The Atacama Desert
Days
3+
Activity Level
Easy/Moderate
Host City
Santiago, Chile
From
$1,995 USD
Adventure in the Atacama Desert
Join The Explorer’s Passage (TEP) on an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Atacama Desert! Experience the raw beauty of one of the driest places on Earth, where the vast expanse of otherworldly landscapes stretches as far as the eye can see. Traverse the surreal salt flats, witness the vibrant colors of the Moon Valley at sunset, and explore ancient geysers that steam against the dawn sky. This mesmerizing desert region will captivate your senses, leaving you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for its unique wonders!
Trip Highlights
Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:
TRIP COST
From $1,995 USD per person
Our Atacama trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.
*More info. on pricing
More questions? Read more about pricing here
Start dates
Custom dates are available to visit the Atacama Desert all year round.
To inquire about a custom date,
please contact us!
Duration
Starts at 3 Days / 2 Nights
Accommodations
Relax in comfort & luxury
*Various Options
Choose between 4, 5 star, and 5+ star all-inclusive hotel options.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy/Moderate*
Primary activities:
Various activities include hiking, mountain biking, astronomical tours, and horseback rides.
*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information
Sample Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Andean Astronomy
Welcome to the mesmerizing Atacama Desert! Upon arriving in San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your luxurious hotel. After settling in, prepare for an evening of celestial exploration with our Andean Astronomy tour. Nestled atop a hill near the hotel, our open-air observatory offers swivel chairs and a powerful telescope, allowing you to marvel at the intricacies of the universe under some of the clearest skies in the world. Our expert guide will share insights into the long history of human astronomical discoveries, making this an unforgettable introduction to the Atacama’s night sky.
Day 2: Cactus Hike & Cejar Lagoon
Begin your day with a Cactus Hike, starting in Guatín, where the Puritama and Purifica rivers meet to form the mighty Vilama River. As you trek through this unique landscape, you’ll encounter diverse rock formations and ancient cacti towering over seven meters tall. The hike also takes you through remnants of former shepherding communities, offering a glimpse into the area’s historical way of life.In the afternoon, head to the Cejar Lagoon, situated about 20 km south of San Pedro de Atacama. Experience the unique sensation of floating in the lagoon’s high-salinity waters, surrounded by the vibrant hues of emerald and blue. Enjoy stunning views of the Licancabur Volcano and the Salt Mountain Range, a perfect moment to disconnect and appreciate the vastness of the Salar de Atacama.
Day 3: Full Day Tatio Geysers Exploration
Start your day early with a full-day excursion to the Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field located at an altitude of 4,321 meters. Known as “The Crying Grandfather” in the kunza language, this area features impressive pools of boiling water and mud, fumaroles, and natural hot springs. Explore this extraordinary geothermal landscape and take the opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna adapted to thrive in such extreme conditions. The journey to and from the geysers also offers stunning desert scenery, making for a day filled with natural wonders.
Day 4: Lican Antai Culture Tour & Departure
On your final morning, delve into the rich history of the Atacama region with the Lican Antai Culture Tour. Travel back in time along the San Pedro River to uncover the ancient Atacamenian villages. Visit the 2,400-year-old archaeological site of Tulor, providing invaluable insights into local history, and explore the historic town of San Pedro, including its charming church. The tour culminates at the Pucará de Quitor, a 13th-century fortress that offers a glimpse into the area’s earliest human settlements.
After the tour, return to your hotel to freshen up before being transferred to the airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of the Atacama Desert’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Customizing Your Atacama Adventure
Are you interested in another activity or destination in Chile? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to.
Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Chile!
Hear what travelers are saying:
5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
Trip Accommodations
5+ Star Accommodations
Hotel Awasi Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
This charming and inclusive hotel, along with an adjoining building, is conveniently located just a 3-minute stroll from the Church of San Pedro de Atacama and a 6-minute walk from the Museo del Meteorito. Immersed in the rustic allure of circular adobe structures, the spacious rooms feature thatched roofs, wooden floors, desks, and patios with refreshing outdoor showers. For added luxury, suites offer comfortable chaise lounges, while annex suites come with private gardens. Delight in the open-air restaurant that not only serves delectable cuisine but also hosts cooking classes. Unwind at the laid-back bar or take a dip in the outdoor pool.
5 Star Accommodations
Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Nayara Alto Atacama is an exclusive desert retreat in Catarpe Valley, near San Pedro. With 42 rooms, award-winning spa, six pools, and 25+ excursions, it blends seamlessly into Atacama’s natural beauty. This eco-friendly haven encourages guests to connect with the planet and themselves. Guests can indulge in relaxation at the spa, bask in the sun by one of the six pools, find serenity at Lake Tilo, or appreciate the adobe architecture of their accommodations.
Hotel Tierra Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Tierra Atacama hotel in San Pedro de Atacama is a renowned all-inclusive destination that captures the essence of the Atacama desert. Designed by top Chilean architects, the property seamlessly blends an eco-friendly design and luxury comforts. With stunning views of the desert and Licancabur Volcano, the hotel offers personalized excursions, a rejuvenating Uma Spa, and a dining experience that showcases north Chilean cuisine. Sustainability is a priority, as the hotel produces its own solar power.
Hotel Explora Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Nestled in the captivating San Pedro de Atacama, on the Ayllu de Larache, lies the remarkable Explora Atacama. These 17-hectare grounds encompass indigenous parcels, preserving the historic pathways and structures that honor the area’s original inhabitants. Amidst the enchanting landscape, you’ll find four inviting pools, sauna, steam baths, and outdoor hot tubs, ensuring complete relaxation. You will also have access to a state-of-the-art facility considered one of Chile’s finest private astronomy observatories.
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis of comfort and tranquility, nestled amidst salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs, and sitting over 2,500 meters high in the Andes Mountains. The hotel offers 60 spacious rooms with a private terrace, cable TV, and an outdoor shower. The rooms feature classic furniture and minimalist decor, fitting perfectly with the natural surroundings. Their spa has three outdoor pools, two heated pools, two saunas, well-equipped gym facilities, and a range of massage and body therapy services.
4 Star Accommodations
Our Habitas Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Our Habitas Atacama, located in the heart of Chile’s northeastern Atacama Desert, serves as a refuge for explorers seeking adventure and meaningful connections. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, from salt flats to valleys resembling the surface of Mars, the hotel offers 51 fully-equipped rooms designed with the desert’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in mind. Guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountaineering, and immersive stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth. The hotel features a pool, wellness area, and a communal space for gatherings. At the hotel’s restaurant, Almas, locally-sourced ingredients are used to create elevated, seasonal dishes inspired by the desert, inviting guests to share in the rich flavors of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions for the Atacama Desert, and if you can’t find the answer you are looking for then send us a message.
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Trip Support
There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.
Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip
We get very involved with our travelers before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, and training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip. We also provide comprehensive packing lists, pre-adventure checklists, and other detailed information.
Staff Support & Logistics
We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Chile has to offer. Our knowledgeable support staff takes care of the details of your in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, and activities. We’ve even scheduled a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.
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