Atacama Desert Adventure

Your transfer will be waiting with your name on a sign. They will have limited English but good enough to guide you to your transfer. This transfer will take approximately 1.5 hours.  

For this breathtaking excursion, you will be picked up at your hotel in the afternoon.

Expect to spend a spectacular evening exploring Death Valley and watching the sun set in Moon Valley. The tour heads from San Pedro due north. First the group will stop to take some great pictures of the Andean Mountain range, the Atacama salt lake mountain, the active Lascar Volcano and the impressive Licancabur Volcano. 

Your first destination is Death Valley, home to bizarre rock agglomerations. There you will have time to discover this barren land formed by erosion over thousands of years. Afterwards you will continue towards Moon Valley, a silent moonscape with strange formations that nature has carved of salt and clay. 

You will visit the “Tres Marías” rock formation and salt caverns before watching the sun fade away into the night. Before sunset you can also opt for a short hike to one of the giant sand dunes in the valley for a better view.

After the tour, you will be returned to your hotel.

OPTIONAL ADD ON: Note this activity is optional and the cost is not currently included in the price, please let your consultant know if you would like to add this to your itinerary.

You will be picked up at your hotel for this tour.

The Atacama Desert is internationally renowned for its astrological observations thanks to its clear skies and low humidity. This excursion will take you on a 2 - 3 hour tour of the beautiful stars and planets above. After pick up, the tour travels to different locations that have been handpicked due to their astronomical viewpoints. You will observe the night sky and your guide will help you discover a variety of constellations and planets while enjoying a lovely aperitif. This is an “out of this world” experience! 

You will be transferred to your hotel after the tour.

Snack included. 

Located in the magic splendor of San Pedro de Atacama in the desert area in northern Chile, Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas offers its guests the best in comfort and ambiance. Spacious rooms with private baths are complimented by the best in service. Here the earth-colors of the world´s driest desert appear like a shimmering mosaic.

This tour will take you to the enigmatic archeological site known as Yerbas Buenas, located 68 km from San Pedro de Atacama. In this area you will be impressed by the great variety of old petroglyphs carved in rock that are believed to have been used by the ancient natives to mark routes in this arid region. 

Afterwards, you will continue to the fascinating Rainbow Valley, an area surrounded by beautiful hills and attractive multi-colored rock formations. Here you will find mountains naturally painted ochre, green, black, purple, brown and endless varieties of colors to feast your eyes on. You will have more than enough time to roam this incredible place and to take unbelievable pictures to remember this remarkable experience. 

Explore the nearby town of Toconao and the Salar de Atacama with this shared half day adventure. 

The tour starts by heading south on wide open, unpaved roads to visit the town of Toconao. You will explore the largest salt lake in Chile that is part of the driest desert in the world. The Salar de Atacama is formed by a series of salt basins stretching beyond the horizon. It is dry and barren but it is one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes on earth. 

It is home to various species of flamingos as well as many other birds. The Laguna Chaxa, part of the Flamingo National Reserve, offers a terrific opportunity to get close up look at the surrounding landscape.

Finally, looking towards the Andes enjoy a colorful sunset bringing you to the end of your tour. Return to your Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Wander around this cute pueblo at your own pace and get a taste of what it is like to live in the driest dessert in the world. There are handicraft markets, a beautiful small town square and historic church. 

OPTIONAL ADD ON: Not included in starting price

Before dawn breaks, you will be picked up from your hotel and depart San Pedro.

Head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks. El Tatio is situated at 4.300 m above sea level high on the Altiplano. It is the highest geothermal field in the world and boasts spectacular scenery. You will need to make sure to bring warm clothes as temperatures at this altitude are considerably low this early in the morning. 

At dawn you will observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds that are encrusted with brilliant salt crystals reflecting the metal-blue sky. 

A simple breakfast will be waiting for you after walking through the thermal fields.

After this visit to El Tatio, you will explore the village of Machuca known as the resting place for llama caravans that travelled the Inca Highway. Here you can buy some local treats and depending on the day, potentially try a tasty, high protien snack of barbecued llama skewer.

You will be returned to your hotel just after midday.

OPTIONAL ADD ON: Not included in starting price

The Puritama hot springs are located only 30 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. Known for their warm temperatures and rich mineral composition many people believe they contain therapeutic properties and medicinal benefits. This series of eight large pools are connected by wooden footpaths and boast a small waterfall and changing rooms. 

Enjoy time in relaxation and peace surrounded by the deserts natural landscape. On the way back an optional stop at the Valle de los Cactus is available where one can take amazing pictures next to large and tall cacti.