Atacama Desert Self-drive Tour - 4 days
DAY 1: CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (101 KM / 63 MI)
Once having arrived, you will need to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or at the car rental office in Calama and then start your journey through the spectacular northern ends of Chile. Your destination will be San Pedro de Atacama; once center to the Paleolithic culture. Impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircle the green valley, making it truly a unique and stunning sight to visit. It contrasts with the eerily silent desert landscape home to vast plains and salt ponds with octagonal-shaped crystals reflecting the towering volcanoes. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
You will have a full day at leisure to explore your surroundings. Located only about an hour away from San Pedro is the Los Flamencos National Reserve where some of the most remarkable arrays of wildlife exist. Home to the dark blue lagoons, flamingo flocks and many other bird species it is an ornithologist’s paradise. The Atacama Salt Flat is similarly a must see and highlight of the region. It is the largest salt flat in Chile with large volcanoes and salt crusts dominating its landscape. Also located in the Atacama Desert is the intriguing Moon Valley boasting various stone and sand formations which have been carved over centuries by wind and water. It has an impressive range of color and texture, looking somewhat similar to the surface of the moon. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – EL TATIO – PURITAMA (143 KM / 89 MI)
Before dawn break you will depart from San Pedro and head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers; a geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks. El Tatio is situated at 4,300 meters above sea level on the Altiplano. It is the highest geothermal field in the world and boasts spectacular scenery. At dawn you will be able to observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds. Afterwards, on your way back to San Pedro continue on to the Puritama hot springs where you can enjoy some rest and relaxation as you soak in the natural thermals pools. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA (101 KM / 63 MI)
After an enjoyable breakfast depart for Calama to drop off your rental vehicle and continue with your travels. (B)
Once having arrived, you will need to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or at the car rental office in Calama and then start your journey through the spectacular northern ends of Chile. Your destination will be San Pedro de Atacama; once center to the Paleolithic culture. Impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircle the green valley, making it truly a unique and stunning sight to visit. It contrasts with the eerily silent desert landscape home to vast plains and salt ponds with octagonal-shaped crystals reflecting the towering volcanoes. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
You will have a full day at leisure to explore your surroundings. Located only about an hour away from San Pedro is the Los Flamencos National Reserve where some of the most remarkable arrays of wildlife exist. Home to the dark blue lagoons, flamingo flocks and many other bird species it is an ornithologist’s paradise. The Atacama Salt Flat is similarly a must see and highlight of the region. It is the largest salt flat in Chile with large volcanoes and salt crusts dominating its landscape. Also located in the Atacama Desert is the intriguing Moon Valley boasting various stone and sand formations which have been carved over centuries by wind and water. It has an impressive range of color and texture, looking somewhat similar to the surface of the moon. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – EL TATIO – PURITAMA (143 KM / 89 MI)
Before dawn break you will depart from San Pedro and head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers; a geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks. El Tatio is situated at 4,300 meters above sea level on the Altiplano. It is the highest geothermal field in the world and boasts spectacular scenery. At dawn you will be able to observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds. Afterwards, on your way back to San Pedro continue on to the Puritama hot springs where you can enjoy some rest and relaxation as you soak in the natural thermals pools. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – CALAMA (101 KM / 63 MI)
After an enjoyable breakfast depart for Calama to drop off your rental vehicle and continue with your travels. (B)
Price per person in US$ till April 30, 2023:
Hotel + car type |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
sgl supp. |
Casa Don Tomas +Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar or Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$818 |
$563 |
$477 |
$436 |
$187 |
Altiplanico +Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar or Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$908 |
$654 |
$569 |
$527 |
$208 |
Price per person in US$ May 1 - Sept. 30, 2023:
hotel + car type |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
sgl supp. |
Casa Don Tomas +Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar or Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$844 |
$589 |
$506 |
$464 |
$206 |
Altiplanico +Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar or Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$922 |
$669 |
$584 |
$544 |
$219 |
Price per person in US$ : Oct. 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024:
hotel + car type |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
sgl supp. |
Casa Don Tomas +Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar or Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$900 |
$619 |
$524 |
$479 |
$207 |
Altiplanico +Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar or Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$1000 |
$719 |
$627 |
$581 |
$231 |
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Notes: Based on Half Twin. The single supplement also applies for 1 pax.
Included: - 3 nights including breakfast in Hotel Casa de Don Tomas or Altiplanico - 4 days car rental (Hertz category G or J) including unlimited free mileage - Local tax (IVA) - Full CDW coverage with deductible (for details see rental contract) - Roadmap and descriptions. Not included: Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee when vehicle will be picked up from airport. This service charge is not included in the published rates. This extra fee has to be paid upon returning the car. |
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