We will visit places less traveled, and limit our use of motorized vehicles in order to connect directly with our surroundings. We will visit tourist attractions near and around San Pedro de Atacama during non-peak hours to give you the solitude and raw outdoor experiences you are looking for.
We will visit places less traveled, and limit our use of motorized vehicles in order to connect directly with our surroundings. We will visit tourist attractions near and around San Pedro de Atacama during non-peak hours to give you the solitude and raw outdoor experiences you are looking for.
My first visit to Moon Valley in 2003, was a memorable one, as I
arrived to San Pedro de Atacama after a 700 km, 40-day
ciclotourism trip that started in Altiplano of Arica in the
Parinacota Region of Chile. I approached San Pedro on my
bicycle, ascending the Llano de la Paciencia (Plain of Patience)
nearing the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range). I then
found myself at the base of El Anfiteatro (the Amphitheater)
tired, unaware of a camping ban, and without a tourist in site,
I put up my tent in the sand and enjoyed a warm, quiet, solitary
night…..
Whether you choose to walk, bike, or drive to
Moon Valley, on this day we will visit the Cordillera de la Sal
(Salt Mountain Range), which is a mountainous system that is
located in the middle of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt
Flat), parallel to the Cordillera Domeyko (Domeyko Mountain
Range) and the Cordillera Occidental (Andes Mountain Range). Due
to its special morphology, you might feel like you are on
another planet, or shall we say “on the Moon”. To enhance the
experience even more, we will walk through some caverns as well
as in higher sections of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain
Range) where we will have the optimum view to watch the sunset,
observe the sand dunes, and the work the wind has done in
eroding certain formations.
Included: Water, snack,
hiking poles, visit to Moon Valley and Mars Valley lookout
Does Not include: Entrance
fee $10.800 CLP per person. Bike rental
Duration: 4-5 hours.
Altitude: 2400 - 2600 masl.
Price in Private: $180.000
CLP, in 4WD up 6 travellers. Groups of 7 travellers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this excursion we will have the chance to visit the northern part of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat) and one of the lagoons formed by waters that emerge from under the surface of the salt flat. Its high rates of salinity due to the high concentration of salt causes “Aqueous Density” which creates buoyancy, causing travelers to float to the surface of the water. When we visit this region in the afternoon we will be able to watch the sunset over Laguna Tebenquiche (Tebenquiche Lagoon).
Included: Water, Snack,
Swimming in Laguna Céjar and visit to Lagunas Ojos del Salar
and Laguna Tebenquinche.
Does Not include: Entrance
fee $20.000 CLP per person
Duration: 5 hours.
Altitude: 2350 - 2450
masl.
Price in Private: $180.000
CLP, in 4WD up 6 travellers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this trip we will visit some of the most beautiful places in
southeastern San Pedro de Atacama. We will visit the salt flat
and learn about how it forms, Chaxa Lagoon where we can observe
a variety of small birds, the endemic Fabian Lizard and the
Andean, James, and Austral flamingos (depending on the season),
among other species. Then, as we approach the volcanoes we will
climb altitude and go up into the mountains where we can see the
pre-puna vegetation also known as “tolares” that is located
around 3,500 masl or 2,175 fasl. Once we reach the puna we can
see flora and fauna native to the zone such as the Vicuña,
Andean Fox or Culpeo Fox, and scrubland. We can also sight
remains of past volcanic eruptions called ignimbrite (volcanic,
pumice stone) fields. And finally we will experience the
breathtaking views of two lagoons that were formed over 4,000
meters or 2,485 feet in the high-plateau, where we can observe
the near endangered Horned Coot.
Being that it is a
long expedition, the travelers will be consulted whether they
prefer to continue to Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) or return to San
Pedro. Should the travelers choose to continue the journey, we
will see high-plateau landscapes of a gorgeous color
combinations and find ourselves enduring winds that remind us of
our own fragility itself in these tough weather conditions.
Included: Water, snack,
lunch.
Does Not include: Entrance
fee: $23.000 CLP per person
Duration: 9 hours, with
extension to Piedras Rojas, 11 hours.
