Exclusive Atacama: Beyond the Ordinary

Transfer Calama Airport / San Pedro de Atacama Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Full-Day Altiplanic Lagoons, Atacama Salt Flat and Red Rocks

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and head southeast.

First, we will visit Laguna Chaxa, the central point of the Atacama Salt Flat, within the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This lagoon is surrounded by salt and gypsum crusts formed by the evaporation of saline groundwater. Here, we can observe flamingos and other bird species. We will then continue to the Miscanti and Miñiques High Plateau Lagoons, also within the Reserve. At over 4.000 meters above sea level, they lie at the foot of two homonymous volcanoes. Their landscapes blend the color of the water from underground sources, the volcanoes, and the ice formed by low temperatures.

Next, we will head to Piedras Rojas, a reddish landscape formed by iron oxidation, where you can also appreciate the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat, a green-colored lagoon, one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Finally we will return to San Pedro.

Full-Day Trekking in the Rainbow Valley and Petroglyphs

We will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and take the CH-23 highway west, heading toward the airport. Just before crossing the Domeyko mountain range, we will continue on the B-207 highway and reach the Salado River at 3,500 meters above sea level, where we will begin our hike through a canyon that often has water during the summer (rainy season). On the canyon walls, we will see rock art, mainly petroglyphs of llamas and other animals. Since it is occasionally a watercourse, we will observe native plants that the locals still use for various purposes today.

After walking on flat but slightly uphill terrain, we will climb a hill to get a general view of the area and spot the sector known as the Rainbow Valley. We will descend into it and observe the different minerals that give it its name. We will cross these colorful hills to meet our driver, who will then take us back to the hotel or to visit other petroglyphs.

Full-Day trekking in the Cactus Valley and visit to the Puritama Hot Springs

We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning after breakfast. We will travel 22 km north along the B-245 road to reach the Guatin Gatchi Valley, located at 3,200 meters above sea level. Here, two rivers meet: the Puripica River (which in the native language means “cold water””) and the Puritama River (“hot water””), along which we will hike for approximately 5 km until reaching the Puritama Hot Springs.

At the beginning of the trek, we will observe ancient cacti up to 5 meters tall, as well as native flora and fauna. We will then descend and follow the river through the canyon, where we will see fox tails, waterfalls, and cascades. After crossing the river one last time, we will arrive at the hot springs facilities, located at 3,500 meters above sea level, where you will have time to enjoy a relaxing bath.

Afterwards, we will return to San Pedro and drop you off at your hotel.

Optional Visit to Tatio Geysers

On your free day, we recommend an excursion to the El Tatio Geysers: visit one of the highest geothermal fields in the world, El Tatio, located at an altitude of 4,320 meters in the Andes Mountains. The name “El Tatio”” means “Crying Grandfather”” in the Kunza language. Here, at sunrise, a fascinating natural spectacle awaits: impressive steam columns rise up to 10 meters high and reach temperatures of 85°C. During the journey, you will be able to admire the area’s diverse wildlife, including vicuñas, llamas, and viscachas, as well as remarkable native vegetation such as giant cacti and llaretas.

Transfer San Pedro Atacama Hotel / Calama Airport

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Calama Airport.