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Chile

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

Highlights of the Atacama Desert

Day 1 San Pedro de Atacama
Reception: airport in Calama. Transfer to the Hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. On route you will see spectacular views of the Cordillera de la Sal. The rest of the day is yours to walk and discover the charming town of San Pedro with its adobe architecture and sandy streets. A local craft market and relaxing shady restaurants make for a pleasant afternoon.

Day 2 San Pedro & Valle de la Luna
In the morning we shall visit the archaeological museum of Padre le Paige, with its famous collection of artifacts which show the development of the Atacameño society. The church of San Pedro dates from the 17th century. Its roof is made out of cactus. In the afternoon we shall set out to the Valley of the Moon to see the sunset in this bizarre, almost lunar landscape formed by the erosion of salt mountains. Strange sculpted rock formations in the middle of the desert, with the Lincancabur Volcano in the background make for a particularly rare experience. After sunset we return to San Pedro. (B)

Day 3 Salar de Atacama
The morning at leisure to enjoy the silent atmosphere of the desert or to visit the pre-Inca fortress Pucará de Quitor nearby. In the afternoon we shall visit the Salar de Atacama. On route we shall visit the town of Toconao. The houses in this small picturesque village are built from bricks of white volcanic stone, which lend the town a very unique appearance. The church and its bell tower are also built of this bleached white volcanic stone. After Toconao we shall continue on to visit the world s largest salt lake: the Salar de Atacama. Rich in minerals, including borax and lithium, it is home to various species of flamingoes as well as many other birds. The Laguna Chaxa, part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamingoes, offers a terrific opportunity to get closer to these birds in their natural habitat. In the evening we return to the Hotel in San Pedro. (B)

Day 4 Geysers El Tatio - Calama
Early departure for the Geysers of El Tatio. El Tatio is situated at 4.500 mts above sea level on the Altiplano. The geysers are spectacular in the early morning. There are about 40 geysers, thermal wells and fumaroles. The early morning light striking the water and steam hurling up from the geysers makes for an unforgettable experience. Drive back to San Pedro. Afterwards, on our way to Calama we shall see green bushes of Yareta shining in the sparse desert. In the early afternoon we reach the airport of Calama. (B)

Daily departures with a minimum of 2 people

Price per person double occupancy in US$: (subject to change)