Between Salt Flats and Stars: Atacama in 4 Days

Upon arrival at Calama Airport, you will be met and privately transferred to San Pedro de Atacama. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Chile before arriving at your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin an excursion to one of the most iconic landscapes of the Chilean Desert, located within the impressive Salt Mountain Range (Cordillera de la Sal). During the tour, you will discover remarkable natural formations, including the Great Dune, the Amphitheater, and the famous Three Marys, extraordinary salt and clay sculptures shaped by millions of years of erosion. The experience continues to Ckari Viewpoint, one of the most spectacular panoramic spots in the Atacama Desert, offering stunning views of the vast surrounding landscape. The excursion culminates with an unforgettable sunset, as the desert transforms into vibrant shades of gold, orange, and red, creating a truly unique natural spectacle. There will be time to take photographs and enjoy the scenery before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

• Night in San Pedro de Atacama.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, we journey into the breathtaking Andean highlands, traveling through spectacular landscapes surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, and vast desert scenery.

Our first stop is the impressive Red Rocks (Piedras Rojas), where striking reddish volcanic formations contrast beautifully with the turquoise waters of the surrounding lagoons. We then continue to the stunning Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, located at over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level and surrounded by an extraordinary natural setting.

Throughout the excursion, there will be opportunities for short stops to take photographs and admire the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Altiplano. Later, we visit Chaxa Lagoon, located within Los Flamencos National Reserve, where you may observe flamingos and other native bird species in their natural habitat.

After completing the excursion, we return to San Pedro de Atacama, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

• Night in San Pedro de Atacama.

Early in the morning, departure to the Tatio Geysers, one of the largest and most important geothermal fields in the world. At sunrise, you will enjoy a walk among the steaming geothermal vents and fumaroles, creating a spectacular natural display against the backdrop of the Andean Altiplano.

Following the visit, breakfast will be served amidst the stunning high-altitude scenery. The excursion continues to the Putana Wetlands, home to a variety of Andean wildlife, and to the traditional village of Machuca (closed on Tuesdays), where you will gain insight into the local culture and way of life of the Altiplano communities.

In the evening, you will enjoy an unforgettable astronomical experience in the Atacama Desert, renowned for having some of the clearest skies on Earth. Using specialized telescopes, you will observe the Milky Way, planets, and constellations while learning about both astronomy and the Andean worldview associated with the night sky. Hot beverages will be available during the experience. After the tour, return to your hotel.

• Night in San Pedro de Atacama

Important Note: The astronomical tour is subject to weather and visibility conditions. If conditions are not suitable for the activity, the tour may be canceled for operational reasons. In such cases, no refund will apply.

Breakfast at the hotel.
At the scheduled time, pick-up and transfer to Calama Airport (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) for your flight back to Santiago and onward connection to your international flight.

Optional: Private transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajón border (Bolivia) to continue towards the Uyuni Salt Flats