Altitude: 2350 - 4200 masl.
Price in private: $330.000
CLP, with extension to Piedras Rojas $400.000 CLP. Groups of 7
travellers or more: Please consult for rates
On this excursion we will visit the Geysers del Tatio (Tatio Geysers), the largest geothermal field in the southern hemisphere, where we will see the same waters rise above the surface that were heated 1 kilometer or .6 miles below the Earth's surface by the Tatio Volcano's activity. In order to arrive we must travel 100 km or 62 miles north of San Pedro de Atacama, ascending the high-plateau where we can visit a few wetlands with birds such as the Andean Coot, Giant Coot, Andean Gull, Andean Goose, Puna Duck, Juarjual Duck, Austral Flamingo, James Flamingo and animals such as the Vicuña, the Andean Fox, among others.
Includes: water, breakfast
or lunch, visits to the Tatio Geysers, Geyser Blanco hot
springs, Hidden Bofedal, Putana and Machuca Bofedal
Does Not include: Entrance
fees: Geysers del Tatio, $15.000 CLP p/p.
Duration: 8 hours.
Altitude: 2400 - 4500 masl.
Price in Private: $350.000
CLP, for up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this trip we will visit the Geysers del Tatio, however, after
having breakfast at 4,250 masl or 2,640 fasl, we will go
directly west, through the quebrada Tchita (Tchita Ravine),
crossing the Cordillera Domeyko (Domeyko Mountain Range) to
visit the beautiful, untouched, traditional village of
Caspana.
From here we continue the descent towards the west to cross El
Desierto de Atacama (the Atacama Desert), the driest desert on
Earth, until we reach the town of Chiuchiu, which is located on
the banks of the Río Loa (Loa River). Here we can visit Chile's
oldest church, built in 1611, with a cactus wood roof, supported
by a beautiful adobe structure. If time allows we will visit the
National Monument of Lasana Pukara, a Pre-Columbian fortress.
Includes: water, breakfast,
Geyser Blanco hot springs, visits to Caspana Village, lunch,
Pukara de Lasana, and the town of Chiuchiu.
Does Not include: Entrance
fees: $17.000 CLP pp.
Duration: 12 hours
Altitude: 2200 - 4600
masl.
Price in Private: $580.000
CLP, for up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates.
On this excursion we will ascend to the high-plateau, where we
will visit the quebrada del Río Puritama (Puritama River
Stream), where the cactus species Echinopsis Atacamensis abunds.
Many of these cactus are more than 150 years old!
Then we will go to the Puritama Hot Springs (Puri meaning
“water”, Tama meaning “hot” in the indigenous Kunza language),
where we will find 8 pools varying between 28 and 32 degrees
Celsius or 82.4 degrees to 89.9 degrees Fahrenheit. These waters
are heated underground by the Volcán Putana (Putana Volcano) and
then emerge from the interiors of the quebrada Putana (Puritama
Ravine).
Includes: water, snacks and
beverages
Does Not include: Entrance
fees: Entrance fees $25.000 CLP per person
Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 3500 masl.
Price in Private: $180.000
CLP, for up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this outing we will travel west through the Llano de Paciencia (Plain of Patience), which is one of the driest places in the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat) and is located in between the Cordillera Domeyko and Cordillera de la Sal (Domeyko and Salt Mountain Ranges). After about an hour of travel through the Llano de Paciencia, which could test our “patience”, we will arrive to our destination, Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache (Baltinache's Hidden Lagoons) where we will find 7 lagoons varying from light blue to turquoise that emerge from below the Earth's surface. Two of the seven lagoons are apt for swimming. Just as in the Laguna Piedra (Stone Lagoon), the high concentration of salts causes a sufficient density so that we can effortlessly float in the water.
Includes: water, lunch or
snacks and beverages. Visit to Vallecito
Does Not include: Entrance
fees: $10.000 CLP p/p
Duration: 6 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 2600 masl.
