Excursions from Tierra Atacama

One of the most iconic sights of the Atacama. You'll set off early to reach the Tatio geysers just as the sun rises above the horizon and spend some time at the geyser field, home to over 80 geysers, where you'll also have breakfast.

On the journey back to the hotel, you could spot vicuñas, foxes, and Andean ostriches, before stopping at the village of Machuca—a tiny settlement with a wooden church and handicraft stalls.

Duration: Full-day | Difficulty: Easy | Restricited (includes acclimitisation)

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This captivating excursion features vivid colours and an introduction to the vast expanse of the highland desert. Visit the unique stone village of Toconao, then the Los Flamencos National Reserve at Chaxa Lagoon in the Salar de Atacama, which is home to three species of flamingo and the perfect location to take in the desert landscape vistas.

Duration: Full-day | Difficulty: Easy

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Set out in the golden hours of the afternoon, when the desert shifts beneath the changing light and travel toward the southern edge of the Atacama Salt Flat. Here lies Cejar Lagoon, San Pedro’s own ‘mini Dead Sea’, a deep, pristine pool framed by a thick crust of white salt.

Slip into its crystalline waters, where exceptional salinity creates a natural, effortless float – an experience as refreshing as it is surreal. 

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Easy

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This excursion is a real geological and archaeological treat. You'll be driven towards the Domekyo Mountains and Rainbow Valley, where you'll take a 30-minute walk to take in the stunning colours of the valley walls, created by millennia of erosion.

You'll then head to the town of Hierbas Buenas to see pre-Columbian petroglyphs on the walls of a natural rock shelter. These depict animals and ancient messages which are still not completely understood.

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Easy

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Journey southwest of San Pedro de Atacama to the Cordillera de la Sal and explore the surreal expanse of the Valley of the Moon. Walk among otherworldly rock formations shaped by wind, water, and extreme desert conditions and experience the vastness of the Atacama’s dramatic landscape. This is a wonderful landscape, especially when the selenite (plaster glass) shines in the morning sunlight.

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Easy

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Experience the surreal beauty of Piedras Rojas Lagoon, where vibrant red rocks contrast with tranquil turquoise waters and colour-shifting mountain ranges on the horizon. Take a walk to witness the vivid interplay of icy water, salt deposits and red stone, taking in the vastness of this extraordinary landscape.

Due to the high altitude (around 4,000m above sea level), this activity can be physically demanding and is not recommended for those sensitive to altitude.

Duration: Half-day | Level: Easy/Moderate | Restricted

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The skies in the Atacama desert are amongst the clearest in the world and there are many ways to view the canopy of stars and the Milky Way as it moves through the heavens. View astronomical phenomena through a professional telescope, spot classical constellations with the naked eye, and learn about the Atacameñan view of the cosmos.

Duration: 1.5 hours | Level: Easy

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Follow crystalline rivers and dramatic rock formations on this trek through the Purilactis Gorge. Discover some of the region’s oldest petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas, believed to have been carved by ancient traders. The trail continues through arid mountain terrain and ends at the Rainbow Valley, where multicoloured rock walls create a striking finale.

Duration: Full-day | Difficulty: Moderate

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This excursion starts with a drive to the edge of the Quebrada del Diablo (Devil's Canyon). From here you'll hike along the dried-up river bed, flanked on each side by tall, craggy walls. The trail will begin to ascend steadily to a viewpoint which offers far-reaching views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Up here you'll also find petroglyphs etched into the rock walls - a reminder of the traders and travellers who have passed along this route for hundreds of years. It's possible to spot the green oasis of San Pedro de Atacama too. The return route descends a steep hill to your waiting vehicle.

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate

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This excursion starts with a short drive to the flourishing Guatin Gatchi Valley. You'll hike following a trail through a cardon forest, passing by giant cacti, to the confluence of two rivers - the Puritama and Purifica. The former river is has warm, thermal waters, and the latter cool, mountain meltwater.

On your way through the valley, you'll encounter small waterfalls and interesting vegetation before reaching a beautiful panorama of the sweeping valley below.

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

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Set out on an exhilarating journey through the Atacama’s striking desert landscapes. Follow an ancient road toward Calama, encountering sculpted, otherworldly terrain and awe-inspiring views of towering volcanoes. Climb a small dune along the rim of Death Valley, where a 360-degree panorama reveals oases, salt flats, and rugged peaks.

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

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Begin in the high Andean village of Machuca (4,000m) and follow the Peñaliri River through striking Altiplano scenery. Spot llamas and native birdlife, pause for lunch in the abandoned hamlet of Peñaliri, and continue past ancient terraces and cacti to reach Río Grande, a traditional farming village.

Due to the high altitude, this activity can be physically demanding and is not recommended for those sensitive to altitude.

Duration: Full-day | Level: Moderate/Hard | Restricted

Departing from the hotel, horseback rides can be tailored to guests' riding ability and desired experience, ranging from a one-hour gentle walk around the village or up to five hours in duration, heading towards the Salt Mountains nearby. The rides are operated by experienced local guides and the saddles are Chilean, similar to the US western saddles. 

Duration: Full or Half-day | Level: Moderate | Included

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Embark on a 14-mile cycling adventure from a lush oasis across the desert plains to the striking Cordillera de la Sal. Ride through spectacular valleys, vast sand dunes and historic salt mines as the landscape transforms from verdant to otherworldly, offering an experience that feels almost extraterrestrial.

Duration: Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Included

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Set out early to explore the heart of the Cordillera de la Sal by bike, winding through Quebrada del Diablo (Devil’s Canyon) and a maze of dry riverbeds, rocky gorges and hidden groves. A final ascent leads to the canyon’s upper reaches, where the stark desert backdrop gives way to the unexpected green of the Catarpe plantations below.

Duration: Half-day | Level: Moderate | Included

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Capture the best of the Atacama on a tailor-made photography tour led by a professional photographer. Visit the region’s most iconic landscapes while creating lasting memories through personalised photo, video and drone sessions, with optional add-ons such as llamas, horseback riding, or cycling for unique shots.

Duration: Full-day | Level: Easy | Additional cost excursion

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This is a full-day private journey to the Andean Altiplano, exploring Piedras Rojas, where red volcanic rock meets turquoise waters and white salt flats. Continue to the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, refuges for Andean wildlife, before enjoying lunch in Socaire Village and returning to the hotel by late afternoon.

Due to the high altitude, this activity can be physically demanding and is not recommended for those sensitive to altitude.

Duration: Full-day | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate | Additional cost excursion

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Lift off at dawn for a breathtaking balloon flight over the Atacama Desert. Watch the sun rise behind the Licancabur Volcano, casting golden light across the desert’s vast expanse - a serene, unforgettable perspective of this extraordinary landscape. 

Duration: 5 hours (1 hour 45 minutes of flight time) | Level: Easy | Additional cost excursion

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Travel to a historic indigenous estate in the Andean foothills to learn about ancient Atacameñan traditions and explore ancestral archaeological sites. Conclude the experience with sunset views and a tasting of authentic Andean flavours, prepared by local hosts who preserve these time-honoured customs.

Duration: 3-4 hours | Level: Easy | Additional cost excursion

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Relax in a series of eight natural thermal pools nestled in a canyon 30 kilometres from San Pedro. The thermal waters between 28°C and 31°C are rich in revitalising minerals like calcium, magnesium and boron, surrounded by native vegetation and serene desert views.

Duration: Half-day | Level: Easy | Additional cost excursion

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