Atacama Desert at a Glance

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 at a Glance

Day 1 San Pedro de Atacama
Reception: airport in Calama. Transfer to your Hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. On route you will see spectacular views of the Cordillera de la Sal. At dusk 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 2 San Pedro & Salar de Atacama
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 venture to see the Salar de Atacama. On route we shall visit the town of Toconao. The houses in this small picturesque village are built of bricks of white volcanic stone, which lend the town a very unique appearance. The church and its bell tower are also built from 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 3 Calama
Transfer to Calama airport after breakfast. (B)

Daily departures with a minimum of 2 people

Price per person double occupancy in US$:

Hotel	group tours	private tours
3*	$262	$698
4*	$305	$743