Andean Traverse (Chile – Bolivia) 8 days

At your arrival to the Airport of Calama, you will be welcomed by your Atacama Experience team. From there, we will

drive to the Oasis of San Pedro de Atacama (one hour and a half driving time approximately).

Includes: Mineral Water.

In the evening (starting time: between 21:00 or 22:00), you will initiate an astronomical circuit, departing from your Lodging in San Pedro de Atacama, to an area where there is total absence of artificial light. We will reach the astronomical facilities, where we will learn about the ancient, and modern astronomy. We will have the opportunity to observe the stars through telescopes, in a clean and cloudless sky, in the unique Atacama Desert, the best place in the world for stargazing.

Includes: Hot Beverage, Snacks Transportation from and to your Lodging.

In the morning (8:30 am), we will depart from your lodging, to the unforgettable Puritama Hot Springs, where we can enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural thermal pools, with healing water, that have temperatures that oscillate between 30º, and 35º degrees Celsius. The infrastructure of the Hot Springs, offers dressing rooms, picnic area, bathrooms, and easy access to the pools. We will also enjoy a delicious Cocktail in an incredible spot. Will return to San Pedro de Atacama at 11:30 am approximately

Includes: Mineral water & Snacks.

In the afternoon (15:00 Hrs), we shall move to famous Moon Valley. Here we will contemplate the diverse colours of the desert, tectonics plates and millenary dunes. This area will impress us with its unusual moon landscape, and beautiful geographic formations. Later, we will continue to the Great Dune, the Amphitheatre view point, as well as the Tres Marias Natural Monument, to observe the different geographical formations, and salt and crystals of the Salt Mountain Range. From here we will drive to a special, and fantastic view point on the highest point of the Death Valley, where we will enjoy an unforgettable sunset, exactly at the moment when the desert reveals all its colours. We shall return to San Pedro de Atacama at approximately 20:00 hrs.

Includes: Mineral Water & Cocktail at sunset.

In the morning (9:00 am), we will drive south, to find between majestic mountain chains, the beautiful Andean village of Toconao, known for its warm and friendly inhabitants, textiles, and incredible way of cultivating the desert. This village is mainly built with volcanic Liparita rocks.

From here, we shall continue to the impressive Atacama Salt Flat, the third biggest in the world, where three species of flamingos, and other aquatic birds feed, and refuge in this unique and isolated ecosystem.

We will continue our way, driving up the international road towards the Sico Pass (Argentina), climbing gradually into the high plateau, with incredible sights of the volcanic mountain range. On the way, we will pass by the little farmer’s village of Socaire, filled with terrace plantations, until we arrive to the impressive high plateau lagoons, Miscanti and Miñiques, at 4,350 meters above sea level. Surrounded by volcanoes and fantastic panoramic views, we will be able to contemplate the biodiversity of this area and the different altitude levels we have gone through.

We will continue to the Talar Salt Flat and Piedras Rojas site, to enjoy a breathtaking landscape from a unique viewpoint. We shall return to San Pedro in the afternoon (16:00 hrs).

Includes: Mineral water & outdoor lunch.

Early in the morning (6:30 am), after breakfast, our route will start through an old mining road, until we reach the altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level, where the Tatio Geysers will show us its magnificence.

In the Tatio, we will be able to observe different geothermal formations, and its exuberant flora and fauna, with animals such as vicuñas (Andean camels), vizcachas (rabbit-like rodents), and guayatas (Andean geese). After an incredible sunrise and exploration of the geyser field, we will have breakfast surrounded by this breathtaking landscape.

Further on, our route will guide us through the high plateau and the volcano valley, until arriving at the small village of Machuca, where only five inhabitants live.

On the way back, we will also have the chance to observe giant endemic cactus, known as Equinopsis atacamensis, which we will find in a small oasis named Guatin. Through majestic landscapes, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama at mid-day.

Includes: Mineral water & breakfast at sunrise.

After breakfast, we will meet you at your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama (8:00 am) to drive up into the highlands of Bolivia. On the way, we will have the opportunity to see very closely the mighty Licancabur and Juriques volcanoes (5,916 m and 5,600 m). Once entering Bolivia, we will visit the beautiful White and Green Lagoons, surrounded by fantastic sights of the Andes volcanic mountain chain.

From here, we will continue until we arrive at the silent valley of Salvador Dalí, where we will be fascinated by unbelievable landscapes, similar to the paintings of this famous artist. On the way, we will also visit the breathtaking Sol de Mañana Geysers (the highest in the world).

In the afternoon, after a delicious outdoor lunch, we will arrive at the Colorada Lagoon, with an astonishing red color. Here we can observe three different types of flamingos in the same place where they reproduce and develop.

We will also visit the famous Stone Tree, crafted and carved by the wind through centuries. Before reaching our accommodation in the small Andean village of Villa Mar or San Juan (depending on lodging availability), we will be able to enjoy the sight of beautiful lagoons as well as an astonishing high plateau landscape.

Includes: Mineral water, outdoor lunch & dinner.

From our lodging in the village of Villa Mar or San Juan, we will continue our overland exploration, visiting the beautiful Rock Valley, where we can find volcanic formations sculpted by centuries of wind, immersed in a unique rock labyrinth.

We will stop at the viewpoint of the active Ollagüe Volcano, with its summit at 6,050 meters above sea level. We will continue through the highland desert, with a stop for our outdoor lunch, as well as a fantastic visit at the Turquiri or Black Lagoon viewpoint.

In the afternoon, after passing several beautiful Andean villages, such as Alota, Chubica, and San Cristóbal, we will finally reach the city of Uyuni. Accommodation in a comfortable hotel.

Includes: Mineral water & outdoor lunch.

After breakfast (8:30 am), we will explore in depth the incredible Uyuni Salt Flat. We will drive over the salt crust in a fascinating traverse that promises unforgettable views of this unique place.

Further on, we will visit the famous Inca Huasi Island (not possible if the salt flat is flooded), where many endemic species of cactus, plants, and birds are found, and of course, a 360º view of the immense salt flat.

Continuing our exploration, we will drive to the small village of Colchani, where the inhabitants of the borders of the salt flat produce and pack edible salt for sale, as well as salt blocks used as building material.

In the afternoon, we will return to rest at our hotel.

Includes: Mineral water, breakfast & outdoor lunch.

In the morning (6:00 am), we will depart from Uyuni, towards the Chilean border, making a first stop at the famous Locomotive Cemetery.

On the way, beautiful and small Andean villages will appear in our path, through an immense desert scenario. We will pass by the stunning Colorada Lagoon once more, as well as the impressive Sol de Mañana Geysers.

In the afternoon, we will reach the Green and White Lagoons, as well as the Bolivian border control. We shall arrive in San Pedro de Atacama at approximately 16:30 hrs.

Includes: Mineral water & outdoor lunch.

We will continue from San Pedro de Atacama to the Calama Airport, on time for your departure flight.

Includes: Mineral water.

Note: We recommend booking departure flights after 18:30 or 20:00 hrs for this program proposal, or even booking one more night in San Pedro de Atacama upon arrival from the Uyuni Salt Flat.