San Pedro de Atacama Tour

You will be met by a Chile For Less representative at the Calama Airport and transferred 60 miles (98km) to San Pedro de Atacama where you will check into your comfortable hotel. See our recommended best value San Pedro de Atacama Hotels.

After resting and getting acclimated to the desert atmosphere, you will set out on a tour of the wind-swept Valle de la Luna. Situated about 7.5 miles (12km) from San Pedro, this valley boasts spectacular moon-like landscapes full of strange formations created by the wind’s erosion of the salt mountains. Sunset in Valle de la Luna is a truly magical and unforgettable experience as the eroded mountain views unfold and reflect a striking range of colors against the Andes in the distance. Climb up one of the dunes to get an even better view of the darkening valley and watch the stars appear.

After sunset, you will return to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama and have the remainder of the evening free to explore the charming village and its many delicious restaurants, appealing artisan workshops and more. Be sure to step outside and admire the star-studded sky, one of the most spectacular on the planet.

Rise before dawn and head out on a full day tour to the astonishing Tatio Geyser, to witness an amazing natural phenomenon in the arid desert of Atacama. Located at 14,760 feet (4,500m) above sea level, this incredible geothermal field is surrounded by volcanoes and filled will geysers whose steaming fumaroles can be seen at dawn under the first rays of sun. You will get the chance to walk close to the geysers and their craters with a guide who will answer all your questions about this striking phenomenon.

After a well deserved breakfast next to the Tatio Geysers, you will explore the surrounding high plateau and its amazing fauna and flora. Unobstructed views of the impressive Tocorpuri and Sairecabur Volcanoes will unfold before you, and you will be able to observe the native wildlife found in the wetlands.  Keep your eyes open and try to spot the foxes, Vizcachas, and llamas that live naturally in this wild landscape.

In the afternoon, you will return to San Pedro de Atacama where you will be free to explore the village and its surroundings or rest at your hotel for the remainder of the day.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will head south of San Pedro toward the oasis of Toconao, a verdant Andean village that manages to thrive in the middle of the barren Atacama Desert.  The small colonial style houses are made of white volcanic stone, and the town boasts a beautiful church with striking bell towers and myriad narrow alleys filled with small artisan workshops.

You will continue on toward the fertile lands of the nearby Quebrada de Jere, a beautiful gorge where the orchards filled with fruit trees and grazing cattle creates a striking contrast with the dryness of the surrounding desert.

Later on you will reach the impressive Atacama Salt Flat, the largest in Chile.  Unlike most salt flats which are smooth, the earth’s crust here is jagged like puzzle pieces which is striking and unusual. The flat is home to many lagoons where pink and white flamingoes are perfectly mirrored in the still salt water, and many other bird species including the Andean gull and Andean avocet can be observed. You will have the chance to visit the sparkling Chaxa Lagoon, a beautiful protected area, where you can observe the birds from up close.

Back in San Pedro, the evening will be free for you to rest in your comfortable hotel, explore the village, or try some delicious local cuisine.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Airport for journey home or on to your next destination on your Chile vacation. Browse our range of Chile tours and explore additional options for your vacations plans.

• 3 hotel nights in San Pedro de Atacama in hotels based on US standards
• Guided visits with English-speaking tour guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All breakfasts