We delve into the diverse world of geysers, valleys, and lagoons to learn about the worldview of the original altiplano people and explore their culture through unique food tastings.
We’ll arrive at Calama Airport and drive straight to San Pedro de Atacama, passing the impressive rock formations of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). The afternoon is free for you to explore the little town of San Pedro.
We’ll be picked up at around 6 AM (exact time will vary depending on the season) to experience an unforgettable sunrise in front of the Andes mountains. We’ll then stop by a traditional ayllu, an ancient self-sustaining unit of land developed by the altiplano people. Here we will taste traditional food specialties from the region and learn about their history. Everything here is locally produced - right down to the cups and bowls - which allows us to better understand the culture. We then head back to the hotel for lunch at around 11 AM.
Afterward, at around 2:30 PM, we’ll start our journey to the northwest of San Pedro. We’ll walk through the picturesque town of Río Grande to learn about its unique architecture and traditional agriculture followed by a geological exploration of the Rainbow Valley where we will uncover million-year-old rocks.
We’ll take in the sunset from Death Valley, an amazing spot with views of the Cordillera de la Sal and the Andes Mountains.
We’ll travel south towards the high area of the desert to Laguna Miscanti, the biggest lagoon in the region and home to wild vicuñas. Following this, we will stop in the town of Socaire. Here we will learn about the ancient Atacameño weaving culture that is still preserved by the local community before returning to the hotel around 5 PM. Once the sun has set, it is time to make our way to the best spot in the Atacama Desert to observe the stars and see for ourselves why this area is said to have one of the clearest skies on Earth. We’ll observe the beauty of the celestial bodies and discover the ancient cosmovision of the Andean people, ancient astronomers who were discovering the heavens long before the first telescope ever existed.
This morning we’ll make our way into the Andean altiplano just as the first rays of sunlight begin to shine. We’ll arrive first at the Machuca and Putana wetlands, where we will contemplate the important ecosystems we encounter, and then discover the little town of Machuca known for its history with llamas. At around 9:30 AM, we’ll arrive in time for breakfast at the world-famous Tatio Geysers - 4,320 meters above sea level - followed by a visit to ‘Geyser Blanco’ where the more intrepid can go for a soak in the middle of the river.
We’ll be back at the hotel by 3:00 PM, and after lunch (not included) we’ll head out around 4 PM for an afternoon of cultural fun to learn about the local Atacameño culture, their beliefs, and their history.
After breakfast, we will drive to the Calama Airport to take our flight back to the capital... Adiós Atacama!
Located in the magic splendor of the archeologically capital, San Pedro de Atacama desert area in northern Chile, Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas offers its guests the best in comfort and ambiance. Spacious rooms with private baths are complemented by the best in service. Here the earth -colors of the world´s driest desert appear like a shimmering mosaic.
The shining green of the valley cuts through the arid landscape, leading to the mountainous terrain, the deep blue sky and an infinity of stars. The hotel is decorated with rustic furniture made of willow trees and features both rooms and cabanas. The patio and swimming pool offer an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and the imposing Licancabur volcano.
If this hotel is not available, a similar alternative will be offered.
Regular Departures with 3* accommodation.
Every day on request.
This trip starts and ends at the Calama Airport.
This trip does not demand physical activity other than walking at a normal pace over rather flat terrain. Nevertheless, as you will be touring in high altitudes (the highest point reached on the fourth day at Miñiques Lagoon is 4,300 meters / 14,108 feet) oxygen deprivation - altitude sickness - will affect everyone to some extent. Guides will have oxygen tanks every day at disposition if someone feels sick during the tour.
Maximum altitudes reached each tour day:
Minimum 2 passengers.
Maximum 10 passengers per group.
We use 4x4 vehicles that sit up to 4 people.
For larger group sizes we use an H1 Hyundai van or a Sprinter.
In the Atacama region, the weather follows a typical desert pattern of hot days and cold nights. The Atacama Desert is considered to be the driest place on earth and rain is rare at any time of year!
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.
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