4-day Exploration of the Beauty of Northern Chile culture
OVERVIEW
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Accommodation: 3 hotel nights
Availability: All year round
Who is this tour for:
Recommended age: 6-70
Programs designed for all ages, offering a mix of culture, nature and food
Nature
Active
Foodie
Culture
Relax
Uncover the soul-stirring secrets of the world’s driest desert. Here, silence speaks volumes and the earth whispers tales as geysers erupt at dawn, salt flats stretch to the horizon, and lunar valleys glow in golden light. This awe-inspiring experience is filled with surreal beauty and quiet moments of wonder, where each corner is a hidden gem waiting to be found. Customize your journey in the mystical Atacama desert region, with optional experiences to hidden valleys and tranquil highland lagoons.
Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert and one of the driest places on Earth. welcomes us along with a transfer service from the airport to our hotel. The scenic drive to San Pedro de Atacama immerses us in surreal landscapes, where vast salt flats and impressive colours stretch into the horizon.
In the afternoon, we explore the Cordillera de la Sal, a dramatic expanse of jagged rock formations sculpted by time. At the Valley of Mars, also known as the Valley of Death, the silence and barren terrain create a unique experience. As the sun sets, we arrive at the Valley of the Moon, where shifting hues of pink, orange, and violet transform the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle. Standing atop the towering sand dune, we take in the mesmerizing scene—one of the most unforgettable sunsets in the world. Before heading to our San Pedro de Atacama hotel, time permitting, we will visit a traditional ayllu community to learn about their way of life and impressive ancient techniques to work on ceramics.
Day 2
San Pedro de Atacama - Leisure Day
Breakfast
Today we enjoy a free day to explore at our own pace or choose one of the following optional excursions:
Extra / add-onRainbow valley Tour: We journey to Yerbas Buenas to see ancient petroglyphs and cave paintings created using earthy pigments and animal fat, some of the most significant in the region. Continue to Rainbow Valley, where mineral-rich soils paint the landscape in vivid colors. A walk to the Cascada Seca offers a glimpse into the valley’s geological past. We end the day with a stunning sunset over the Salt Mountain Range.
Extra / add-on Altiplano Lagoons Tour: Wehead south into the high-altitude puna to discover striking lagoons and salt flats, including Chaxa Lagoon in the Los Flamencos National Reserve and the region’s largest: Miscanti Lagoon. We will visit the traditional villages of Toconao and Socaire, home of Atacameño communities, and pass the Tropic of Capricorn, where traces of ancient Inca trails still remain.
Day 3
El Tatio Geysers
Breakfast
Before dawn, we set out for one of the highest geyser fields in the world—the El Tatio Geysers, located over 4,000 meters above sea level. As the sun rises, we stop at Machuca, a tiny Andean village with a charming church and quaint farming lifestyle. The peaceful isolation of this remote settlement is a stark contrast to the steaming geysers ahead.
We continue our way to witness a breathtaking spectacle: El Tatiowith its towering columns of steam burst from the earth, illuminated by the morning light. The geothermal activity is mesmerizing, a reminder of the raw power hidden beneath the Earth’s crust.
On our way back, the “Geyser Blanco” (White Geyser) thermal springs welcome us for a relaxing yet invigorating deep, before continuing back to our hotel for a restful evening.
Day 4
San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago
Breakfast
We bid farewell to the breathtaking desert landscapes with a transfer from our hotel to the Calama airport for our flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival in Santiago, we remain at the airport to make our international flight connection on our own.
For those eager to explore more of the rich culture, and warm hospitality of Chile, speak to our specialists about extending your stay and visit Easter Island or Patagonia. You may also opt to continue the exploration of another stunning destination in South America like Argentina or Brazil.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Atacama Desert
Day 2: San Pedro de Atacama - Leisure Day
Day 3: El Tatio Geysers
Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago
Itinerary Map
1
Atacama Desert
2
San Pedro de Atacama - Leisure Day
3
El Tatio Geysers
4
San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago
Availability: All year round
Price per person starting from:
US$825
Category
Single
Double
Tourist
US$1,007
US$825
Premium
US$1,307
US$972
Superior Premium
US$1,557
US$1,094
Optional tours – Minimum 2 passengers
Rate
HD Rainbow valley & yerbas buenas
US$144
FD Altiplanic lagoons & Chaxa lagoon
US$229
Rates are per person in US Dollars, based on double occupancy (2 guests), unless otherwise stated. Valid throughout 2025.
What's included and not:
Rates Include
3 nights of accommodation
Transfers, guided tours, and entrance fees as specified
Meals as described in the itinerary
English-speaking professional guides
Not Included
International and domestic flights, unless mentioned in the included list
Public bus or transportation, unless mentioned in the included list
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses, tips, and additional services
Video/camera fees where applicable
Early check-in, late check-out fees
Optional/Extra Tours
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Additional Information
The itinerary and order of visits are subject to change due to guests’ interests, time constraints, physical endurance, weather, municipal regulations, safety, and/or unforeseen circumstances.
Navigation tours in Patagonia operate daily during the summer season (October to March). In winter, they run on fixed departure dates and are subject to weather conditions.
All museums in Chile are closed on Mondays.
Hotel-to-airport transfers are provided with a driver only (no guide).
Special dates like Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Carnival and national holidays may may incur a surcharge.
Hotel information:
No-show fees may apply.
Check-in is available from 15:00 hrs; check-out is by 11:00 hrs.
Breakfast is typically served between 07:00 and 10:00 hrs.
Experience the Best South America Tours with the Experts
From the stunning landscapes of the Andes and Amazon to historical and modern cities, you can explore ancient civilizations, discover ancient ruins, hike through breathtaking national parks, and savor delicious local cuisine. South America: There is something for everyone!
or E-Mail us
