Atacama Desert Trek

Highlights

Highlights

• Explore the world’s driest desert.
• Go to the Puritama Hot Springs.
• See the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons.
• Visit local indigenous villages.
• Enjoy starry skies.
• Examine Pre-Columbian Ruins and Geoglyphs.
• See the Atacama Salt Flats.
• Participate in “off the beaten path” trekking​.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (night 1, 5 and 6)

Our first option will be 3-star Hotel Poblado Kimal, in San Pedro de Atacama.

This small labyrinth of finely executed structures of volcanic stone and earthen walls, is situated in an ancient orchard close to the main square.
You will be able to enjoy your delicious buffet breakfast of fruit, pastries and fruit juices served by the pool in an atmosphere of absolute relaxation and sophistication.

If this hotel is not available, a similar alternative will be offered.

Camping (night 2, 3 and 4)

The tents arranged for this program are typical mountain tents with enough room for 2 people overnight in comfortable conditions. We provide all the camping gear, but you have to bring your sleeping bag (sleeping mats are available). Our team will be responsible for setting up the tents in the camping site. There will be also a big and comfortable dining tent for enjoying breakfast and dinner.

Facts

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

• 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.