Atacama Desert Trek

Atacama Desert
Trip Length: 7 Days
Group Size: 1-14
Difficulty
From: 4375
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Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Atacama Desert. Embark on an extraordinary adventure and reserve your spot today!

Join us on a weeklong trip, full of exciting adventures. Marvel at the otherworldly rock formations in the Moon Valley, witness the incredible eruptions of the Tatio Geysers and explore the vastness of Atacama’s Salt Flats.

NOR030 _ Atacama _ Group Photo

 

Highlights

Highlights

  • Explore the world’s driest desert.
  • 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​.

Itinerary

Day 1: The Adventure Starts

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

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). Once in San Pedro, we receive a briefing over lunch about the upcoming days and in the afternoon we embark on our first hike in the vast, amazing Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). On the hike, we will walk over sand dunes until we reach the viewpoint from where we will witness one of the world's most beautiful sunsets, intensified by the warm colors throughout the Valley. We come back to town and stay overnight in San Pedro.

Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3-star accommodation), San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 2: Rainbow Valley & Petroglyphs

Atacama Desert, Chile

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Yerbas Buenas and set off on a walk to the mouth of the San Pedro River, exploring small canyons along the way. The path crosses the river at one or two points and there are unique geological formations.

Our journey will take us to the magnificent Domeyko Mountains and the awe-inspiring Rainbow Valley, known for its breathtaking stripes of copper, silver, jade, violet, and everything in-between. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the terrain, a testament to the natural forces of erosion and environmental processes that shaped this mineral-rich rock face.

After experiencing the enchantment of Rainbow Valley, we will continue our adventure to the Campsite of Yerbas Buenas, where you will encounter pre-Columbian petroglyphs. These intricate images, etched onto the rock walls of a natural shelter formed from volcanic ash, tell the stories of ancient animals and hidden messages that still remain a mystery.

At the end of the day, we will camp under the starry Atacama sky.

Overnight at campsite.

Day 3: Trek to Rio Grande

Atacama Desert, Chile

We set off early and begin our journey by passing the old abandoned mine of San Bartolo. As we continue climbing, we come across a forgotten mining graveyard and ancient petroglyphs. The trail then leads us up to the side of the valley, where we are greeted with a breathtaking and desolate desert landscape. Shade is a rare commodity here, and there are even areas of the valley so dry that scientists have yet to find any signs of life, not even bacteria! By late afternoon, we reach the intimate indigenous village of Rio Grande (3250 m.a.s.l.). This village is one of the few remaining communities of the Altiplano people, with less than 100 residents. We make camp within the protective walls of the village church, and nearby, there are inviting pools where we can wash and unwind.

Overnight Camping at Rio Grande.

Day 4: Rio Grande to Machuca

Atacama Desert, Chile

Today will be the most physically challenging day of the trek, as we walk towards Machuca Village. The trail continues alongside small streams in narrow, beautiful valleys inhabited by indigenous locals and their llama herds. We’ll continue climbing up steep desert canyons, gaining altitude, until we reach the wetlands of Machuca, full of local wildlife.

As you journey, you'll encounter the settlement of Peñaliri, offering a mesmerizing juxtaposition against the backdrop of towering peaks and an unforgiving wilderness. Behold the traditional agricultural plantations, meticulously adapted to thrive in the extreme, high-altitude environment. These plantations boast a rich variety of native potato species, corn, and members of the onion family. This captivating glimpse into the adaptability of both humankind and nature in such extreme conditions serves as an evocative highlight during your time in the awe-inspiring Atacama Desert.

From here we have an amazing view of Licancabur Volcano, the sacred mountain of the Atacameño people. At this point, we are at 4.000 m. (13,000 ft) above sea level, and we’ll spend the evening relaxing and acclimatizing at our campsite next to a big 'bofedal' - wetlands where llamas graze.

Overnight Camping at Machuca.

