Trip Extension Overview
In northern Chile’s vast Atacama Desert lies the picturesque oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. This geologically and historically rich area was once the hub for Inca trade and, later, the Spanish conquistadors. Now San Pedro de Atacama is best known for its natural and archaeological wonders, offering breathtaking and unique views around every turn whether exploring the giant salt flat, Salar de Atacama, the pristine lagoons of the high plains, or the panoramas of the southern constellations.
Trip Features
- 4 & 5 Days
- Starting at $2,495 per person
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PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate -
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, Stargazing -
HIGHLIGHTS
Atacama Salt Flat, Toconao Village, Tatio Geysers, Cactus Valley, Miscanti & Miiques Lagoons
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Upon arrival at the Calama airport, you will be met by your driver for the sixty-minute ride to San Pedro de Atacama. The town stands as an oasis in the midst of the worlds driest desert, where geological evidence suggests that certain areas have never experienced rainfall. Here a rich pre-Colombian cultural history dating back thousands of years lives on today in traditional artisan crafts and a renowned archaeological museum. Arrive at your hotel and get settled in.
In the afternoon, you will travel to the Cordillera de la Sal to discover one of the newest hike options in the area. Vallecito (Little Valley). The tour takes you through the Cordillera de la Sal where you’ll observe a spectacular geological phenomenon. Composed of large deposits of salt, gypsum and chalk and reddish-colored clay, this mountain range offers a landscape rich in natural sculptures. Here you can find magnificent caves with stalactites, sharp ridges, a landscape of unique morphology and a stunning view of the volcanoes of the region. You’ll see stunning dunes, crystallized gypsum stones, and sharp ridges.
Finally, enjoy a cocktail while you wait for the sunset in front of the Andes Mountain range, with a cocktail to enjoy. Return to your hotel and rest of the evening free to relax and adjust the altitude.
After breakfast you’ll take a guided hike inside the Vilama River canyon, where you’ll appreciate a large cactus forest and a unique stone formation that surrounds this stunning canyon. The area is a place of great cultural and archaeological relevance, ideal for those who want to know the landscape of the pre-puna of Atacama. Free afternoon to enjoy the hotel or a walk into the town of San Pedro. (B, L)
Today you’ll drive to the south of San Pedro de Atacama, towards the Sico border crossing. Your first stop will be on a Tamarugo forest. Next you’ll continue on to the Altiplano Lagoons. You’ll discover the Miscanti & Miiques lagoons, with a privilege view of the volcanoes. Your next visit is the Tropic of Capricorn where you’ll take some photos and learn more about this southern hemisphere parallel.
On the way back you pass through Toconao, a village of 600 inhabitants who make their living through agriculture and artisan handicrafts of local materials (llama and alpaca wool, cactus wood, volcanic rock). You’ll also see the Tower of Saint Lucas, a national monument and symbol of Toconao, as well as houses constructed of pumice extracted from the nearby quarry. On returning to your hotel, you have the rest of the day to yourself. (B,L)
Thousands of stars and the mighty brushstroke of the Milky Way will still be visible at this mornings 4 AM departure to experience sunrise at the Tatio Geyser Field, 14,000 feet above sea level. The early start gives visitors the most photogenic view of El Tatio, the third largest geyser field in the world. The eruptions of steaming water are produced by the convergence of groundwater above a lava field which causes huge plumes of steam and gas to expel through the cracks, sometimes exceeding 32 feet. Afterward, you may enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the thermal hot springs where temperatures reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the way back, the majestic Andean peaks seem close enough to touch. You’ll stop briefly at Machuca, a small llama herder settlement. This picturesque village is filled with thatched roof adobe houses and green wetlands. In the afternoon transfer to the Calama airport for the flight to Santiago. (B)
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