Atacama Adventure

Arrive Calama, drive to San Pedro, visit Catarpe Valley

Upon arrival at Calama airport we shall be met and commence the 95km drive to San Pedro de Atacama. At 2400 metres above sea level, San Pedro de Atacama is considered the archeological capital of Chile. It was the main center of the Atacama culture and was formerly named El Oasis for the rare desert springs nearby that have supported life here since the 11th century. Today, San Pedro is a delightful colonial town connected by small narrow streets. In the late afternoon we visit Catarpe Valley located 6km from San Pedro de Atacama. The remains of an ancient Inca administrative center. We continue on to the nearby Pré hispanic fortress, the Pukara de Quitor, which was restored in 1981 and to the archaeologically important village of Tulor, which is made up of unusual round houses connected to each other. Set at an oasis, the village has been covered by sand, and there have been no signs of its previous inhabitants so far. Return to San Pedro de Atacama and overnight.PLEASE NOTE: Airport transfer on a shared service basis is included if you arrive between 8.00am and 6.00pm. Please ensure you arrive before 12.00pm to participate in the afternoon excursion.

Lagoons and Salt Flats

Our excursion today ascends to the Lagoons and Atacama Salt Flats. We visit Toconao village, famous for its volcanic stone artisans, and take a hike to Jeri Valley and visit the Chaxa Lagoon, home to a flamingo breeding ground. The trip continues towards Meñique and Miscanti lagoons located at 4000 metres. These lagoons are surrounded by impressive volcanoes originated by the rising of the Andes in ancient geological times. On the way, we will also visit the pretty village of Socaire. A box lunch is taken en route and return to San Pedro. Today is a long but rewarding day, as this spectacular region opens up its secrets.

El Tatio Geysers and Machuca

We leave our hotel at around 4.00am in the morning to ensure we are at the high geyser field (4300 metres) at daybreak to witness the geysers as they produce explosive vents of steam that reach up to 8 metres in height. In the early morning light it is quite a mystical scene. After this impressive start to the day we continue through the highlands with an impressive view of Putama Volcano and the Tocorpuri Mountains where the native flora can be appreciated. Return to San Pedro de Atacama, visiting Machuca village en-route.In the late afternoon we’ll take an excursion to the Valley of the Moon (also known as the Death Valley) which reveals a fantastic moonlike landscape that forms part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range). Because of the lack of humidity, there is no life here, rendering it into one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. However, at sunset the play of light creates a sublime scene that we plan to experience during our scheduled visit. Return to San Pedro de Atacama and overnight.

Transfer to Calama where trip concludes

Transfer to Calama airport where the trip concludes.Please do not book a flight from Calama before 11am. Airport transfer on a shared service basis is included if your departure flight leaves between 11.00am and 7.30pm. PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary is a guide only, the order of the excursions may change.