Min 2 people

Atacama: Where Desert Meets Culture

5-days trip to explore the breathtaking Atacama Desert, where surreal landscapes meet ancient Atacameño culture. Immerse yourself in local traditions, trek through stunning terrains, and connect with the desert's timeless beauty.

  • 5

    Days

  • S America

  • Arid

  • Medium

  • 5

The Atacameños

Trip itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama

Welcome to the heart of the Atacama Desert! Upon arrival in San Pedro de Atacama, you'll check into your accommodation and prepare for an exciting afternoon of exploration.

Afternoon Adventure: Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)

Drive to Cordillera de la Sal (15 min): Begin your journey with a short drive to the Cordillera de la Sal, a mesmerizing landscape sculpted by the forces of nature.

Explore Valle de la Luna: Discover the surreal beauty of the Valley of the Moon, where water, wind, and temperature have shaped an otherworldly gorge. Enjoy panoramic views of the Cordillera de la Sal, then descend a large dune to reach the canyon floor.

Salt Paths and Clay Walls: Trek along salt paths that contrast with the vibrant clay walls, cross dry riverbeds, and navigate through labyrinthine caves and rock formations that reveal the geological history of the area.
Return to San Pedro: After a day of adventure, return to your hotel to relax and prepare for an enchanting night.

Evening Experience: Stargazing Under the Clearest Skies

Astronomical Excursion: As night falls, embark on an unforgettable astronomical excursion. San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the clearest skies on the planet, offering a perfect opportunity to gaze at the stars and learn about the celestial wonders above.

Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás

This first day sets the tone for an adventure filled with stunning landscapes and unique experiences in one of the world's most extraordinary deserts.

Day 2

Immersing in Lickan Antay Culture

Morning: Lickan Antay Experience in Ayllu de Coyo

Visit the Coyo Community: After a hearty breakfast, you'll be picked up and driven to the Ayllu de Coyo, where you'll meet Wildo, your guide for the day. Wildo is a member of the Lickan Antay, an indigenous community that has thrived in the Atacama Desert for thousands of years.

Learn from the Atacameños: Wildo will share the rich history of his family and the ways they have adapted to life in the desert. You'll discover traditional practices such as corn and alfalfa cultivation, animal husbandry, and other trades that sustain the Atacameño way of life.

Atacameño Fusion Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Atacameño "fusion" cuisine, with dishes crafted from local ingredients such as corn, quinoa, llama or lamb meat, and fresh produce from community gardens.
This meal is a true taste of the desert’s bounty.

Afternoon: Ancestral Caravan Experience

Return to Coyo: After a brief rest at your hotel, you'll return to Coyo to meet Sandra and Carlos for the Ancestral Caravan experience.

Walking with Llamas: Embark on a peaceful walk through the Atacama Desert, accompanied by llamas, as you relive the ancient tradition of caravan travel. Sandra and Carlos will share stories of the desert and the deep relationship between the Lickan Antay people and these remarkable animals. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the land and its history in a truly immersive way.

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás

Today offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Lickan Antay, providing insight into their sustainable practices and profound connection to the Atacama Desert.

Day 3

Journey to the Puna – Lagoons and Traditions

Morning: Scenic Drive to the Puna

Head South to the Puna Highlands: Start your day with a scenic drive southwards, ascending into the rugged landscapes of the Puna. As you gain altitude, you'll encounter unique vegetation, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural formations.

Visit Laguna Miscanti: Arrive at Laguna Miscanti, the largest lagoon in the Antofagasta region. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, this breathtaking blue oasis is a haven for birdlife and offers spectacular views that capture the essence of the high-altitude desert.

Afternoon: Discover Socaire Village

Explore Socaire: Continue to the traditional village of Socaire, where the indigenous Atacameño community has preserved much of their ancient way of life. Wander through this charming village, observe its terraced fields, and gain insights into the community's unique customs and sustainable practices that have been passed down through generations.

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás

Today's journey brings you closer to the remote and serene landscapes of the Puna while immersing you in the living traditions of the Atacameño people.

Day 4

Waterfalls, Villages, and Salt Flats

Morning: Hike to Guatin Canyon Waterfalls

Explore Guatin Canyon: After breakfast, embark on a short and scenic hike through the Guatin Canyon. This easy 45-minute trek will take you to the Cascadas sector, where the main water source of the San Pedro de Atacama oasis is located.

Relax by the Waterfalls: Once you reach the waterfalls, take some time to unwind, take a refreshing dip, and capture the beauty of the desert oasis with your camera. The serene setting offers a perfect contrast to the arid landscape of the Atacama.

Afternoon: Visit Toconao and the Atacama Salt Flat

Visit Toconao Village: In the afternoon, head to the indigenous village of Toconao, just 38 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. Here, you'll meet locals who are primarily engaged in agriculture, stone quarrying, and crafting beautiful items from liparite stone. Stroll through the village and admire the lush orchards that thrive in this desert environment.

Sunset at the Atacama Salt Flat: As the day draws to a close, journey to the largest salt flat in Chile. Marvel at the vast, otherworldly landscape and its unique ecosystem. Keep an eye out for flamingos and other bird species that call this stunning habitat home as you enjoy the breathtaking sunset.

Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás

Today’s adventures offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters, making for an unforgettable day in the Atacama Desert.

Day 5

Sunrise at the Geysers and Farewell to the Atacama

Early Morning: Geysers del Tatio Excursion

Depart for Geysers del Tatio: Your adventure begins early, with a 5:00 am pickup from your hotel. Head northeast, ascending the hills and mountains of the Andes. After a 1.5-hour drive, you'll arrive at the stunning Geysers del Tatio, a geothermal field located 89 km from San Pedro de Atacama at an altitude of 4,230 meters above sea level.

Explore the Geysers: Discover the magic of more than 80 active geysers, each with its own unique steam columns and bubbling hot springs. As the sun rises, witness the incredible display of geothermal activity amidst the cold temperatures, which can range from -6°C in summer to -20°C in winter.

Take your time to explore this unique landscape and capture its beauty.

Late Morning: Visit to Machuca Village

Pass Through Machuca: On your way back to San Pedro, stop briefly in the charming village of Machuca, known for its picturesque adobe homes and traditional Andean lifestyle.

Return to San Pedro de Atacama: Arrive back in San Pedro around 12:00 pm for a brief rest and final moments in this extraordinary desert town.

Afternoon: Transfer to Calama Airport

Transfer to Calama: In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Calama Airport for your onward journey.

This final day wraps up your incredible adventure through the Atacama Desert, leaving you with unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural encounters, and natural wonders.