Atacama Desert Explorer
High-Altitude Landscapes & Culture | 6 Days / 5 Nights
6 Days / 5 Nights
Max 14 Travelers
From $4,950 usd
Available all year
Overview
Discover one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth through a carefully designed journey across the Atacama Desert. Based in San Pedro de Atacama, this 6-day experience combines high-altitude exploration, unique ecosystems, and local culture, all at a well-paced rhythm that allows for proper acclimatization.
From vast salt flats dotted with flamingos to remote altiplano landscapes, geothermal fields, and surreal desert formations, each day reveals a different dimension of this extreme environment. Along the way, you’ll explore traditional villages, encounter wildlife adapted to harsh conditions, and experience the cultural depth of the Andean plateau.
With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics from Calama airport, this journey offers both depth and accessibility—ideal for travelers looking to experience the Atacama in a meaningful and immersive way.
Trip Facts
- Trip Length: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Activity Level: Moderate (some high-altitude exposure)
- Group Size: Max 14 travelers
- Start/End: Calama Airport (CJC), Chile
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel or higher in San Pedro de Atacama
- Season: Year-round
- From: $4,590 USD (based on a double occupancy). Single Supplement: $900 USD.
Next Dates
Available all year
Highligths
Flamingo colonies in the Salar de Atacama
Remote landscapes of Salar de Tara and high Andes
Sunrise at El Tatio Geysers
Sunset in Valle de la Luna
Thermal bath experience in Puritama Hot Springs
Cultural encounters in traditional Andean villages
Itinerary at a glance
Arrival at Calama Airport and private transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.
Afternoon at leisure to settle into the hotel, acclimatize to the altitude, and explore the town.
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Morning visit to the Salar de Atacama, including Laguna Chaxa, home to flamingo colonies. Continue to the village of Toconao and visit a local vineyard.
Return to San Pedro for lunch.In the afternoon, explore Catarpe Valley with a walk through desert landscapes and ancient indigenous ruins.
Dinner in town.
A full-day expedition along the international route near Licancabur Volcano. Travel through remote high-altitude landscapes within the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
Visit Salar de Pujsa, the Monjes de la Pacana formations, and—if conditions and group energy allow—continue to the spectacular Salar de Tara.
This is a long and rewarding day exploring some of the most remote and impressive landscapes in the region.
Transfer to the Guatín area to begin a scenic hike along the Puritama River oasis (approx. 2–2.5 hours).
Arrive at the Puritama Hot Springs and enjoy time to relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by desert vegetation.
Lunch at the site. Afternoon return to San Pedro with time to rest or explore the town.
Early departure before sunrise to the El Tatio Geysers. Breakfast served on-site while observing geothermal activity at dawn.
Return via the village of Machuca and surrounding landscapes.
Afternoon visit to Valle de la Luna to experience sunset in one of the most iconic desert settings.
Farewell dinner in San Pedro.
Transfer to Calama Airport for departure.
What’s Included
- 5 nights accommodation (3-star or higher) in San Pedro de Atacama
- Airport transfers (Calama – San Pedro – Calama)
- Private transportation throughout the program
- Professional local guides
- All excursions described in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to parks and reserves
- Meals as specified (breakfasts, lunches, select dinners)
Not included:
- Flights (international or domestic)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
- Gratuities and personal expenses