Quantum of Solace: Bolivia by Bike and 4WD

Sixteen days in Bolivia, guided, with 2,300 km on a supplied Suzuki DR650SE and a two-day, 650 km excursion by 4WD Land Cruiser into the high plateau desert.

Quantum of Solace follows the Wild Wild West itinerary and adds a two-day 4WD trip into the high plateau desert, which the operator describes as part of the Atacama. It is rated Medium, with 30 percent dirt on the bike sections and 100 percent dirt on the 4WD stage. The operator swaps the bikes for the Land Cruiser because of the altitude and the difficult conditions, and says it lets the group cover more ground and arrive more relaxed. The highest point is 4,400 metres by bike and 5,010 metres by 4WD.

The bike section starts on the Ruta del Che, crossing to Sucre, Tarabuco and Potosi, then reaches Uyuni for the train graveyard and a full day on the Salar de Uyuni, with Inca Huasi and the Dakar monument. Two days in the Land Cruiser then explore the desert lagoons from and back to Uyuni. On the bikes again, the route heads to Tupiza and the Bolivian Monument Valley, Tarija and its wineries, and through the Chaco by way of a narrow railway bridge to Samaipata.

Each price is per rider and covers the Suzuki DR650SE, tourist-class hotels, three meals a day, entrances, local guides, road tolls and fuel, with airport pickup at Viru-Viru in Santa Cruz and a 4WD support vehicle following the group. Scheduled groups are capped at six. Riders bring their own helmet and riding gear, book their own flights, and need travel insurance with adrenaline cover. During the 4WD days guests travel as passengers in the operator’s vehicle rather than riding.