Chile Holidays: Atacama Nature Tour

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	£ 370

(*) 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

Atacama Nature Tour

"Chile"