Take in the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on the planet, and admire its salt flats, high-altitude lagoons, geysers, desert valleys, volcanoes, and cultural history on this unforgettable journey through northern Chile.
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Upon arrival at Calama Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to San Pedro de Atacama. Along the way, you will pass through desert landscapes that introduce you to northern Chile’s unique scenery. Once at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax, wander through San Pedro, visit local craft shops, or simply take in the quiet atmosphere of the Atacama Desert.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Don Tomás, Superior Room, or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Discover the Atacama Salt Flat at Laguna Chaxa, home to graceful flamingos, before visiting Toconao and continuing toward the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. Surrounded by volcanoes and vast desert scenery, these deep-blue lagoons reveal one of the most striking landscapes of the Atacama highlands. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Toconao before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Don Tomás, Superior Room, or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Begin before sunrise with an excursion to the impressive Tatio Geysers, set at around 4,300 m, where steam columns rise from the high desert at first light. Continue to Machuca, a small Andean village known for its traditions, adobe architecture, and striking surroundings. After free time for lunch in San Pedro, head out once more to explore Moon Valley and Mars Valley, where wind-carved formations and sweeping desert views create a memorable finale to the day.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Don Tomás, Superior Room, or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: breakfast.
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Today you will say goodbye to the desert. At the arranged time, a transfer will pick you up at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama and take you to Calama Airport for your onward flight. Services end at the airport, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Atacama’s salt flats, high-altitude lagoons, geysers, desert valleys, and star-filled skies.
Meals: breakfast.
Add an extra day in San Pedro de Atacama with a peaceful Llama Caravan experience. Walking beside these gentle animals, you will follow desert trails once used by ancestral communities to move goods across valleys and highlands. Along the way, local guides will share stories, traditions, and knowledge connected to Atacameño culture.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Don Tomás, Superior Room, or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: breakfast, snack.
*Optional upgrade to Hotel Desértica, 4-star accommodation, available upon request.
Blending traditional Atacameño architecture with warm, welcoming spaces, Hotel Casa Don Tomás offers a comfortable stay just a short walk from the center of San Pedro de Atacama. Its Superior Rooms feature private bathroom facilities, heating, a fan, Wi-Fi, and views of the hotel gardens. After a day exploring the desert, you can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and taste local and international flavors at the hotel’s restaurant.
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 and elegant space to relax after a day of excursions.
Regular Departures are available daily from January to December.
Upon arrival, you will receive the itinerary for the upcoming days. Tours operate as described, although the order may vary. Excursions depend on availability and the opening of local indigenous communities. Alternatives will be offered if an activity is unavailable. During the last week of the year, bookings are on request and may have higher rates due to limited availability.
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 at Calama Airport. We recommend booking a flight arriving before midday. The trip finishes at Calama Airport, and we recommend booking an afternoon flight.
Airport transfers are private. Day 2 and the Tatio Geysers excursion are semi-private. The Moon Valley and Mars Valley excursion is private.
Groups are limited to 12 participants, except for astronomical tours, which allow up to 15 participants.
This trip does not require demanding physical activity beyond walking at a normal pace on mostly flat terrain. However, some excursions take place at high altitude, with the highest point reached near the Miñiques Lagoon area at around 4,300 m / 14,108 ft. Oxygen deprivation or altitude sickness may occur. Guides will have oxygen tanks available during excursions in case anyone feels unwell.
In the Atacama region, days can be warm and nights can be cold. The Atacama Desert is considered one of the driest places on Earth, and rain is rare during most of the year. However, between December and March, the Bolivian winter can sometimes bring unexpected rainfall to the area.
Once you book the trip, we will send you a pre-trip information booklet with useful and detailed information. As a general reference, we recommend bringing:
Maximum altitudes reached each tour day:
We reserve the right to change the order of the itinerary at the discretion of the guide and based on operational considerations. The guide may also modify, change, or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety, weather, availability, community access, or other relevant considerations.
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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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