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.
Departures
- Regular group expeditions leave every Monday.
- Minimum 2 people signed to confirm departure.
Starting / finishing point
The trip starts in the morning at the Calama Airport. The last transfer pick-up time is 12:30 PM. The trip finishes at the Calama Airport and we suggest booking flights departing after 5 PM.
Please be aware that there is just one van doing both routes, so when travelers of the same group arrive/leave on different flights the others may have to wait at the airport. Please contact us so we can tell you which flights match better with the entire group’s schedule.
Physical demands
Trekking in the Atacama Desert requires more physical preparation than for most vacations. On this trip, you will be trekking between 4 to 7 hours a day for 4 continuous days at high altitudes on dry sandy terrain. On the fourth day, the trail will run into the highlands (average 4,100mt / 10,500ft) which is demanding given the altitude. Guides will always have oxygen tanks with them if someone feels sick.
Arriving in a good physical condition is fundamental for physical performance and morale.
Group size guiding staff
Guide to passenger ratio: 1:4, a maximum of 10 people per group.
Transport
In the Atacama, transportation is in minivans that normally seat between 8 to 14 people. When we have just 2 to 4 people, we use smaller vehicles, such as 4x4 vehicles. The vehicle will be for your use exclusively.
Weather
In the Atacama region, there are hot days and cold nights. The Atacama Desert is considered to be 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.
- Spring-Summer (October to March): Daytime temperatures usually range between 20 - 24°C (68-77°F). Nighttime temperatures will most likely range from 5 - 0°C (41 - 32°F)
- Autumn-Winter (April to September): Daytime temperatures range from 15 -20°C (59-68°F). Nighttime temperatures will most likely be -10 - 0°C (14 - 32°F)
What you need to bring
A support vehicle will help us on days 2 to 6 to carry some of your personal belongings to the finish points each day. During the treks, you will only have to carry your daypack.
We will send you a complete packing list once your booking is confirmed. Some items we recommend are the following:
- Underwear.
- Long and short-sleeved shirts.
- Hiking shoes.
- Light and medium-weight socks.
- Medium-weight fleece or wool sweater.
- Jacket.
- Gloves or mittens.
- Shorts.
- Sun hat.
- Sunglasses Swimsuit. (for hot springs)
- Towel.
- Sandals.
- Beach towel. (recommended)
- Duffel Bag, sleeping bag, roll-up duffel*
- Light Backpack. (30 - 40 lt)
- Refillable Water bottle.
- Hiking sticks. (recommended)
- Moisturizing lotion. (desert air is very dry)
- Sunscreen. (SPF 30 or higher)
- Sunscreen lip protector. (SPF 30 or higher)
- Personal first aid kit.
- Swiss Army-type pocket knife with a can opener (pack in checked baggage)
- Camera. (optional)
- Binoculars. (recommended)
- Toiletry Kit wet wipes .(biodegradable
soap, toothbrush, and so on)
Itinerary modifications
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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