Atacama Desert
per person
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transfers from / to the airport
- Accommodation based on TWIN in the selected hotel category
- Private services with local English speaking guides
- Entrance fees to the sites noted in the itinerary (important: the chronological order of visits in the itinerary may change to ensure the best operation)
- Meals as noted (B: breakfast, BoxedL: boxed lunch, L: lunch, D: dinner)
- Permanent assistance by our Guest Experience Department
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Domestic flights (see separate cost above)
- Tips (for guides, drivers, waiters, luggage porters)
- Beverages during meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
- Early check-in / late check out unless explicitly stated
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Reviews
Tour Plan
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DAY 1 - SANTIAGO (-)
Welcome to Santiago. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and privately escorted to your hotel to settle in
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DAY 2 - SANTIAGO (B,L)
Your sightseeing tour explores the past and present of cosmopolitan Santiago de Chile including landmarks such as Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Post Office, La Moneda Presidential Palace and the City hall. You will have time to walk through some of the most traditional streets. Later, you head east where the city's most modern skyscrapers stand out. After driving about an hour and a half from Santiago you’ll find yourself in the oldest port of Chile, Valparaíso. ‘Valpo’ is a city with its own style. Incredibly steep cobblestone streets on the hillsides are lined with colorful century-old houses that overlook the Pacific Ocean. But Valparaiso is also known for the bohemian spirit of its people and the street art that decorate its walls. Touring this UNESCO site on foot is the best way to discover its real charm as a city of art. Your start in the center (known as El Plan) before taking one of the historic funiculars up into the hills to visit the picturesque neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion. Stroll past the sprawling mansions built for Valparaiso’s wealthy merchants as you learn about the city’s role in the Chilean economy in the 19th century and how it slowly faded after the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.
Lunch at Cafe Turri. Near the top of the 'La Concepción' lift, this 19th-century mansion has always reigned as the city's best spot for alfresco dining. The new owners, a French/Chilean couple, have added a French twist to the menu. The style in its two floors of dining rooms is a synthesis of contemporary and antique pieces but it is definitely the terrace which is the preferred spot to enjoy stunning views of Valparaiso. Return to Santiago.
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DAY 3 - SANTIAGO – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (B)
At proper time, you will be picked up from your hotel in Santiago and privately escorted to the airport for your upcoming flight with destination Calama.
Suggested Flight (not included):
10:09 Departure from Santiago with LA352
12:16 Arrival in Calama
Welcome to Calama. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and privately escorted to San Pedro de Atacama (approximate duration of the transfer: 1 ½ hours) and settle into your hotel.
Later in the afternoon, your half-day will take you through the Salt Mountain Range, a unique and spectacular geological wonder, created over many millennia as a result of the continually conflicting pressures of the Andes and the Cordillera de Domeyko. It is within this mountain range that you will find the Dinosaur, Death and Moon Valley, each filled with lookouts and views of the mountain range and its volcanoes. Making your way to the Moon Valley, you will visit the Central Crater to get a better view of the valley and the amphitheater before making your way to a viewpoint that overlooks the Three Marys - naturally occurring geological formations in the silhouetted shape of Mother Mary praying. As the sun sets you will be treated to a light-show of soft pink and red hues reflecting off the rock and petrified salt crystals in Death Valley. To celebrate this natural spectacle toast with a glass of Chilean wine and snacks.
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DAY 4 - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (B,L)
You will embark on a day trip to the celebrated Altiplanic lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques (at approx. 4200 m/ 13,779 ft) at the foot of the volcanoes Miscanti and Miñiques. En route you make a stop at the Chaxa Lagoon, a part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, where you will be able to see three different species of flamingos. The landscapes, set on the furthest end of Los Flamencos National Reserve are a mixture of desert, mountains, water, and ice which result from the extreme variation in temperatures (we recommend bringing warm clothes). Due to its natural richness, you will be able to spot Altiplanic birds such as the Chilean Flamingo and the Andean Seagull as well as wild vicunas. You then make your way to the small town of Socaire, famous for its rustic church and Inca terraces, which are still used for growing vegetables. Afterwards you will visit the highlight of your tour, the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons. Enjoy the natural beauty as you walk along the trails and then make your way to your last stop before returning to San Pedro de Atacama, Toconao, where you can appreciate the bell tower and the Saint Luke Church.
IMPORTANT
Comfortable, warm clothes, sun hat and sunglasses are recommended.
A moderate amount of walking is involved, please wear comfortable shoes.
Excursion not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, pregnant women and children under 6 years of age.
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DAY 5 - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (B)
Depart early in the morning and make your way to one of the biggest geothermal fields in the world – the Tatio Geysers (a 2-hour drive) at 4320 m / 14,173ft. You will arrive at sunrise, the best time to observe the natural spectacle that takes place there every morning. Boiling water gurgles in the frozen ground and then emerges violently as steam plumes throughout the over 100 geysers, pools and fumaroles. Take some time to soak in one of the hot springs before you continue to your last stop in Machuca. You have some time to explore this tiny adobe village at your leisure, checking out its wooden San Santiago church and a handful of houses built with adobe, straw and cactus wood before your return.
IMPORTANT
We recommend comfortable, warm clothing, sun protection and comfortable closed shoes (the temperature is always below zero). Those who want to try the hot springs should bring their swimsuit and a towel.
Not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, pregnant women and children under 6 years of age.
We recommend that you eat only light food on the evening before and drink plenty of water and tea.
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DAY 6 - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA – SANTIAGO (B)
In good time you will be transferred to Calama airport for your upcoming flight back to Santiago.
Suggested Flight (not included):
13:22 Departure from Calama with LA353
15:25 Arrival in Santiago
Welcome back to Santiago. Once landed, you will be contacted at the airport and transferred back to your hotel for your final evening in Chile.
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DAY 7 - SANTIAGO - ... (B)
At proper time, you will be privately escorted to the airport for your upcoming flight. After a quick glance at the marvelous destinations of Chile, it is time to head back home filled with memories and new experiences.
Price per person sharing TWIN | USD | CAD |
7-day Atacama Desert program in 4* hotels (First) | 2975 | 3865 |
7-day Atacama Desert program in 5* hotels (Deluxe) | 3835 | 38354885 |
HOTELS CONSIDERED
City | First | Deluxe |
SANTIAGO | ||
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA | Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama (Standard) http://www.altiplanico.cl/en/altiplanico-san-pedro-de-atacama |