Take in the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert and admire its unworldly salt plains, geysers, volcanoes, and cultural history on this superb exploration.
We arrive at Calama Airport and are driven straight to San Pedro de Atacama, past the impressive rock formations of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). Upon arrival, you will receive the itinerary for the upcoming days. We take the first day of the trip to relax and for example wander around the village, visit its handicraft shops church on our own.
After breakfast, we’ll start our adventure by driving to Toconao, a beautiful Andean village. Toconao's lands are an oasis in the desert and locals are able to grow fruits and vegetables nourished by water coming in through small channels. We will visit its main streets and San Lucas church and continue to Quebrada de Jerez, a large canyon channeling the waters entering Toconao.
The next stop will be Laguna Chaxa, a lagoon in the middle of the Atacama Salt Flat, home to beautiful Chilean and Andean flamingos. We’ll continue driving towards the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, undisputed highlights of the region that are full of turquoise water that contrasts with the autumnal colors of the Altiplanic lands. A truly incredible landscape, creating an unforgettable memory of the region.
Prepare for an early wake-up call to see the amazing Geysers of Tatio in action. From almost 900 meters below the earth, boiling steam bursts up to 40 meters over the surface of the earth. A scrumptious breakfast will be served upon arrival before we walk through the geothermal fields with the geysers erupting nearby. On the drive back, we can admire the magnificent view of the Tocopurri and Sairecabur volcanoes.
We will arrive back in town for lunch and free time in the afternoon.
In the early morning we do our last hike in the vast, amazing Valle de la Luna. We walk beside sand dunes until we reach the viewpoint from where we will witness one of the world's most beautiful and rare landscapes, intensified by the warm colors throughout the Valley. After lunch time we are driven to Calama’s 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.
Optional: upgrade to Hotel Altiplanico 4*Sup, Superior Room (Nights 1-3)
*Optional upgrade at Hotel Altiplanico (4-star accommodation)
Regular departures are available every day on request. 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. Upon arrival, you will receive the itinerary for the upcoming dates. Tours will be as described in the itinerary (the order might vary).
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.
20 maximum, plus staff.
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 reached on the fourth 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 June 17th, 2021
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