Highlights
- Float in the salt-rich waters of Cejar Lagoon
- Watch steam rise from the El Tatio Geysers at dawn
- Ride or hike through the dunes of Moon Valley
- Spot flamingos on the Salar de Atacama salt flats
- Stargaze beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth
- Explore the adobe streets of San Pedro de Atacama
- Visit the high-altitude village of Machuca
- Walk among giant cacti near Guatin Canyon
We offer two 5-night family options in the Atacama Desert which are fully inclusive of accommodation, transfers, meals and guided excursions.
Option 1 is based on a fully inclusive stay at the high end Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama (5*). The hotel would arrange pick up/drop off at the airport, your accommodation, meals and excursions based on a daily menu of activities which you can choose from each day (below is our suggestion in terms of activities). The beauty of this option is that you would be able to choose different activities based on your individual family requirements.
The hotel offers a flexible approach and a high level of service to families. There are a choice of different pools and families can use their bikes for free when not exploring. Activities would be shared with other guests at the hotel. The stay includes all meals and an open bar.
Option 2 is based on a stay at the typical Atacameno Hotel Casa Don Tomas (4*). The rate quoted includes daily breakfast and lunch during the full day excursion. No other meals are included in the itinerary but the hotel is centrally located so you can walk into the town of San Pedro for lunch and dinner. Importantly the guided activities on this option would be private with an English speaking guide and driver. This itinerary is the more flexible option as you would be with your own guide and you would have some time to explore independently.
Daily activities are flexible and can be arranged according to how everybody is feeling but these are our recommendations
Day by Day
- Fly from Santiago to Calama airport
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (approximately 2 hours).After some time to unpack and freshen up you will be collected for an evening astronomy tour where you will experience an unforgettable journey into the cosmos in the Atacama Desert, renowned for its dazzling skies. Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the night skies with powerful telescopes. Witness breathtaking views of planets, galaxies, star clusters and incandescent stars while immersing yourself in the rich history of the universe and its ties to Atacama culture. Expert guides share captivating stories and scientific insights teaching you to read the sky and unravel its secrets. This immersive experience not only stimulates your curiosity but also leaves an indelible mark as you marvel at the mysteries of the universe.*The astronomy tour is dependent on dates of the new moon as it is better during very dark skies. Once you have your travel dates it may be necessary to move this to another evening during your stay.
Return to hotel
Option 1: Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama (dinner included), 2 rooms per family
Option 2: Hotel Casa Don Tomas (no meals included), 2 rooms per family - Morning visit to Laguna Cejar. Afternoon tour to Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)
After breakfast in your hotel which is included, we recommend a visit to the Cejar Lagoon which allows you to float effortlessly in warm, mineral-rich waters while taking in sweeping desert and volcano views. The calm setting, short walks, and gentle pace make this an easy, memorable outing for all ages; relaxing, fun, and naturally beautiful.After lunch in your hotel (or in town) you will be taking an afternoon visit to the renowned Moon Valley which feels like stepping onto another planet with sculpted sand dunes, salt formations and glowing earty tones shaped by wind and time. As the sun lowers, the landscape shifts into rich reds and golds. You can enjoy walking along easy trails, exploring natural caves and climbing to viewpoints while enjoying the desert panoramas. An immersive an unforgettable experience.
Return to hotel
Option 1: Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama (all meals included), 2 rooms per family
Option 2: Hotel Casa Don Tomas (breakfast only included), 2 rooms per family - Morning excursion to Cactus Valley. Afternoon cultural tour
Our journey begins at the Vilama River ravine, the main water source for San Pedro de Atacama’s oasis. Marvel at the vitality of this river, which sustains life in the region. As we continue, we explore the diverse northern and southern slopes of the valley, where we will observe the unique fauna and learn about the fascinating cactus species. Dating back 30 to 40 million years, these resilient plants have adapted to extreme desert conditions. We will gain insight into their vital role in the ecosystem’s balance and conservation as we embark on an exciting 4 km trek through Cactus Valley which is full of surprises.Return to San Pedro for lunch, relax in the hotel or take a walk into town.
Afternoon cultural tour to learn about the history and culture of the region (according to your interests and preferences). After strolling through the adobe streets of San Pedro, there will be a visit to the historic church and a chance to learn about the region’s deep indigenous roots. Afterwards there will be a visit to one of the nearby villages where you can witness the distinctive stone architecture and local crafts. You may also visit an ancient fortress which offers an insight into pre-Colombian life. The afternoon exploration will offer sweeping desert views while you connect with the culture and the history of this fascinating region.
Return to hotel
Option 1: Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama (all meals included), 2 rooms per family
Option 2: Hotel Casa Don Tomas (breakfast only included), 2 rooms per family - Full day tour to the Altiplanico Lagoons
Today you will be taking a full day journey to the Altiplanic Lagoons taking you deep into the high Andes beyond the town of San Pedro as you ascend through vast open landscapes where vicuñas graze and volcanoes rise against crystal-clear skies.The highlights are the shimmering twin lakes; Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques, located over 4,000 meters above sea level, their deep blue waters contrasting beautifully with the golden grasses and snow-dusted peaks. You will be able to walk along gentle trails along the lake shores, photograph the dramatic scenery, spot flamingos and native wildlife and enjoy the profound silence of the Altiplano; a peaceful, awe-inspiring experience as you immerse yourselves in the raw beauty of the desert.
Return to hotel
Option 1: Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama (all meals included), 2 rooms per family
Option 2: Hotel Casa Don Tomas (breakfast and packed lunch included), 2 rooms per family - Morning visit the Salar de Atacama and Toconao
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Salar de Atacama, located in the Soncor sector of Los Flamencos National Reserve. Here, the enchanting Chaxa Lagoon awaits, celebrated for its vibrant birdlife and striking flamingos. A thoughtfully designed trail winds through a series of stunning lagoons, forming one of the largest salt flats in the world. Along the way, visitors can explore the charming town of Socaire, renowned for its traditional cuisine rooted in ancestral terrace farming and ingenious irrigation practices. Locals cultivate crops such as corn, quinoa, beans, carrots, and potatoes, preserving the authentic spirit of this remote community. Venture into the high Andean plateau and be captivated by the spectacular Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, situated at 4,200 meters above sea level at the foothills of imposing volcanoes.The dramatic landscape features vivid blue skies, lush vegetation and ochre mountain hues that create a mesmerizing backdrop. Your journey concludes in Toconao, a historic town where you can admire the venerable bell tower and the Church of San Lucas, both national monuments. Here, exquisite local crafts, fashioned from pumice stone, cactus wood, and alpaca wool, reflect the region’s deep cultural heritage and creative spirit. This journey offers immersive glimpse into nature and culture’s splendor.
On return to the hotel you will have the afternoon to relax or take a stroll into the village of San Pedro.
Return to hotel
Option 1: Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama (all meals included), 2 rooms per family
Option 2: Hotel Casa Don Tomas (breakfast only included), 2 rooms per family - Transfer to Calama airport for flight back to Santiago.
Breakfast only included.
Trip Price
Option 1
From US$13,000 for a family of four with two children under 12 (two rooms throughout)
Option 2
From US$7,950 for a family of four with two children under 12 (two rooms throughout).