Atacama Desert Camping

Amazon Adventures

Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

ATACAMA DESERT CAMPING

The Atacama Desert is often considered the most arid desert on the planet. Nevertheless, its highland topography allows the existence of oasis with abundant flora, lakes of astonishing colors, active volcanoes and a variety of fauna. It is also a rich reserve with countless curiosities, such as geysers, natural hot springs, unusual geological shapes, geoglyphs, etc. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and complete trips you can do in Northern Chile, and thanks to our 4x4 vehicles we can access the most remote places and camp in wonderful spots. Starting in Antofagasta and travelling all across the Atacama Salt Plains and three National Parks in northern Chile, our journey comes to an end by the Pacific coast, in Arica, a beach resort.

DAY 1: (SANTIAGO) - ANTOFAGASTA - TILOMONTE
Reception at Antofagasta airport. Visit of La Portada, a fantastic natural arch carved by the waves. Then, we get into the heart of the Atacama Desert.We cross the Atacama Salt Lake from West to East and can see the lithium mine, the flamingoes, and the strange salt formations the lake has created. We set our camp in Tilomonte oasis. (L,D)

DAY 2: TILOMONTE - MINIQUES LAGOON – SALAR OF CAPUR
We visit Tulan archeological site and the village of Peine. In the afternoon, we drive to the heart of the cordillera, crossing the altiplano and visit Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons. We continue our travel and set our camp at the Salar de Capur. (CB,L,D)

DAY 3: SALAR DE CAPUR - LEJIA LAGOON - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Excursion to the Salar de Aguas Calientes and Lejia Lagoon, located at the foot of the active Lascar Volcano. We reach San Pedro de Atacama, crossing Toconao village, the Jerez Valley. Excursion to the Moon Valley at sunset. Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama. Transfer to the hotel. (CB,L)

DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS - TATIO GEYSERS
Trekking in the salty mountain range to look at some geological curiosities. Visit of the archeological museum of San Pedro and the pre-inca fortress of Quitor. In the afternoon we go to Puritama hot springs (3400m) where we enjoy a relaxing bath. Then we reach Tatio geysers and stay in a refuge. (CB,L,D)

DAY 5: TATIO GEYSERS - CALAMA*
We get up very early to go to the Tatio Geysers. Pictures of the geysers and optional swim in the natural swimming pool. Then we drive down to Calama. On the way, we visit Caspana, Chiu-Chiu, Lasana and the Loa geogyphs. Arrival in Calama (2250m). Transfer to the hotel. (CB,L)

DAY 6: CALAMA - HUASCO SALT LAKE
The road leads us close to the Bolivian border. We do a short walk on Puruña Volcano, a small crater emerging from the flat areas. Then we follow the border, driving on a small altiplanic road. We set our camp at the Huasco Salt Lake. (CB,L,D)

DAY 7: HUASCO SALT LAKE - VALLE ESCONDIDO
Long trip down to Pica Oasis, where we have a relaxing bath in the natural swimming pool. After a logistic stop, we visit Humberstone ghost-town and then cross the desert to reach the Altiplano once again. We camp in Valle Escondido close to the thermal baths. (CB,L,D)

DAY 8: VALLE ESCONDIDO - SURIRE SALT LAKE
We enter the Isluga National Park where we appreciate the altiplanic fauna (llamas, viscachas, ñandus, etc...) and cross several typical villages. We arrive at the Surire Salt Lake and set our camp close to the hot springs. (CB,L,D)

DAY 9: SURIRE SALT LAKE - LAKE CHUNGARA
We head north to reach the famous Lauca National Park, classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is surely one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. We arrive at Lake Chungará, the highest lake in the world, a wild and deep blue surface from where we have a fantastic view on volcanoes Parinacota (6342m) and Sajama (6520m). We set our camp near the lake (4500m). (CB,L,D)

DAY 10: LAKE CHUNGARA - ARICA
Long ride down to Arica. We cross the Lauca National Park from East to West and visit Parinacota, Putre, Socoroma and the Copaquilla Fortress. We see the strange candelabrus cactus and the geoglyphs of the Lluta Valley. Arrival in Arica. Transfer to the hotel. (CB,L)

DAY 11: ARICA - (SANTIAGO)
City tour and excursion to Azapa Valley to observe dozens of geoglyphs. Transfer to Arica airport. Flight back to Santiago. (CB,L)

OTHER INFORMATION:
This program ends on day 11 at approx. 2 PM. It is important to book the afternoon flight to Santiago. If necessary, it is also possible to end the program earlier.
* It is possible to adapt the program in the following ways:
First option:
- Clients may choose to end the program on day 5 in Calama (or on day 6 in the morning).
for 50% of the total price + eventual transfers and additional services.
Second option:
- Clients may choose to start the program on day 6 (early in the morning to travel with the group) for 60% of the total price + eventual transfers and additional services.

Fixed Departure Dates: 2007 - Jan. 13, Feb. 3 & 24, March 17, April 7 & 28, May 19, June 9

Fixed Departure Prices: US$2290 each for 2, US$1840 each for 3-5, US$1630 each for 6-12. Single supplement is $150.

15% discount for trips departing April 1-June 30

Private departures are available