Explore the Atacama Desert - 4 Days
Highlights
- Enjoy the hospitality of San Pedro de Atacama, a small oasis town
- Visit the Ahlarkapin observatory and enjoy the crystal-clear night skies
- Marvel at the stunning colors of the arid desert landscape
- Explore the Tatio geysers and swim in the mineral-rich waters
- Get a chance to view endemic Andean wildlife and plants
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | San Pedro De Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 2 | Moon Valley & Astronomic Tours | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 3 | Half Day Tatio Geysers Tour | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | San Pedro De Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: San Pedro De Atacama
Welcome to San Pedro! Located in the Antofagasta region of the high Chile arid plateau, San Pedro de Atacama is a small town at the edge of the driest desert of the world. Little adobe houses and cozy restaurants are a comfortable base to explore one of Chile’s most spectacular and dramatic landscapes. Upon arrival, take some time to wander the town as you make your way to your hotel on your own.
Day 2: San Pedro De Atacama - Moon Valley Tour & Half Day Astronomic Tour
Moon Valley Tour
Today is your opportunity to visit the amazing geological shapes located in one of the world’s driest and most hostile zones of the world: the Atacama Desert. Visit the salt caves, surprising shapes in the middle of the salt mountain range, and discover the unique forms of salt and clay in the “Three Marias” area. Appreciate the great molding power of the natural forces of our planet and be amazed at the delicate work of nature over thousands of years. The highlight of your adventure will be waiting for the Atacama sunset, opening your senses to the breathtaking landscapes and colors of the mountains, with the Licancabur Volcano looming overhead. Don't forget to bring your camera!
Half Day Astronomic Tour
The Atacama Desert skies at night are some of the best for star-gazing. The particular height, dryness and little luminosity of the desert transform it in a perfectly set stage to gaze at constellations, stars, planets, and galaxies. Don't miss a visit to the world-renowned Ahlarkapin observatory, named after the word for "bright star" in the Kunza language, spoken by the Lickan-antay people of the Atacama desert of northern Chile and southern Peru.
Journey through time with a presentation at Ahlarkapin that integrates a modern scientific point of view with the Andean worldview, and spend time looking at the skies with the naked eye followed with an observation of different celestial bodies in one of the biggest private telescopes of the area. You will be lead on an unforgettable trip of the southern sky through the ancient ancestral knowledge that still deciphers the movements of the cosmos contrasted with the precision of modern telescopes.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Half Day Tatio Geysers Tour
Experience one of the most astonishing phenomenon produced by nature and be impressed by contrasting colors produced by the steam columns in the highest geothermal field in the world. Today you will have incredible opportunities for photography, with the stunning mountains as your backdrop. You'll have the unique opportunity to swim in the Tatio spring waters, which are rich in minerals. Afterwards, wander around the hills, where you'll have the chance to see endemic wildlife and plants in their natural habitat.
Day 4: San Pedro De Atacama
Today you will have the day at leisure to explore San Pedro de Atacama at your own, or venture back out to the desert for some more stunning photo opportunities.
Map
