Magic of the Atacama Desert Tour
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See the highlights of the Atacama Desert on a 4 day tour with group or private day tours.
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DAY 1: CALAMA - SAN PEDRO AND THE MOON & DEATH VALLEY
After arriving at the airport, we will be transported to the town of San Pedro de Atacama. This colorful village is located 2,440 m / 8,000 ft above sea level in the middle of a green oasis. Later that day, in the afternoon we will enjoy a spectacular evening exploring the Moon Valley. We head towards the salt mountain range to the Moon Valley. Upon entering, the first stop is at the Great Dune, where we walk along a sandy path until we reach the viewpoint with a panoramic view. Then, the second stop is at the Tres Marías viewpoint, a geological formation sculpted by erosive agents that look like statues of salt. On the way back, we take a short walk next to the Amphitheater, a geological formation with sedimentary folds of clay, salt and plaster. Finally, We visit the Mirador de Cari, located at 2,550 meters above sea level. Known as the "Piedra del Coyote", this viewpoint is one of the most famous postcards of San Pedro de Atacama, from where you can contemplate a majestic view of the Andes Mountains. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (COCKTAIL) DAY 2: ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS, PIEDRAS ROJAS AND CHAXA Before dawn break we will depart from San Pedro and we will head to Salar de Atacama where we will first visit the Chaxa Lagoon, an oasis in the middle of a salt desert. Its waters surface show us a rich ecosystem home for many species of flamingos and other altiplanic birds. The Salar of Atacama is formed by an expanse of salt that extends beyond the horizon. The breeze from the sun touches us gently and, in the background, the sky changes its color every minute. It’s one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes on earth, which will remain forever in our memory. After that, we will continue our tour heading to the next stop, Piedras Rojas. For this, we will have to go up in our vehicle to 3,800 meters of altitude and walk 1h approximately (round trip) to see these copper-colored rocks, as well as the surrounding lagoons and salt flats. They are impressive landscapes due to their differentiated geological formation where we are able to enjoy the quietness gazing at nature, the wind, the lagoons and the color of the stones, that are like this due to the iron that oxidizes. In this majestic landscape, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing on our way to the Altiplanic Lagoons. The Altiplanic Lagoons are the Miscanti and Meñiques, two lagoons with crystalline waters, surrounded by massifs that have a unique landscape. Where we can see the sky's deep blue color reflected on the lagoons and its contrast with the ocher colors of the mountain range and the yellow of its vegetation. After many photos and dazzled by so many impressive landscapes, we will visit the charming town of Socaire, famous for its crop soil. There we will enjoy an exquisite lunch, and after that move on to the town of Toconao, built with volcanic rock and recognized for the spectacular views it offers of the Salar de Atacama. At the end of the day we will return to San Pedro de Atacama. (B, BL) DAY 3: EL TATIO Before dawn breaks we will depart from San Pedro and head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers. We traveled 62 miles to the highlands towards the Andes until we reach the Geysers del Tatio geothermal field, the highest in the world at an altitude of 14,100 ft. After 90 minutes of travel, approximately, we reach the moment that they are in their maximum manifestation. We walked along a marked path to observe the emanations of boiling water. On the way back, we enjoy the beauty of the landscape, native flora and fauna in stops to observe vicuñas, birds and vegetation. Afterwards we will return to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.(B) DAY 4: SAN PEDRO - CALAMA After breakfast, a transfer will take you to the airport to board your departure flight. (B) Includes: - 3 overnights with breakfast - Meals according itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch). - Regular Premium transfers and excursions (max 15 paxs) with english speaking guide, or private ones - Entrance fees. Please note: - Due to logistics and operations the itinerary of shared excursions may be reversed. - On day 3 due to high altitude and early departure the recommendation is to have a light dinner the night before and no alcohol. Low tº could reach up to -15ºC/5ºF bring warm clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, bathing suit and towels. - The excursion El Tatio Geysers is not recommended for pregnant women and children younger than 6 years. |
Rates per person in US$: with group day tours: till Jan.1 2024: Casa Don Tomas = $1295 double, $189 single supplement Cumbres = $1537 double, $457 single supplement Kimal = $1305 double, $252 single supplement Casa Atacama = $1652 double, $595 single supplement Jan. 2 - Dec. 31 2024: Casa Don Tomas = $1285 double, $186 single supplement Cumbres = $1525 double, $454 single supplement Kimal = $1294 double, $250 single supplement Casa Atacama = $1639 double, $590 single supplement Can also quote with private services and other tours
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