Atacama Extension

You will arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the heart of northern Chile that’s surrounded by some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

Perched high on the arid plateau called Puna de Atacama and overlooking the Licancabur volcano, San Pedro de Atacama is a small oasis that formed as a result of tourism.

After arriving at your hotel perhaps visit the Iglesia San Pedro de Atacama, a Catholic Church constructed during the Spanish colonial period located on the town’s main plaza. It’s Chile’s second oldest church and it was constructed using indigenous adobe, cactus wood and leather-bound beams.

This morning you will enjoy a small group tour of Pukara de Quitor and Tulor, two of San Pedro de Atacama’s archaeological sites.

At Pukara de Quitor you will visit the remains of a stone fortress built by the Atacameno people to defend themselves from the Incas, who in turn used the site for defence against the Spanish. You can climb to the top of a hill to see a monument to the Atacameno and take in the views of San Pedro de Atacama, the Valley de la Luna and beyond.

Tulor is a former village and one of the oldest archaeological establishments in the region. Made from mud, the circular and vault wall settlement dates back to between 300BC and 500AD.

You will also stop at Ayllu de Coyo, a small Indigenous Likanantai community, where you can see their residences and experience life with the locals.

In the afternoon enjoy the scenery of the Valle de la Luna. Located in Los Flamencos National Reserve, this is one of the main attractions of the Atacama desert.

There, you will visit the Cuevas de Sal Canyon (salt caves) before heading to Mirador Achaches and Duna Mayor to watch the sunset over the desert.

You will enjoy a free morning at your hotel before joining a small group tour to Salar de Atacama.

Enroute you will stop at the small village of Toconao. This town sits on the edge of the Salar de Atacama and most of its buildings are constructed from white volcanic stone.

There, you will visit the main town square and see the Catedral de Toconao. The door of the bell tower and staircase inside this building is made from dried cactus. You can also purchase wool handicrafts from the locals who are skilled at knitting.

Surrounded by the Andes and the Cordillera de Domeyko, Salar de Atacama is the largest salt flat in Chile. You will spend the rest of the day exploring the main landmarks of the salt flats including Chaxa Lagoon. This is a fantastic place for birdwatching, including seeing three types of Chilean flamingos who inhabit the area.

Today you will depart early on a small group tour to the Tatio Geysers.

At 4,320 metres above sea level, these are the highest geysers and the highest geothermal field in the world. The geysers are most active in the morning and if you’re lucky, you’ll see the water erupt up to fifty metres high. Afterwards you will stop at Pozon Rustico, where you can take a swim in geothermal waters.

As you head back to your hotel, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as you can often spot guanacos, vicunas and flamingos on the drive.

After you will depart San Pedro de Atacama and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.