Day 5: Machuca to Tatio Geysers and Guatin Gatchi Valley

Atacama Desert, Chile

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll leave Machuca and head towards the Tatio Geysers, arriving just after the vast sunrise crowds have dispersed and the Geysers can be appreciated in sunlight at a more relaxed pace and pleasant temperature. The geothermal field is truly incredible, from almost 900 meters below the earth, boiling steam bursts up to 40 meters over the surface of the earth.

After exploring the geysers, we'll take a scenic drive to the vibrant Guatin Valley. Our adventure begins with a hike through a stunning Cardon forest, where we'll encounter magnificent giant cacti that thrive in this area. Along the way, we'll reach the confluence of two rivers: the warm, thermal waters of the Puritama and the cool, mountain meltwater of the Purifica. These rivers merge to form the Vilama River, which brings life to the delicate ecosystem of Guatin Valley.

Continuing our journey through the valley, we'll follow a rocky pathway adorned with charming waterfalls and cross the gushing river, passing unique vegetation native to the region. Lastly, get ready to be enchanted by the awe-inspiring view of the valley below, which adds a magical touch to the conclusion of this memorable hike.

Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3-star accommodation), San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 6: Atacama Salt Flat and Lagoons

Atacama Desert, Chile

We get up feeling refreshed and satisfied that we crossed the heart of Atacama with the same explorer spirit of its first inhabitants. We’ll drive towards the amazing Salt Flats, home to astonishing birds like the Chilean Pink Flamingos. Then we continue driving towards the marvelous Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, full of turquoise waters that beautifully contrast with the autumnal colors of the Altiplanic lands. It’s a  truly incredible landscape! We’ll spend our final night in San Pedro.

Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 star accommodation), San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 7: Goodbye Atacama

Atacama Desert, Chile

On the final day, we’ll relax and wander around the village, visiting the handicraft shops, church, and museum.

In the afternoon we will drive to the Calama Airport to catch our flight back to Santiago... Adiós Atacama!

Accommodation

Hotel Kimal (Nights 1, 5 and 6)

Our first option for accommodation during your stay in San Pedro de Atacama is the 3-star Hotel Kimal.

Nestled in the heart of the town, this charming hotel offers a comfortable and convenient retreat for travelers. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Kimal provides a perfect base for exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Featuring well-appointed rooms, the hotel ensures a restful night's sleep after a day of adventure. Each room is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities and cozy furnishings, creating a tranquil oasis for guests. The attentive staff at Hotel Kimal are dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your stay is as enjoyable as possible.

At Hotel Kimal, you will have access to a range of amenities including a delightful dining area where you can savor a delicious breakfast and dinner. The hotel's central location also means that you are just steps away from the vibrant streets of San Pedro de Atacama, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and indulge in the region's culinary delights.

If, for any reason, Hotel Kimal is not available during your chosen dates, we will offer you a similar alternative that guarantees the same level of comfort and quality. Rest assured, we pride ourselves in selecting accommodations that meet our high standards and cater to the needs of our valued guests.

Camping (Nights 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

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.
  • A minimum of 2 people is required to confirm a 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: 1:6, 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:
  • Sleeping bag.
  • 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)
  • Quick drying towel.
  • Sandals.
  • Beach towel. (recommended)
  • 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.

Included

Included

  • One expert English-speaking guide.
  • All ground private transportation as indicated in the itinerary.
  • 3 nights in 3-star hotel in San Pedro.
  • 3 nights camping.
  • Sleeping mat.
  • Meals:
    Day 1: Lunch, Dinner.
    Day 2: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
    Day 3: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
    Day 4: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
    Day 5: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
    Day 6: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
    Day 7: Breakfast.

Not included

  • Sleeping bag (you need to bring your own).
  • Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip).
  • Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
  • Domestic flight tickets.
  • Personal items.

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We are a Chilean owned adventure tour operator, based in Santiago de Chile, operating adventure tours in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Our base prices are in Chilean Pesos (CLP), but we charge prices in USD based on the exchange rate valid on the day of payment.

Destinations | Chile

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