Take in the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on the planet, and admire its unworldly salt plains, geysers, volcanoes, and cultural history on this superb exploration.
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We arrive at Calama Airport and drive straight to San Pedro de Atacama, passing the striking rock formations of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). Upon arrival, you’ll receive your detailed itinerary for the coming days. We keep this first day free to relax: you can stroll through the village at your own pace, browse local handicraft shops, visit the historic church and soak up the unique desert atmosphere.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 stars) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Discover the Atacama Salt Flat at Laguna Chaxa, home to graceful flamingos, then visit Socaire before reaching the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques at 4,200 m. Continue to Toconao to explore its history and local crafts. The adventure goes on along the Lickanantay Wine Route, where you’ll learn about high-altitude winemaking in the desert, visit Santa Romina Vineyard, and enjoy a tasting of unique wines shaped by Atacama’s extreme environment.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 stars) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Experience an unforgettable day in Atacama. At sunrise, visit the impressive Tatio Geysers at 4,300 m and watch steam columns rise in this surreal landscape. Continue to Machuca, a charming high-altitude village known for its culture and traditions. In the afternoon, explore the Moon Valley, its unique geology, the historic Victoria Salt Mine, and the iconic Three Marys formations. End the day at Mars Valley, where a sunset toast offers the perfect finale to a journey filled with nature, history, and striking desert scenery.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 stars) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: breakfast.
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Today we say goodbye to the desert. A private transfer will pick us up at the hotel and take us to the airport, where we’ll board our flight to the next destination. Until next time, Atacama!
Meals: breakfast.
Enjoy an authentic experience that connects you with ancestral Atacameño culture. The “Llama Caravan” is a peaceful, history-filled walk where you’ll stroll beside these noble animals, which for centuries have been companions and a key part of life in the Andean villages.
On this excursion, you’ll follow a caravan of llamas along desert trails, just as ancestral peoples did to transport goods across valleys and mountains. Along the way, you’ll enjoy close contact with the llamas and learn about local customs, traditions and knowledge, guided by experts in Atacameño culture.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 stars) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: breakfast, snack.
*Optional upgrade to Hotel Desertica (4-star accommodation) available upon request.
Located in the the historical center and magic splendor of the archaeological capital, San Pedro de Atacama desert area in northern Chile, Hotel Kimal invites you to enjoy its warm hospitality with the full range of services in a setting of traditional local architecture. Offering pool and outdoor hot-tub, bar and restaurant open all day, wellness therapies, different room capacities they have one of the very best location to roam around town, just a few steps from the emblematic Caracoles Street.
If this hotel is not available, a similar alternative will be offered.
Desértica is a boutique hotel in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, built on an old Atacameñan orchard and surrounded by centuries-old trees, gardens and a tranquil pool area. Its 12 circular turi rooms combine natural materials, warm desert tones and modern comforts, creating an intimate oasis just steps from San Pedro’s main attractions. The Turi room offers a cozy, elegant space ideal to relax after a day of excursions.
Regular departures are available every day on request from January to December.
Upon arrival, you will receive the itinerary for the upcoming dates. Tours will be as described in the itinerary (the order might vary).
Excursions are subject to availability and the opening of the indigenous communities to carry them out. Alternatives will be informed in case the activities described in the itinerary are not available.
During the last week of the year bookings are available only on request and with higher rates due the low availability of excursions and accomodation options in the area.
Flights in and out of Calama must be between 8AM and 8PM, transfers for flights outside these time frame must be booked in private, with an additional cost.
The trip starts in the morning at Calama Airport. Please book any flight arriving before midday. The trip finishes at Calama Airport and we recommend booking an afternoon flight.
Groups are limited to 10 participants, except for astronomical tours, which allow up to 15.
This trip does not demand physical activity other than walking at a normal pace over rather a flat terrain. Nevertheless, as you will be touring in high altitudes (the highest point is reached on the second day at Miñiques Lagoon is 4,300 meters / 14,108 feet). Oxygen deprivation or altitude sickness may occur. Guides will have oxygen tanks every day at disposition if someone feels sick during the tours.
In the Atacama region, there are hot days and cold nights. The Atacama Desert is considered the driest place on earth and rain is rare most times of the year. However, it should be noted that between December and March, Bolivia's wet winter weather can sometimes cause unexpected rainfall in the Atacama.
Once you book the trip, we will send you a pre-trip information booklet with useful and detailed information about your trip with us.
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
Maximum altitudes reached each tour day:
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
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