount. Inquire about club and group pricing benefits
Itinerary, inclusions and amenities are subject to change based on availability at time of booking.
Flying into Santiago de Chile, you’ll be greeted and transferred to our hotel in the city. Expect a briefing and opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers. The following day it will be off to the port to retrieve the vehicles. We allow two to three days for this process. The first of several border crossings will take place, high in the Andes at Los Libertadores. Argentina greets you after the spiraling Los Caracoles Highway, before descending towards Mendoza. An excursion to get as close as possible to America's highest mountain peak (22,830 ft), will be planned. Having crossed the Andes, wineries fill the fertile valleys. Ideal soil conditions and climate have for almost five centuries nurtured a rich wine tradition here. At least two nights are scheduled near Mendoza with a number of primitive Andes roads, wineries and spa offerings to take advantage of.
The compass needle points north. Darting on and off the Ruta 40 through Argentina, another international crossing back into Chile eventually will have you in the Colonial city of Arequipa. The mysterious Naza Lines, over two thousand year old complex stone images in the desert spread for 50 KM (19 square miles), best viewed from the air.
From sea level your rise into the Andes once more, stopping in Colca to witness up close, soaring condors rising from the canyon depths. The Sacred Valley at Ollantaytambo with its steep lush green terraced hillsides have for centuries been the Inca and Quechua agricultural center. It is from here that we take the train to Machu Picchu to hike the sprawling Inca 15th century stone city.
The Rainbow Mountain of Vinicuna is an unworldly site, a stop along the way to the border, crossing into Bolivia at Lake Titicaca, home to the Uros Indians who live on the floating reed islands. Brief stays in the cities Potosi and La Paz, then the drive (optional) on the Camino Yungus, the Road of Death, 64km of narrow twisting mountainous track (don’t worry, there is an optional new paved road if you are uneasy about this!)
It is an iconic South America adventure destination, the 4,000 square miles of the Salt Flats of Uyuni at over 12,000ft /3658m. We’ll actually spend a night in rooms built of salt blocks. South bound now, there are more border crossings in and out of Chile and Argentina to take advantage of high pass explorations. The Atacama desert is the dominant feature along the Pacific coast with mandatory photos at the Hand of the Desert.
Paved routes for the final leg will have us returning to the port of Valparaiso and the port town to manage the “stuffing” of the vehicles for the return voyage back to the USA.
7 vehicles / 14 persons
10 vehicles / 20 persons
375 miles / 600 km
37 miles / 60 km
Viña del Mar, Chile
This event is timed to be outside of the usual rain season. Temperatures will vary considerably with altitude ranging from cool 50°F/10°C to 90°F/32°C. Some rain can be expected in the more subtropical regions.
2600 miles / 4100 km
43% paved / 57% unpaved
Shipping personal vehicle toSouth America*inquire about rental options
With this application, you are soliciting to participate in a KaravanADV event. We will follow up to advise you of the status of the event and at that time, will request additional information and a deposit to confirm your booking.
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PASSENGER #1
PASSANGER #2
One year in advance is not too soon. Our South America Expeditions and Tours require many months of advance planning to secure the best possible services and amenities.This is especially so when a tour involves international ocean freighting. This is not a tour to book last minute. Make your commitment as soon as possible. We anticipate an early sell out.
Yes. By design KaravanADV has crafted the High Andes Expedition to be a driving adventure with elevated style when and where available, yet deliver an authentic international travel experience sprinkled with to be expected challenges and unpredictability. Share this with your family, friends and loved ones!
It is a complex process. We handle it all! The vehicles are “stuffed” in 40 ft. ocean freight containers, only two to a container. Specially built chocks and heavy straps secure the vehicle. Note that the vehicle must be in our hands for “stuffing”, one week prior to sailing date. Sailings take a minimum of 36 days. We’ll provide you with specific timelines and vehicle preparations. Port of sailing, to be announced.
Yes. We have been traveling in this region for decades. Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru are currently politically stable and welcoming. As with any travel, one must accept that there are risks and exposures, however relatively speaking, this tour is very safe.
Given that there is no camping, and the off road conditions are not expected to be technically challenging, the emphasis should be on comfort and reliability. Consider that parts and service will be difficult to locate. Look for pre-tour information packets to provide additional information on this subject.
Do not expect this to be a Camel Trophy styled event. The route will not be technical in nature, so according to the onX OffroadTechnical Rating System , we consider this to be rated as 1-2 well suited for novices or experienced drivers. Of course we might stretch this a bit offering some optional routes that edge towards being more technical.
No. The exceptions may be border crossings, ferry crossings and other situations where a group activity is planned. We actually encourage independence and that you travel at a pace that suits you. Should you wish to explore outside of the planned route, just let us know, and we’ll look forward to learning of your discoveries at dinner!
Yes. We acknowledge this is a long event. For this reason, we happily will assist you in managing the logistics that permit a friend or family member to join you for a portion of the event. We’ll get you a price. This is not an uncommon request. We welcome the opportunity to facilitate your guests.
It could be. It depends on your health, metabolism and other factors. There will be mountain passages in excess of 14,000ft / 4,267m with occasional overnight stay at similar heights. The itinerary is designed for you to gradually acclimate to the heights. Through the ages, locals have mitigated the effects by chewing cocoa leaves and consuming tea from the same plant. Modifying alcohol intake and maintaining hydration are important. Medications are available. Consult with your physician. KADV will have oxygen to provide relief if needed.
Yellow fever inoculation is required for Bolivia though there are no concerns to contract this in the regions we will be traveling. We feel it is good to be current on tetanus and diphtheria and hepatitis shots. Consult with your medical professionals.
We are aware that for many, this has become an essential requirement. In the more remote regions, availability is inconsistent and limited bandwidth results in frustrating slow speeds. For this reason KaravanADV will have Starlink Roam allowing the group to have sharable access on the go.
As of this writing, only Bolivia requires a visa which can be obtained in advance online. No visa is needed for Argentina, Chile or Peru.
Yes. We find that Squaremouthoffers the most comprehensive and easiest means of comparing policy offerings. Medical evacuation insurance is MANDATORY on all KADV events. Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED as we must adhere to our REFUND AND CANCELLATION policy.
Mandatory third party coverage (referred to as SOAT or SOAP) will be obtained for you and the price is included in the tour. Comprehensive coverage in the event of damage or theft is very difficult to find, if available at all.
Yes. Actually private customized tours are our specialty. We are in a position to satisfy your particular requests. For example travel dates, destinations, inclusions, style and special interests, can all be addressed to meet your needs. KaravanADV has a wealth of logistics experience and global resources. Start by filling out this simple Custom Private Tour Inquiry Form, and look for a speedy response.
