Chile / bolivia
Chile and Bolivia are defined by altitude, dryness and extreme contrast, where journeys move between salt flats, volcanic desert and high Andean basins shaped by climate and elevation. Days are defined less by landmarks and more by light, distance and the steady progression through landscapes that feel vast, exposed and deliberately sparse.
Our expeditions here are designed for those drawn to scale and clarity, travelling through environments such as the Atacama Desert and the Uyuni salt flats where movement, camps and decisions are shaped by altitude, weather and access. The experience is measured and expansive, supported carefully so that attention remains on the land, the rhythm of travel and the quiet sense of progression across it.
expeditions in the chile / bolivia
Northern Chile and southwest Bolivia offer some of the most striking high desert landscapes anywhere for expedition travel. Salt flats, volcanic plateaus and vast altiplano basins create the conditions for journeys that feel purposeful, deliberate and shaped by altitude, distance and light.
This is not about ticking off highlights. Expeditions here are defined by long transitions, daily decisions around elevation and weather, and settling into a steady rhythm shaped by terrain, remoteness and historic routes across the Andes. The region’s strength lies in the freedom it gives us to design ambitious journeys that feel absorbing and considered, while still being carefully planned and well supported.
EXPEDITION CONCEPTS IN chile / bolivia
ATACAMA VOLCANIC DESERT EXPEDITION – NORTHERN CHILE
A point to point journey through the Atacama Desert, moving between volcanic plateaus, salt basins and high altitude passes beneath the Andes. Travel alternates between sustained time on foot and vehicle supported stages, shaped by elevation, water availability and terrain. The expedition is defined by stark contrasts, clear decision making and steady progress through one of the driest environments on earth.
ALTIPLANO AND SALT FLAT TRAVERSE – UYUNI REGION, BOLIVIA
A remote expedition crossing the Bolivian Altiplano, linking high desert plains, isolated settlements and the vast Uyuni Salt Flat. Travel follows long established routes between water sources and grazing lands, combining walking stages with supported transfers to manage distance and altitude. The journey is shaped by scale, exposure and the quiet rhythm of movement across open, lightly inhabited terrain.
HIGH ANDES DESERT AND LAGOON ROUTE – CHILE–BOLIVIA BORDER
A high altitude desert journey following a chain of remote lagoons and volcanic valleys along the Chile–Bolivia frontier. Movement is shaped by terrain, weather and elevation, with routes passing through grazing lands, seasonal camps and wide mountain basins. Travel is deliberate and measured, combining foot travel with logistical support to allow sustained time in complex, demanding landscapes.
what expeditions here tend to feel like
Although every expedition is bespoke, journeys in Chile and Bolivia often share a clear rhythm shaped by altitude, dryness and vast open terrain.
Days are spent moving through high desert, salt flats and volcanic plateaus, with progress influenced by elevation, temperature and long distances between water and settlements. Evenings are quieter and functional, defined by camp routines, recovery and preparing carefully for the next stage across exposed terrain.
Depending on how an expedition is designed, this may include:
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Sustained point to point travel across high desert and salt flat environments
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Long stretches between settlements, services or reliable water
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A considered mix of travel methods shaped by terrain and altitude
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Mobile desert camps or isolated fixed bases
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Small teams travelling together for extended periods of time
Some expeditions prioritise continuous movement and physical resilience at altitude. Others use logistics, access and shelter to allow wider range or more measured pacing. In every case, the journey itself remains the focus.
What's always Included
Dedicated UK Based Crux Expeditions Leader
An experienced Crux Expeditions leader is involved from the very first conversation and remains responsible for delivery on the ground. Leadership is continuous and accountable throughout.
End-to-end expedition planning and logistics
Routes, access, permits, accommodation, transport and local support are planned and coordinated in advance, with contingencies built in. Nothing is left to chance or last-minute handover.
Trusted local teams and partners
We work with experienced, fully licensed local guides and operators who we know and trust. They are treated as professional partners and integrated into the expedition team.
Preparation, systems and decision-making frameworks
Expeditions are supported by structured preparation, clear systems and robust decision-making processes designed for remote environments.
UK-based operational oversight
While expeditions are running, our UK operations team provides continuous support, oversight and backup, ensuring leaders are never operating in isolation.
THE WAY WE WORK
We take on a small number of expeditions each year and focus on delivering each one exceptionally well.
Our role is to remove uncertainty from complex journeys. That means taking responsibility early, planning carefully, and making sound decisions as conditions and circumstances evolve. We work calmly and deliberately, allowing expeditions to unfold with purpose rather than urgency.
We are selective about the environments we operate in, the partners we work with and the projects we take on. Expeditions are designed with care, led with confidence and supported quietly in the background so that the experience itself remains the focus.
This approach suits people who value judgement, preparation and discretion, and who want to feel they are in very capable hands.
Who this region suits
Chile and Bolivia suit people drawn to altitude, openness and journeys shaped by contrast rather than density. Time is spent in vast desert and plateau landscapes where scale, light and elevation define the experience, alongside moments of connection with remote settlements, historic trade routes and long established highland cultures.
It is particularly well suited to:
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Private groups seeking a shared journey shaped by landscape, altitude and steady progression
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Individuals commissioning a journey that balances physical challenge with space, reflection and perspective
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Mixed ability groups looking for depth and immersion without constant technical intensity
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Teams who value calm leadership, careful acclimatisation and well judged logistical support
It works equally well for expeditions that prioritise sustained movement at altitude, and for journeys that use access, vehicles and fixed bases to explore wider terrain while keeping days manageable and rewarding.
begin the conversation
Start designing your chile / bolivia expedition
Planning a serious expedition starts with a proper conversation.
If you are considering an expedition in this region, we invite you to get in touch and share a little about what you have in mind. This does not need to be fully formed. Many expeditions begin with nothing more than a rough idea or a sense of what you want to experience.
We will take the time to understand your objectives, how you want to travel, and the balance of challenge and support that feels right, before shaping an expedition designed specifically around you.
Prefer to get in touch directly?
If you would rather start the conversation by email, you’re very welcome to contact us at:
If a call would be helpful, we’re happy to arrange one once we understand a little more about what you’re looking for.
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