Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Monday:
Arrive to Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama (98km) with views of amazing rock formations at Cordillera de la Sal. Briefing lunch. Evening 3-4 hrs walk into the silent Moon Valley, hike enormous and dunes and admire sunset. Overnight Hotel in San Pedro. Includes: (L).
Day 2, Tuesday:
Enter Valle de Marte and start walking the Corniza trail (3hrs) over the ridge of sandstone mountains. Descend to San Pedro Valley and walk (1hr) to the remarkable fortress of Quitor (XII century). Walk (3km) to San Pedro. Evening visit to the Archaeological Museum. Includes: (B, BL).
Day 3, Wednesday:
Enter the sparkling white Salar de Atacama and observe the flamingoes at Chaxa lagoon. Return to San Pedro (50 Km) and continue (6-8km) along the river valley until trek starting point. The trail follows a broad valley until winding into a superb canyon sculpted by erosion. In summer (Nov-Mar) we trek with sandals over the riverbed shaded by the immense walls that close above us. In wintertime, we avoid the freezing water and walk above the gorge. Arrive in the old mine of San Bartolo (2,700m/8,100ft) and set up camp. Includes: (B, BL, D).
Day 4, Thursday:
Start gaining altitude as we leave the riverbed and hike at plateau level. The trail follows the river canyon and some rare life forms, such as giant cactuses, emerge from the arid and barren desert. Arrive in the village of Rio Grande (3,500m/ 10,500ft) where we set up camp by the river. Includes: (B, BL, D).
Day 5, Friday:
The trail follows the course of smaller waterways that form narrow and beautiful valleys inhabited by indigenous people and their lamas. We keep gaining altitude until reaching the green pastures of Machuca (4,100m/ 12,300ft) teeming with wildlife and a spectacular view of Licancabur. Includes: (B, BL, D).
Day 6, Saturday:
At 5am we start driving towards El Tatio (4,500m/13,500ft) on time to observe the geysers in action at sunrise. Breakfast in the open and walk around the geothermal field. If feeling acclimatized enough we attempt to hike over the 5,000m/ 15,000 ft on the slopes of an inactive volcano. Drive back to Puritama hot springs for a healthy bath. Farewell dinner and overnight in San Pedro. Includes: (B, BL, D).
Day 7, Sunday:
Drive back to Calama on time for your flight. Includes: (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All ground transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary.
- 3 nights accommodation in standard double room in a 3s hotel in San Pedro.
- 3 nights accommodation in mountain tents, all camping gear included; sleeping bag and mat not included.
- All entrance fees.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / BL = Box Lunch / D = Dinner.
- One expert English speaking trekking guide for each 6 clients; one English speaking assistant guide added for groups larger than 6 clients.
Price Excludes:
- Air fares.
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trips).
- Optional tipping to guides and staff.
- Items of personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverage other than our famous pisco sour and wine offered in dinners, etc.).
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Hiking & Trekking
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