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Atacama Discovery 5 Days

    What's Included?

  • 4 Nights accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama (Breakfast included)
  • Airport transfers In / Out (Calama - San Pedro)
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • Local staff support
  • Entry fees


Here is your chance to explore the Atacama one of the world's most arid landscapes. Some areas of the Atacama have not received a single drop of rain in over a hundred years. On arrival, we will pick you up at the airport in Calama and transport you to San Pedro de Atacama where you will spend the next few nights. San Pedro is historic town and a charming oasis in the otherwise vast desert set against the spectacular backdrop of the Chilean Andes.

On the first day we will visit the Valle de la Luna famous for its sand dunes, spectacular multi-colored badlands, and caverns. On day two we head towards the vast Salt Flats of the Atacama and the high altitude lakes of Miscanti and Miñiques where it's common to see wild animals that live in challenging weather conditions, such as flamingoes and vicuñas and in the distant the giant volcanoes of the Andes. On Day three, we visit the Rainbow Valley, which owes its name to the variety of colors combined with white salt and blue sky, that can be seen in the hills of the valley. On day four we head to one of San Pedro's most glorious beauty spots, where we discover incredible untouched landscapes at the Salar de Tara, a fabulous salt lagoon home to astonishing landscapes and a wonderful variety of wildlife. On day 5 we will head over to the Geiser del Tatio (4380m) the world's highest altitude thermal area. It's truly a wonderful experience to walk among the bubbling hot pots and geysers which are set against dark blue skies amidst the vast desert of the Atacama. We will then transfer you to the airport.
 
*Tours will not be available from December 21, 2025 to January 3, 2026
**Single supplement $125 per night

Day 1: Calama - San Pedro de Atacama & Moon Valley

Upon arrival at Calama airport in the morning, you’ll be transferred to San Pedro de Atacama. After lunch and a short rest, we’ll head out on an afternoon excursion to the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), a surreal landscape of multicolored badlands, sand dunes, and caverns.

Overnight in San Pedro (No meals included).

Day 2: High Plateau Lakes & Atacama Salt Flat

After breakfast, we'll set out early towards the oasis village of Toconao, known for its 16th-century church and traditional architecture. From here, we continue to the Atacama Salt Flat, a vast white expanse that at times is covered by a thin sheet of water, creating a striking mirror effect. The salt flat is home to pink flamingos and offers stunning views of the Andes.

Following lunch, we'll ascend to the high-altitude Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes (4,220m / 13,845ft), set against the dramatic backdrop of Cerro Miscanti volcano.

Overnight in San Pedro (Breakfast & Lunch included).

Day 3: Rainbow Valley & Stargazing

We begin the day traveling west towards the Domeyko Mountain Range, with a stop at Yerbas Buenas, famous for its ancient petroglyphs depicting foxes, camelids, and other animals. From here we continue to the Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoíris), named for its striking multi-colored rock formations - a dream location for photography.

In the evening, enjoy a stargazing experience under some of the clearest skies in the world, accompanied by wine and hot drinks.

Overnight in San Pedro (Breakfast, Wine & Hot Drinks during stargazing included).

Day 4: Salar de Tara

After breakfast, we'll set out towards the Andes near the Argentine border. Along the way, we'll pass the lush Quepiaco River basin, a wildlife haven where flamingoes, ducks, and other species thrive.

We'll then visit Los Monjes de la Pacana ("The Pacana Monks"), towering volcanic rock formations shaped by millennia of erosion. Finally, we reach the breathtaking Salar de Tara, a salt lagoon surrounded by dramatic landscapes where silence reigns. A short walk here allows us to take in its rare flora and fauna.

Overnight in San Pedro (Breakfast & Lunch included).

Day 5: Tatio Geysers & Departure San Pedro

A very early start (around 4:00 am) takes us to the Tatio Geysers (4,380m / 14,370ft), the world's highest geothermal field. Here, plumes of steam rise dramatically against the backdrop of the Andes volcanoes. You'll have time to explore and take photos before we return to San Pedro by early afternoon.

Later, we'll transfer you from your hotel back to Calama airport for your onward flight.

End of program. (Breakfast included).

    Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Late check-out
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals (unless otherwise stated)
  • Incidental expenses, e.g tips, beverages etc.
  • Others not mentioned


    Notes

  • Important Note:
    Flights & Pick up timings: The timings of our tours can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Be sure to check with your travel designer before booking your flights.
  • When to travel to Atacama?
    Recommended months to travel to Atacama: March to October
    February is not recommended due to the rainy season
***Please note that the tours are not available all year long. Check with your travel agents for excursions availability.

    Cancellation Policy

  • Prior to 90 Days Full refund (Apart from credit card charge minus a $150 cancellation fee)
  • Between 90 Days - 60 Days (80% refund)
  • Between 60 - 30 Days (50% refund)
  • Less than 30 Days no refund


Please note that all our tours and excursions are subject to weather conditions. Many of our excursions take place in challenging environments where Mother Nature plays a big role in the execution of the outings.

Our clients' safety is our top priority and in order to secure the well-being of both the local communities and visitors, we must withhold the right to change or cancel any tour. In cases of tours cancelled for weather reasons, we guarantee a 100% refund.

***In the case of luxury hotels, please check cancellation policy with your travel agent.
At Patagoniahero, we love to trek!