Ultimate Stargazing Adventure

Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Calama, the gateway to the pretty adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Long before the Spanish arrived, the area was the heart of Atacamenian culture, the town oozing history along the shady streets and crumbling walls. The town of Iglesia de San Pedro is supposedly the second oldest in the country (from the 17th century) and has been heavily but sympathetically restored.

Your base for the next three nights is the Terrantai

You have the next two days to explore the Chilean Altiplano.

There are two included excursions out to the Moon Valley and the Kari lookout point, as well as a day out to El Tatio Geysers and Machuca Village. You also have an opportunity to organise a stargazing tour and experience some of the world's clearest night skies.

Cross the border into Southern Bolivia and Laguna Verde.

As the name suggests, this green lagoon dazzles in the bright sunlight. And, from here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Licancabur Volcano, 5865m high above sea level.

Visit the 'Sol de Manana' geysers, part of a geothermal field covering around a square kilometre.

Then continue to Laguna Colorado, characterised by the red tone of its waters and inhabited by flocks of flamingos. You can also see vicunas, llamas and vizcachas.

Travel through the Siloli desert, where you'll see the famous Stone Tree - the inspiration for one of Dali's iconic paintings - before staying the night in a hotel on the Bolivian side of the border.

Continue north through the barren landscape, visiting some of the smaller lagoons en route.

This lesser-visited eastern area of the Sud Lípez is relatively new to the touring circuit in the region, but the vistas are just as beautiful and the lagoons as colourful with their minerals.

Spend the next two nights at the Luna Salada. Constructed entirely of rock salt, this is one of the most unique hotels in the world. Located on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni, experience fantastic sunrises and sunsets from the warmth of your hotel.

Spend the day exploring the vast Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world at 12,000km².

The Bolivian Andes are spectacular and unique - the silence, surreal pentagons of salt and cloudless blue skies make you feel like you're on another planet.

At the centre of the salt lake is Isla Pescado (Inka Wasi), shaped like a fish and dotted with cacti, which makes for great photography - as does the endless horizon. On the northern edge of the salt flat, visit the majestic Tunupa Volcano.

Take an early morning flight from Uyuni to La Paz.

Then descend from El Alto satellite city into the spectacular bowl of La Paz, overlooked by the impressive Mount Illimani.

Today, you'll enjoy an introductory tour of Bolivia's capital with a chance to see the government buildings flanking Plaza Murillo. Wander the quirky, colourful Calle Jean before heading out to the Moon Valley and returning to your hotel in the city centre.

Transfer by land to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

After a short city tour, take in the Moorish-style cathedral which dominates the town. Inside, you'll find the black Virgen de Candelaria, carved by Inca Tupac Yupanqui's grandson, Francisco Yupanqui, encased and situated above the altar. The statue is never moved from the cathedral.

Embark the hydrofoil to Moon Island and visit Iñaq Uyu (House of the Virgins of the Sun) before continuing to Sun Island.

After a relaxing morning, visit the Sacred Fountain - where the water is believed to grant eternal youth and happiness.

After lunch at Uma Kollu and a visit to the small handicraft market, embark on the hydrofoil returning to Huatajata on the mainland. Visit the Andean Roots Eco Village, where you'll learn about the culture and history of the local people. There's also the opportunity to have your coca leaves read by Tata Benjo, who believes that to heal the body, you first need to heal the soul.

In the evening, you can visit the observatory for stargazing.

Enjoy breakfast before transferring by land to La Paz.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city.

The more affluent 'Zona Sur' (south zone) of the city is very modern with a host of restaurants, including Gustu. Serving only Bolivian cuisine paired with Bolivian wine, this is the perfect gastronomic treat and end to your Altiplano adventure.