Highlights of the Atacama
Trip type
Private
Trip length
4 Days
From
$2,095
Location
The Atacama
Highlights of the Atacama - 4 Days - $2,095
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Day 1: Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama; Salt Mountains/Moon Valley
Day 2: Guatin Cactus Hike; Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs
Day 3: El Tatio Geysers
Day 4: Transfer to Calama Airport
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama; Salt Mountains/Moon Valley
After arriving at Calama Airport, you'll be taken by a private transfer to your hotel in the colourful village of San Pedro de Atacama, passing the impressive rock formations on the way. San Pedro is located 2,440m above sea level in the middle of a vast Andean plain.
Depending on arrival times, you'll head for a half-day excursion into Atacama's salt mountains—Vallecito and Moon Valley—landscapes so alien that they were used as a filming location for The Mandalorian series. Vallecito, less crowded than Moon Valley, provides an otherworldly experience, with its historical ties to salt mining and exploration by NASA.
You'll be free in the evening to soak up the relaxed atmosphere in bohemian San Pedro. The town has many wonderful restaurants to choose from.
Accommodation: Casa Atacama NOI or similar
Day 2: Guatin Cactus Hike; Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs
Today comprises two half-day hikes in one. The Guatin Cactus Valley takes you from the flat desert plains to rocky gorges, where you'll navigate streams and encounter the towering Cardon Cactus, perfect for hiking and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Your visit to the Rainbow Valley offers a glimpse into the ancient Lican Antai culture through petroglyphs and a stunning natural palette of colours, showcasing a mix of geological and human history.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Casa Atacama NOI or similar
Day 3: El Tatio Geysers
Before dawn, your guide will collect you to head north, about 1.5 hours along a dirt road, to the famous El Tatio Geysers – a geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks. El Tatio is situated at 4,300m above sea level on the Bolivian border and is the highest geothermal field in the world. It's about as 'in the middle of nowhere' as you can get.
You'll be able to watch the geyser erupt and the brilliant salt crystals reflect around the steaming pools. We'll also visit Geyser Blanco where some hardy souls even try to dip in the cooler pools. Return to San Pedro de Atacama before lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Atacama NOI or similar
Day 4: Transfer to Calama Airport
You'll take a private transfer from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport, ready for departure or onward travel.
We recommend a flight departing after 5pm.
Meals: Breakfast
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What our customers think of Highlights of the Atacama
Highlights of the Atacama trips scored 4.3/5 from 14 reviews
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Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Additional Notes
Final trip price – This will depend on the exchange rate on the day of booking.
Accommodation – The accommodation on this itinerary can be modified. Please see our guide to Atacama hotels for more information.
Single supplement – Please enquire.
Day 3 / El Tatio Geysers - Due to the high altitude and early departure the recommendation is to have a light dinner and no alcohol the night before. Bring warm clothing, sun cream, sunglasses, a bathing suit and towels. This excursion is not recommended for pregnant women and children younger than 6 years
Includes
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a hotel in San Pedro
- Private transfer from Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama
- Private transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport
- Private excursions with an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks during lunch or dinner
- Any extra/optional excursions
- Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities/tips
- International and domestic/in-country flights
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
