Astounding Atacama Desert - The Driest Desert on Earth

This price includes:

• 3 nights accommodation in Casa Don Tomas
• Visit to Toconao
  
• Round-trip transfers from/to Calama
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
  

• FREE breakfast in Day 2,3 and 4
  

• UPGRADE to Altiplanico from $920*pp
• UPGRADE to Terrantai (full board) from $1350*pp

Description

The Atacama Desert is the driest on earth, a plateau made up of salt basins sand, and lava flows, extending from the Andes mountains to the Pacific Ocean, where it virtually never rains. The skies are strikingly clear and blue and at night are filled with stars. The charming village of San Pedro de Atacama is located in one of the many oases caused by the Bolivian winter and it is from here that you may explore this mystical desert.

We can arrange any other travel arrangements in Brazil or South America to complement this tour.

Itinerary

Day 1, CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Arrive into Calama and travel overland to San Pedro, located at 2,450 metres above sea level, near the north side of the great salt deposit of Atacama (the biggest of the country), and perhaps one of the places in Chile which offers the widest number of attractions. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most significant hubs of Andean culture and of archaeological treasures, some of which are on display in the Padre Gustave Le Paige Archaeological Museum. San Pedro is a town, which has preserved all its primitive magic, taken over in 1450 by the Incas and incorporated into the Hispanic culture in 1536.

Day 2, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (Breakfast)

This morning visit Toconao, small village built of white volcanic stone. Its fresh water allows this oasis to grow all kinds of fruits. The fields are cultivated according to the traditional pre-hispanic pattern of irregularly- shaped small patches watered by the community irrigation system. Take a soft walk along the Jeria Valley. Stop at LakeChaxa, its shores thickly encrusted with salt and its waters a breeding area for pink flamingoes. This afternoon, proceed to Moon Valley, a small depression of saline ground, containing a number of small sharp-crested hills, with incrustations looking like broken glass. Wind and rain have ereoded the area so it appears to be a lunar landscape. Sunset at Moon Valley is amazing .

Day 3, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (Breakfast)

Day at leisure to explore Atacama. We suggest an optional early morning tour to see the Geysers del Tatio put on a spectacle as the sun rises over the plateau. Later, perhaps a swim in thermal springs, visits to archaeological ruins and horse-riding or cycling in the nearby dried up creek beds. A visit to the Le Paige Museum is a must.

Day 4, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - CALAMA (Breakfast)

Return to Calama by road, farewelling the astounding Atacama.

*Conditions: 

Prices are per person, based on twin share. Seasonal surcharges may apply. Subject to availability.

There are also 2 luxury lodges - Awasi Lodge and Explora Atacama - which have fully inclusive packages.

Check with your Breakaway Travel agency for details.

 

 

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