San Pedro de Atacama an oasis in the Desert
Immerse
- Flexible Dates
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Flexible Duration
Itinerary
Reception at Calama Airport and transfer to the village of San Pedro de Atacama, crossing the Domeyko and Salt Mountain Ranges. Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the middle of the desert, whose earliest population dates back to around 11,000 BC with groups of nomadic hunter-gatherers. Later, with the domestication of camelids and the development of terrace farming, permanent villages began to form.
In the afternoon, visit to the Moon Valley: a tour of an impressive salt landscape shaped by water and wind over millions of years, resembling the surface of the moon. Along the way, admire the striking rock formations that make up the Salt Mountain Range, including Las Tres Marías, an interesting geological formation located next to an old salt mine. The tour ends at Mars Valley, also known as Death Valley, an area notable for its unique rock formations and its extreme desert conditions—no plants or insects survive in this harsh environment. From here, enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and its volcanoes. At sunset, the landscape offers a spectacular display of colors, accompanied by an aperitif. Return and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: No Meal
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for an excursion to the picturesque town of Toconao, built primarily from liparite (a type of volcanic stone). The town’s main attractions are its church, dating back to 1744, and the San Lucas Bell Tower, both declared National Monuments. Local artisans create crafts using liparite stone and alpaca wool. Continue towards the Atacama Salt Flat, the largest in Chile and one of the largest in the world, where you’ll visit Chaxa Lagoon, a natural habitat for three species of flamingos. The tour then heads to the Altiplanic Lagoons of Meñiques and Miscanti, located at 4,500 meters above sea level. This area is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, and the lagoons are surrounded by imposing volcanoes formed by the uplift of the Andes during ancient geological periods. On the return journey, stop at Socaire, a traditional highland village. Visit its small adobe houses and historic church dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the town’s patron saint. The village is also known for its agricultural terraces on the hillsides and its scenic viewpoint overlooking the vast salt flat.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and free time to visit local artisans.
Return and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Early morning departure to the Tatio Geysers for a guided walk through the geothermal field to observe the fumaroles, which are especially impressive at dawn. On the return journey, enjoy a picnic breakfast while taking in spectacular views of the Tocorpuri and Sairecabur volcanoes. A stop is made to visit the village of Machuca, known for its traditional farming terraces, adobe houses with thatched roofs, quaint church, and a small wetland where local wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and flamingos can be observed. Thanks to the revival of agriculture, grazing, cheese production, and tourism, the Atacameño people have gradually returned to this ancestral village. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport of Calama (1:30 h).
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
Transfers and excursions are in private service with English speaking guide assistance.
Lodging in standard room or as indicated, breakfast included
Meals as indicated in the program:
B= Breakfast L= Lunch / Box Lunch D = Dinner
Entrance fee to parks and museums indicated in the program
Exclusions
Early check in or late check out.
Extra services, meals or drinks not indicated in the program
Tips to porters at airports and hotels
Air tickets and airport taxes
Personal insurance
Tax in lodging. All foreigners not resident in Chili are tax exempt. Only in case of no-show, the hotels will charge the room rate + VAT (19%)
Notes
Hotel Used Or Similar
San Pedro de Atacama
Option-1: DIEGO DE ALMAGRO Hotel (3*), standard room
Option-2: LA CASA DE DON TOMAS Hotel (3*), standard room
Option-3: KIMAL or POBLADO DE KIMAL Hotel (3* Sup), standard room
Option-4: EL REFUGIO DE LA CASA DON TOMÁS Hotel (4*), Standard room
Entry ticket to Puritama’s Hot springs (during the exc. to El Tatio) AUD 96 per person.
Notes
During Christmas and New Year (Dec 25 and Jan 01), land services in private have a 50% surcharge and during May 01, Sep 18, 19, Dec 25 and Jan 01, SIB services will have a surcharge of 30%.
Rates are subject to confirmation during holidays and long weekends (Easter, National Holidays Sep/18, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, etc).
On Dec 25 and January 01st the SIB services are subject to confirmation
Machucais closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Itinerary could be changed according to flight schedules, climate conditions, or to warranty the SIB services, minimum 2 pax.
San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings are made up of archaeological and cultural sites that are under conservation protection. You must respect the marked paths and not access places that are restricted
Excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, due to the altitude (El Tatio and Meñique& MIscanti), are not recommended for children under 7 years old, pregnant women, elderly passengers and/or passengers with heart diseases (altitudes of 4,200 m a.s.l.)
In the High-Plateau (Northern Chile), during the Bolivian winter (Dec/Feb), excursions may be modified or suspended due to the excess of rain. During winter (Jul/Aug), excursions in height may be suspended due to the excess of snow that could cut the roads.
