Condor Journeys - Desert and Volcanoes

The Atacama, the driest desert on earth is a world of minerals, a real paradise for geologist. It also hosts a wide range of species of fauna and flora that live in perfect harmony among the many oases and lakes of the desert under the quiet shadow of overwhelming volcanoes such as the Parinacota (6,342m), the Ojos del Salado (6,893m)and the Licancabur (5,916m).
The Altiplano is a flat terrace placed on top of the Andes at an average altitude of 4000 m/13000 ft above sea level. Its extraordinary natural attractions include active and dormant volcanoes, clear blue and emerald lakes with abundant bird life, extensive steppes supporting diverse populations of cameloids (Llama, Vicuna, Guanaco and Alpaca), immense sparkling white salt deposits, hidden hot springs and amazing geysers and occasionally the tiny rustic villages with picturesque colonial churches where Aymara Indian shepherds graze their animals and grow their crops. Despite its beauty, it is a desolate and arid land with difficult life conditions to which wildlife and natives have adapted to survive.

DAY 1: Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
Arrive in santiago de Chile and connection to Calama in the north. Reception at Calama airport and drive to San Pedro de Atacama, a small city set deep into the Atacama Desert. At sunset excursion to the Moon Valley to discover some of the most impressive sceneries of the area. Overnight in hotel. (L)

DAY 2: San Pedro de Atacama
Excursion into the Atacama Salt Flat where we observe pink flamingoes. Then, visit of Toconao and the fertile Jeria Canyon and drive to Miscanti Lagoon to enjoy spectacular views over the high plateaus. Drive back to San Pedro. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 3: San Pedro de Atacama - Puritama Thermal Baths
Gentle hike into the salty mountain range where we discover some geological curiosity. Then, visit of the archaeological museum of San Pedro and the pre-Inca fortress of Quitor. In the late afternoon we drive to Puritama thermal baths (3400m) for an unforgetable bath into the hotsprings. Drive back to San Pedro. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 4: El Tatio Geyser Field
We get up very early to drive to the Tatio Geyser Field (4500 mts) where we have breakfast. We have the chance to observe the geysers at dawn and swim into naturally warm swimming pools. Then, we drive down to Calama visiting en route Caspana, Chiu-Chiu, Lasana and the Loa geoglyphs. Arrival at Calama (2250m). Overnight in hotel. (B L).

DAY 5: Calama - Tocopilla - Iquique
We drive westbound to reach the Pacific Coast and visit Tocopilla. Then, we follow the ocean shore, discovering remote fishermen villages, and finally reach Iquique. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 6: Iquique - Pica
Excursion to the desolated world of the Pampa Tamarugal. On the way, we visit the Humberstone Ghost City (a former sodium nitrate mine) and the Cerro Pintados Geoglyphs, a fabulous site where still misterious stone lines make part of a huge puzzle of more than 400 pieces. Arrival at Pica Oasis where we relax in the thermal baths and visit La Matilla and La Tirana. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 7: Pica - Codpa
Long drive northbound towards Arica. We visit the Hacienda de Tiviliche, a working ranch, before crossing the prealtiplanic area. Overnight in simple inn in Codpa, a picturesque little village. (B L D)

DAY 8: Codpa - Putre
Drive to Putre, a small city located into the middle of the Andean Range. We visit several tipical villages of the Altiplano such as Tignamar, Belen, Chapiquiña, etc... We learn more about the history and the daily life of the inhabitants of this unknow region. Overnight in hotel (B L)

DAY 9: Surire Salt Lake
We enter the Isluga National Park where we appreciate the altiplanic fauna (llamas, viscachas, nandus, etc...) and cross several typical villages. We arrive at the Surire Salt Lake, one of the most impressive sites of this area; a white salted surface where hundreds of animals live in perfect harmony with nature. We return to Putre in the late afternoon. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 10: Lake Chungara - Arica
Drive to the North to reach the famous Lauca National Park, classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is surely, one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. We appreciate the local fauna, and visit Parinacota. Finally, we arrive at Lake Chungara, the highest lake in the world, deep blue wild surface from where we have a fantastic view on Parinacota (6342m) and Sajama (6520m). We visit Parinacota Village and Lake Cotacotani and drive back to Arica on the Pacific Coast, visiting en route Lluta Valley and its cactus. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 11: Arica
Excursion to Azapa Valley to observe dozens of geoglyphs thousands of years old. Transfer to Arica airport and flight back to Santiago. Connection with your international flight (B).

Rated: Easy. This journey is accessible to everybody and all nighst are spent in hotels. Those who prefer more adventurous expeditions should have a look at the Altiplano and Atacama Overland Journey

Note: You may choose to start the trip on DAY 6 in Iquique (early morning start in order to travel with the group). Price: approx 60% of the total price for + eventual transfers and additional services. Excursions depends on local conditions (weather ...) Naturally, we can organise extra days in Santiago de Chile

Departure dates
2006: August 19 - September 9 & 30 - October 21 - November 11 - December 2 & 23
2007: January 13 - February 3 & 24 - March 17 - April 7 & 28 - May 19 - June 9

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	2-3	4-5	6+	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 2390	$ 1840	$ 1670	$ 340
EUR	€ 1983	€ 1527	€ 1386	€ 282
GBP	£ 1338	£ 1030	£ 935	£ 190

(*) Price last updated on 12 August 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) All fixed departures are shared. We also organise private departures at other dates upon request.
(***) Single supplement not available in simple hostels

Included: Lodging in hotels in double room with private bathroom and in hostels with shared facilities in remote villages, meals as specified, transport and transfers, bilingual experienced guides

Not included: Other meals, tips, drinks whereas in urban centre, flight to Calama and from Arica, airport taxes

Desert and Volcanoes Overland

"Chile"