This extension to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, offers an incredible contrast to the glaciers of Patagonia. The town of San Pedro de Atacama has been inhabited since the 15th century, and there are numerous archaeological sites in the area. However, it is the natural attractions which are most impressive. The town, with views of the perfect volcanic cone of 5,900 metre-high Licancabur, makes a perfect base for exploring the surrounding desert. Visit the dramatic Valley of the Moon; the incredible Atacama Salt Flats, where the earth and sky merge; and the beautiful El Tatio geysers, at 4,300 metres above sea level.
All excursions are included on this extension. If you stay in the Hotel Altiplanico, the excursions will be as in the itinerary below. If you stay in the Hotel Tierra Atacama, there is a menu of excursions, so you can choose which excursions you would prefer to take. Not all excursions operate every day from the Hotel Tierra Atacama.
Day 1 San Pedro de Atacama Fly from Santiago to Calama and then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, high in the desert at 2,400 metres above sea level (3 nights). In the afternoon, visit the Valley of the Moon, a dramatic lunar landscape of barren hills and plains. Climb a sand dune to watch the colours of the surrounding mountains change from gold to red as the sun sets.
Day 2 San Pedro de Atacama A morning tour of the town of San Pedro, visiting the archaeological museum and the colonial church. Then visit the 3,000-year old site of Tulor and Pukara de Quitor, where the Spanish defeated the Incas. After a packed lunch, you visit the crafts village of Toconao, before continuing to the Atacama Salt Lake, where the salt crystals stretch out for miles, giving incredible sunsets.
Day 3 San Pedro de Atacama A 4am start for a 90 minute bumpy drive to the Tatio geysers. At 4,300 metres above sea level, these are some of the highest geysers in the world, and the water and steam jets create an incredible sight in the early morning light. You have breakfast here before visiting the village of Machuca, where ancient llama caravans used to rest. You return to San Pedro in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
Day 4 Santiago A morning transfer to Calama for your flight to Santiago (1 night).
Excursions in the Atacama Desert are taken in English and Spanish-speaking groups and may be with tourists of other nationalities.
Just outside the town of San Pedro in large grounds, this attractive hotel is constructed from adobe blocks. There is a restaurant, bar and open air unheated pool. The simple rooms are attractively decorated, with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces.
Located 2 kilometres out of San Pedro, this hotel has stunning views across the desert to the volcanoes. There is a good restaurant and bar, a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and spa treatments available. The large, modern rooms have heating and en-suite bathrooms and are decorated with textiles and crafts from the area. All meals and drinks, including wine and beer, are included, as are all excursions.