Atacama Traverse & Desert Camping 5 Days

At your arrival at 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.
Note: We recommend arrival flights no later than 13:00 hrs for this program proposal.

In the afternoon (15:00 hrs), we shall move to the famous Moon Valley. Here we will contemplate the diverse colors of the desert, tectonic plates, and millenary dunes. This area will impress us with its unusual moon-like landscape and beautiful geographic formations. Later, we will continue to the Great Dune, the Amphitheater viewpoint, as well as the Tres Marías Natural Monument, to observe the different geographical formations, salt, and crystals of the Salt Mountain Range. From here, we will drive to a special and fantastic viewpoint 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 colors. We shall return to San Pedro de Atacama at approximately 20:00 hrs.

Includes: Mineral water & cocktail at sunset.

In the morning (8:30 am), we will drive towards the Llano de la Paciencia (Patience Valley), where we will cross a wide arid riverbed in our 4WD vehicles. We will follow a dirt road that was used by old salt mining family companies, which traveled between San Pedro de Atacama and the city of Calama to sell or exchange their salt for other goods. Continuing along this sector, we will find the Piedra de la Coca site, which is a giant rock with ancient petroglyphs made by pre-Columbian caravans that traveled through different altitude levels. We will reach the massive Salt Mountain Range, where we will cross through a tunnel built in 1930 and descend into the canyon of Catarpe (2 hours of trekking), where one of the most important commercial Inca trails of this region passed through.

Here we will be able to contemplate the colors of the desert, tectonic plates, and millenary minerals of this geological treasure. We will reach the Garganta del Diablo Canyon (Devil’s Throat), where we will trek through a narrow natural labyrinth (2 hours approximately). Further on, we will reach the San Isidro Adobe Church, constructed in the middle of this magical landscape. Our 4WD vehicles will be waiting for us to drive us back to San Pedro de Atacama at approximately 13:00 hrs.

Includes: Mineral water & snacks.

In the afternoon (15:00 hrs), our team will take you to the calypso waters of the Cejar Lagoon. This lagoon is surrounded by salt formations, which enhance the entire landscape, and the saltiness of its water will let us float effortlessly, just like in the Dead Sea in the Middle East. We will also visit the Ojos del Salar Lagoons and the Tebinquinche Lagoons in the northern zone of the Atacama Salt Flat. We shall return to your lodging 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 largest in the world, where three species of flamingos and other aquatic birds feed and find 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 farmers’ village of Socaire, filled with terrace plantations, until we arrive at 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.

In the morning (8:30 am), we will drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the Hierbas Buenas Site, a place where three mountain chains meet. Here we will find ancient petroglyphs from different pre-Columbian indigenous cultures that traveled from the Andean Mountain Range towards the Pacific coast with big llama caravans, packed with diverse products from each vegetation level—a truly fascinating place!

From here, we will begin an exploration of the beautiful Rainbow Valley, which is named due to its multi-colored and diverse tectonic layers exposed after centuries of strong earthquakes, floods, and wind—a landscape of beauty for all photography lovers.

We shall return to San Pedro de Atacama at mid-day approximately.

Includes: Mineral water & snacks.

In the afternoon (13:30 hrs), 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 has temperatures oscillating between 30º and 35º degrees Celsius. Here we will also enjoy a delicious cocktail. The infrastructure of the hot springs offers dressing rooms, a picnic area, bathrooms, and easy access to the pools. We will continue to our campsite, arriving at 16:30 hrs approximately.

Includes: Mineral water & snacks.

In the afternoon (16:30 hrs approximately), we will reach our campsite in the middle of a wonderful desert scenario. Here we can enjoy a relaxing moment in deep contact with nature. The total absence of artificial light, within the healing silence of the Atacama Desert, will let us connect with a unique night filled with stars.

In the evening, we will also enjoy a delicious dinner in this unforgettable outdoor site—an experience to remember for life.

Includes: Mineral water, cocktail, outdoor dinner & breakfast.

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

At 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 cacti, known as Echinopsis atacamensis, 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.

We will depart from your hotel to the airport of Calama on time for your departure flight.

Includes: Mineral water.

Note: We recommend departure flights leaving from the Calama Airport after 15:30 hrs for this program proposal.