The Atacama Desert, in Northern Chile, is the driest place on
earth. The desert is so dramatic that, at first sight, it appears
never to have sustained any life. However, pink Flamingos together
with Llamas, Vicunas y Guanacos and many other species of fauna and
flora live in perfect harmony in the many oases and
lakes of the area. The volcanoes that crown the Atacama
Desert are among the tallest on earth and their summits used
to be sacred sanctuaries for the ancient Inkas.
DAY 1: Calama - San Pedro
Reception at Calama's airport and transfer to
San Pedro de Atacama for lunch and briefing. On our way, we enjoy the amazing
rock formations of the Cordillera de la Sal. An evening ethnological tour
introduces us to the social and economic system that enabled the
ancient inhabitants to work and live in harmony in this remote oasis.
We learn the land working techniques that allowed them
to grow food with very little water and in extreme weather
conditions. Before returning to the hotel, we visit the archaeological remains
of Tulor, a sacred village, with its singular circular constructions whose origin
remains shrouded in mystery. Overnight in Hotel (L D).
DAY 2: San Pedro - Toconao - Salar de Atacama
First we visit the small village of Toconao, well known for its volcanic rock
handicrafts. A walk in the nearby valley of Jeria allows us to observe the
typical terrace cultivation. On our way back, we enter the immense
sparkling white Atacama Salt Flats on our way to the beautiful Chaxa
lagoon, where flamingos and other Andean birds nest. After lunch in San Pedro de Atacama,
we visit the archaeological museum to gain an insight into the ancient
cultures that inhabited the area, followed by a walk around the
remarkable remains of the fortress of Quitor, 3 kms from San Pedro.
Its strategic location, overlooking
the neighbouring fertile valleys, provided peace and splendour to its
original inhabitants, the Atacamenos until the Inkas
and later the Spanish conquerors invaded the city. At sunset, we enter the
silent Moon Valley and explore its extraordinary rocks formations. Overnight in Hotel (B L D).
DAY 3: Geysers del Tatio (4.500mts/14755 ft)
We leave the Hotel at 04:30 hrs, in time to observe the geysers in
action at El Tatio. The boiling steam rises up to 40mt over the
surface and some 900m/3000 ft from underground. After a breakfast in the open and
walking around the geothermal field, we drive back over Andean
dirt roads while enjoying the magnificent Tocopurri and
Sairecahur Volcanoes. The evening is free to walk around town, visit the
picturesque churches, squares and the handicraft markets (B L D).
DAY 4: San Pedro - Calama
We drive back to Calama in time for a guided visit to the
Chuquicamata Copper Mine (world's biggest open cast mine and world's
biggest man-made hole). After lunch, drive to
Chiu Chiu, the oldest of all Atacama dwellings (1.000 BC).
Today, the town boasts one of the oldest and best preserved Hispanic
churches (1670) of Chile. Before returning to Calama, we visit the Lasana fortress
overlooking the river Loa and observe ancient rock-drawings (B L).
This itinerary is just a sample. Participants may choose other excursions
more suitable to their interests among:
MONDAY: HD Salar de Atacama - HD Centinelas de la Pakana - Archaeological Tour - HD Valle de la Luna
TUESDAY: FD Geysers del Tatio - HD Tour ArqueolOgico - HD Petroglifos de Yerbas Buenas
WEDNESDAY: HD Salar de Atacama - HD Trekking Cordillera de la Sal - HD Valle de la Luna
THURSDAY: FD Geysers del Tatio - HD Archaeological Tour - FD lagunas Altiplanicas
FRIDAY: HD Salar de Atacama - HD Centinelas de la Pakana - HD Archaeological Tour - HD Valle de la Luna
SATURDAY: HD Salar de Atacama - HD Valle de la Luna
SUNDAY: FD Geysers del Tatio - HD Trekking Valle de la Muerte - HD Archaeological Tour
Guests are accommodated in Terantai Hotel (3*), a picturesque stone-built hotel with a local charm.
Rated: Easy
Departure dates Every Tuesday
|
Tour Tariff
|
|
Room type
|
SGL
|
DBL
|
|
USD
|
$ 893
|
$ 662
|
|
EUR
|
€ 741
|
€ 549
|
|
GBP
|
£ 500
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£ 370
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(*)
Price last updated on 31 March 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please
always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) Departures at other dates are available upon request.
(***) Supplement for departures any other day of the week
Included: Lodging in comfortable room with private bathroom, meals as specified, transport and
excursions specified, English speaking guides (discount for Sopanish speaking guides only)
Not included: Flight to/from Calama, other meals, drinks, tips, entrance fee to the museum
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