Atacama Desert and Altiplano Lagoons

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 AND ALTIPLANO LAGOONS

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 B
In the morning we shall visit the archaeological museum of Padre le Paige, with its famous collection of artefacts 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.

Day 3 Miscanti y Meñiques: Lagoons on the Altiplano B
During this excursion we drive deep into the Altiplano. On lonesome unpaved roads we shall pass Socaire ? the oasis of a mountain river. The few inhabitants of Socaire depend on terraced agriculture (maize, wheat, potatoes). After another rise to an altitude of 4.700 mts we will be rewarded by a spectacular view: the very scenic blue-black twin lagoons Meñiques and Miscanti, edged by a white crust of salt, they form a majestic picture of silence. Wildlife is especially abundant in this area. You are sure to see many different species of ducks and other bird-life around the lagoons, as well as llamas and vicuñas in herds along the hillsides. Towering in the background Cerro Meñiques overlooks this vast section of the Altiplano.
We shall continue 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.

Day 4 Geysers El Tatio B
Very 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. On our way back to San Pedro we shall see green bushes of Yareta shining in the sparse desert. In the early afternoon we reach San Pedro and the rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore the environs. Maybe you would like to visit the 800 years old pre-Inca fortress Pucará de Quitor nearby?

Day 5 Calama B
Transfer to Calama airport after breakfast.

Daily departures with a minimum of 2 people

Price per person double occupancy in US$:

Hotel	group tours	private tours
3*	$524	$1228
4*	$612	$1315