The picturesque community of San Pedro de Atacama stands as an oasis in the midst of the world’s driest desert, where geological evidence suggests that certain areas have never experienced rainfall.
The picturesque community of San Pedro de Atacama stands as an oasis in the midst of the world’s driest desert, where geological evidence suggests that certain areas have never experienced rainfall.
Cordillera de la Sal and Catarpe
Day 1: San Pedro de Atacama & Valle de la Luna
Upon arrival to the Calama airport, you will be met by your driver for transfer you to your selected accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama (approx 1 hour journey). Enjoy the morning to get settled and explore town.
In the afternoon, you will embark on your first excursion to Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), aptly named for its seemingly lunar landscape. Unique rock and salt formations carved over millions of years by floods and wind appear as though sculpted by man. Perhaps the most interesting of these salt depositions is Tres Marías with its three female figures rising out of the vast landscape. Be sure to have your camera on hand to capture the changing colors of the mountains and breathtaking sunset over the Cordillera de la Sal from your perch atop the massive sand dunes.
Meals Included: On your own
Day 2: Salar de Atacama & Lagunas Altiplánicas – Full Day
Today you will have the morning free, and will be picked up after lunch to head toward the Laguna Cejar. Located only 12 miles outside of San Pedro, the lagoon is an ideal spot for relaxation. It sits in the middle of the Atacama Salt Flat, surrounded by salt crystals. Due to the large concentration of salt in its water, you float effortlessly in Cejar Lagoon’s refreshing water. Nearby, you can also take a tip in the Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flat), which are two smaller freshwater pools.
After enjoying these breathtaking natural sights, you will enjoy a delicious appetizer as you witness a spectacular sunset over the Tebinquinche Lagoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Geysers del Tatio
Day 3: Salar de Atacama and Toconao
Your visit to the Salar de Atacama (Salt Lake) can begin in the morning or afternoon. The first stop is the National Flamingo Reserve, which we will enter through the Chaxa Lagoon. This National Reserve is formed by a gigantic depression of more than 2,100 square miles. The Salar de Atacama is the biggest salt field in Chile and its large quantities of salt make the surface white and rough. The dryness and altitude of the salt field allow an excellent panoramic view of the area. The bottom of the salt field is composed of an enormous lake, which receives water from mountain, rivers and melting snow. As it has no runoff, several small lagoons have formed, where we can observe the three types of flamingos living in the area, the James, the Andean and the Chilean.
On the way back we pass through the small town of Toconao, with only about 600 inhabitants town who make their living through agriculture and artisan handcrafts (llama wool, cactus wood, volcanic rock, and alpaca wool). Here you will also see the Tower of Saint Lucas, which is a national monument and symbol of the town, and houses constructed of liparita, a white volcanic stone extracted from the nearby quarry.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Geysers del Tatio and Machuca
Thousands of stars and the vivid brushstroke of the Milky Way across the sky will still be visible as you begin your day with a 4am pickup and set out to meet the sunrise at 4,300m above sea level as dozens of geysers burst forth from the ground in spectacular form. On the way back, we will see the majestic Andes mountain range, whose peaks seem close enough to touch, and stop briefly at Machuca, a small llama herder settlement. The village is filled with adobe houses with thatched roofs, and the green wetlands lend a special charm. Back in San Pedro, afternoon transportation awaits for your transfer to Calama in time for your flight back to Santiago.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recommended trip combinations:
Stark landscapes characterize the Atacama Desert
This tour is available to begin every day, all year round.
Price per Person (US$):
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
Additional nights available upon request
Prices valid through August 31st, 2015.
Sunset over the Atacama Salt Flat
Price Includes:
*Additional nights available upon request. Consult your Travel Specialist to build a customized program.
Casa Atacama: Situated in the center of San Pedro, Casa Atacama promises a high quality luxury experience while remaining focused on sustainability. This premier eco-friendly hotel includes LED high-efficiency lighting and heating – both of which are connected to the hotel’s system of solar panels – and promotes recycling and environmentally responsible use of natural resources.
Hotel Casa Atacama
Altiplánico: In all aspects, Hotel Altiplánico strives to seamlessly blend in to the Atacama Desert, creating the sensation that the hotel itself stemmed forth from the land. The construction is a hybrid of indigenous culture and colonial Spanish style and emphasizes the use of local materials and decorations inspired by the shapes and colors of the desert.
Hotel Altiplánico
Terrantai: In the heart of historic San Pedro with the iconic ancient whitewashed church in view, Hotel Terrantai provides a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere for all who walk through its doors. The design is one of understated beauty, with adobe, lake rock, and aged wood construction and decorations inspired in the tradition of the original Atacameño people.
Terrantai Lodge