Explore the challenging highlands of the Atacama, the world’s driest and oldest desert. Dine outside Atacameno style while you learn about the stars and constellations that form the magnificent night sky.
Highlights
- Explore some of the lesser known corners of the Atacama Desert
- Enjoy an astronomy safari with specialist telescopes and viewing equipment
- Explore the Atacama salt flats and float in a sink hole lake
- Quad bike across the Valley of the Moon
- Stay in a boutique hotel in San Pedro and explore the town
- Hike off the beaten path into areas not accessible by vehicle
- Visit ancient settlements and archaeological remains
Day by day
- Arrive into San Pedro de Atacama. Afternoon walk into Death Valley. Hotel
- Cuchabrache walking safari and afternoon Cejar Lagoon bike ride (gentle 30 km ride on unchallenging roads). Swim in salty Cejar Lagoon. Hotel.
- Cactus walk safari from Guatin (3,000 metres). Afternoon optional quad biking in the Valley of the Moon. Evening astronomy safari.
- Transfer to village of Machuca on the Inca highway at 4,000 metres. Walk to Rio Grande to witness the local way of life, unchanged for centuries. Night hotel.
Extras
- Extend your stay with three sumptuous nights at the desert oasis Tierra Atacama hotel or similar.
- Combine this trip with a visit to the far south and the Torres del Paine National Park
Is this trip for me?
- This is an intensive exploration of the Atacama Desert with a chance to explore on foot and by bike. Activities generally take place first thing in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the hottest time of the day. This leaves time for lunch in San Pedro and/or a swim at your hotel.
- Early risers will be rewarded by magnificent sunrises and this is a great option for keen photographers.
- The hiking and biking is moderate and the quad biking requires no previous experience. Note, hikers should be fairly fit and comfortable with some narrow rocky trails.
- Accommodation is in a choice of 3* hotels with full facilities and breakfast included.
- All transfers are included in comfortable vehicles. The excursions are guided leaving you free to relax while the guide takes care of all the details.
- Dinners are generally not included so you can choose from the town’s many excellent restaurants. Lunches are included on some days, ask for details.
- The trip is suitable for children aged 12+. Contact us for discounts for 12-18 year olds.
- Please note some of the excursions will take place at high altitude so you should feel comfortable and prepared for this (we will make suggestions on the order of your itinerary to ensure you are acclimatised before visiting some of the higher altitude locations).
- The trip is available on request for 2+ people, some confirmed dates available on request.