San Pedro de Atacama is a small town located in one of the oasis found in the highlands of Region II- in this geographical area some of the highest peaks of the Andes are located.

Once the center of the Atacama culture, today it is home to around 2,500 inhabitants. This city has  current relevance due to the fact that it is considered the archeological capital of Chile and its extreme geographic position, and also because of the beauty of its landscapes and its eternal clear blue sky.

We have developed this program in the Atacama Desert for people that love travelling during the day and rest comfortably at night, in a hotel or hostel in San Pedro de Atacama. You will travel every day among astonishing landscapes, surrounded by Volcanoes and secret paths in valleys, salt flats, gorges and learning about Atacama history, culture, archeology, flora and fauna.

 

DAY 1:  TRANSFER CALAMA AIRPORT – HOTEL IN SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – PM VALLE DE LA LUNA/MOON VALLEY

Once you arrive to Calama Airport, a member of our staff we will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

You will travel 90 minutes in a shared transfer to San Pedro de Atacama and check in at your hotel.

At 3:30 pm, we will go to the Salt Mountain Range (Moon Valley), which forms a natural barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the Atacama Salt Flat; this is a valley of statuesque rocky formations. Salt emerges to the surface, covering the surface with a dry, whitish layer that gives the place a moon aspect. We will visit the statues of salt called “Las Tres Marias“ , the salt mine, the salt caves and we will walk up the sand dunes of the area until we reach the summit of the Big Dune; there you will see how a spectacular change of colors happens in front of your eyes while enjoying a delicious cocktail (included).

After the cocktail, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama by van and drop you off at your Hotel or in town.

 

Overnight at Casa don Tomas Hotel www.dontomas.cl

 

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DAY 02: ATACAMA SALT FLAT – CHAXA LAGOON – MISCANTI AND MEÑIQUES LAGOON

08:30 am -After breakfast, we will drive to the Atacama Salt Flat and enter the National Flamingo Reserve; this National Reserve is formed by a gigantic depression of more than 3.500km2, located 2.300 masl. The Salar is the biggest salt field in Chile, and the huge amount of salt makes the surface white and rough. The dryness and the altitude of the salt field allow you to have an excellent panoramic view of the area. At the bottom of the salt field there is an enormous lake, that receives water from mountain rivers and melting snow, and -as it has no runoff- several small lagoons have formed, where we will be able to observe the three types of flamingos living in the area: the English, the Andean and the Chilean.

We will continue our trip driving to Miscanti and Meñiques, that are lagoons of crystalline water and intense blue color at 4.350 and 4.100 masl; there we will walk and visit the surrounding area.

3:30 pm- we will arrive to town.

Lunch is included

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Overnight at Casa don Tomas Hotel www.dontomas.cl

 

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DAY 3: AM GEYSERS – WETLANDS –MACHUCA VILLAGE-  PM CEJAR LAGOON AND TEBINQUINCHE LAGOON

Today we will set off very early (05:30 AM ) and drive in the van towards Tatio geysers. We will reach 4.350 mts and enjoy breakfast (included). In this area, you will see a series of fumaroles that erupt water and steam of volcanic origin; we will walk this scenery at dawn in its entire splendor and then we will start our trip back- on the way we will visit the tiny Machuca Village, with a population of less than 10 people. In this village there is an old church on a hilltop, and a row of mud houses; here you can find souvenirs and a barbeque vendor of delicious Llama Anticuchos (skewered meat).   

We will return to the hotel at 11:15 am.

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In the afternoon -at 4pm- we will go to The Cejar Lagoon, where you will be able to swim enjoying the gravitational effect caused by the amount of salt condensed, and consequently, floating very easily. You will be amazed with the amazing turquoise of the lagoon.

 

After this, we will continue to Ojos del Salar to visit two small lagoons and then we will end our day enjoying a farewell cocktail at Tebinquinche Lagoon (included), in one of the best spots for enjoying the sunset in the Atacama Desert.

Once our picnic ends, we will drive back to San Pedro de Atacama and say goodbye to your guides.

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Overnight at Casa don Tomas Hotel www.dontomas.cl

 

DAY 4: TRANSFER HOTEL IN SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA AIRPORT

Depending  on your departure flight, a shared transfer will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Calama airport.

 

Duration

4 days, easy level.

 

Requirements

Comfortable clothes and shoes, coat, flip-flops, bathing suit, towel, sunglasses and sunscreen.

 

Included

-Private English-speaking Local Guide

-Private transportation on an air-conditioned van

-3 nights lodging at Casa Don Tomas Hotel www.dontomas.cl

-Meals as mentioned on the program (Breakfast, Lunch,Cocktails)

-Transfer in/out by shared services

-Entrance fees at National Parks

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Not included

- International and local flights (we can help you buy local flights)

- Accident Insurance (you MUST have your own insurance)

- Laundry

- Tips for guides and drivers