Magic of Atacama

Day 1: Calama - San Pedro and the Moonvalley

Arrival at the airport of Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is an unusual colorful village located 2.440 m / 8.000 ft above sea level in the middle of a green oasis. In the afternoon you will be taken into the mystifying Valle de la Luna, the famous Moon Valley. At sunset you can see how the light intensifies the impression of a moonscape.  Overnight in San Pedro.

Day 2: San Pedro, historical sites & the Atacama Salt Lake

After breakfast you will visit San Pedro de Atacama.  Visit to extraordinary archaeological, among its many archaeological pre-Hispanic artifacts, several amazingly well preserved mummies, including one known as "Miss Chile."  Visit to a pre-Columbian village Tulor with an approx. age of 3000 years.   We will then continue our morning tour to Pukara de Quitor a fortress.  In the afternoon you will start your tour to Toconao, a village where locals dedicate themselves to the manufacture of white volcanic stone sculptures. You continue to the huge Atacama Salt Lake, an inland sea formed millions of years ago. You will be overwhelmed by the vast emptiness with the white salt crusts stretched out in front of you as far as your eyes can see.  Return to the hotel. Overnight in San Pedro. (B, BL)

Day 3: El Tatio and Machuca

In the morning you will depart early at 4:00 am to reach the El Tatio Geysers at an altitude of 4.300 m / 14.108 ft before sunrise. It is the highest geothermal field in the world.  At dawn, powerful spurts of steam shoot out from various blowholes.  You will have enough time to enjoy this beautiful natural wonder before we return and drive to the village Machuca where the ancient llama caravans used to rest from their travels on the "Inca Highway".  Afterwards, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama. Leisure time in the afternoon.  Overnight in San Pedro. (B)

Day 4: San Pedro - Calama

After breakfast, a transfer takes you to the airport to board your departure flight. (B)