Price in Private: $250.000
CLP, for up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this occasion we will travel east ascending a mountain that
will quickly allow us to to arrive at 4,600 masl or 2,858 fasl
to the high-plateau where we can spot springs formed by snowmelt
from the high peaks. These streams form vegas (wetlands) like
the Bofedal Quepiaco (Quepiaco Wetlands); these areas act as
meeting places for several types of Andean birds such as the
Juarjual Duck, Coot, Flamingos, Andean Gull, as well as others.
We can see the fragil and timid Vicuña in its natural habitat of
the high-plateau and if we are lucky, perhaps we will see a
Anden Fox. Other species that are more difficult to spot but not
impossible are the Suri or Ñandu and the Puma.
Then we will visit a salar (salt flat) less commonly visited
called Salar de Pujsa (Pujsa Salt Flat), nesting place of the
James Flamingo, which in cool weather can be found in the
high-plateau and during colder months are found down in the
lagoons of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat Basin). We
can spot the Volcán Pili (Pili Volcano), meaning duck, and the
Volcán Acamarachi (Acamarachi Volcano). meaning stone snail, in
the indigenous Kunza language. The Volcán Acamarachi (Acamarachi
Volcano) is also one of many Incan alpine sanctuaries where they
would connect with their “Apus” or gods.
Next, we will travel northwest entering the Caldera la Pacana
(Pacana Crater), a huge volcanic depression of 60 meters wide by
35 meters long or 197 feet wide by 115 miles long, where we will
be able to see the latest erosionary acts which created the
Monjes de Pacana (Pacana Monks), ignimbrite formations and
statues, which continue to erode with the high winds, sands, and
sediments of the high-plateau.
Later, we will cross over to the Salar de Tara (Tara Salt Flat)
and Laguna Tara (Tara Lagoon) located within a protected wetland
Sitio Ramsar (Ramsar Site) within Reserva Nacional de los
Flamencos (The National Flamingos Reserve). You will be amazed
by how immense, gorgeous, and pristine this site is.
Internationally renowned photographers who have visited this
site, have mentioned that it was one of the most beautiful
landscapes they have ever captured.
Includes: Water and lunch
Duration: 8 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 4800
masl.
Price in Private: $350.000
CLP, for up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this occasion we will travel west, heading up into the
Domeyko Mountain Range where we can spot the Guanaco, a Camelid
similar to the Vicuña, however it is a bit larger in size and
enjoys greater autonomy as it does not depend on having access
to water currents to survive. We will continue going north until
we reach the Yerbas Buenas sector, an ancient trade route where
various types of exchange (goods, cultural, etc) occurred
connecting the caravan traffic between the Chilean coastal towns
and present-day northeastern towns of Argentina. The evidence of
various cultures passing through this sector can be found in the
petroglyphs or rock paintings which we will observe and attempt
to interpret.
From here we will visit the Valle del Río Salado (Salty River
Valley), a lovely valley which leads us to the breathtaking
Valle del Arcoiris (Rainbow Valley). Here in this geological
museum we will learn about the Earth's processes which gave
origin to these colorful formations.
Includes: water, lunch, or
snack and bevereages
Does Not include: Entrance
Fees $10.000 CLP per person
Duration: 5 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 3400
masl.
Price in Private: $210.000
CLP, for up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7 travelers or more:
Please consult for rates
On this outing we will ascend the gentle slope of the Río San Pedro (San Pedro River) where we will encounter surprising views of the green vegetation of the Valle de Catarpe (Catarpe Valley) that contrast beautifully with the orange color palette of the Salt Mountain Range. Here the Incas did not only pass through on foot, but rather they installed themselves in the valley and constructed an administrative center in the 15th century. Later in the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors finally defeated the Atacamenian people who took refuge at the Pukará de Quitor fortress, thus initiating the decline of the Lickanantai culture.
Includes: water, individual
snack, visits to the Pukará de Quitor (Pukará de Quitor
Fortress), Capilla San Isidro (Saint Isidore Chapel), and
Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat Gorge).
Does Not Include: “Bicycle
rental. Entrance fee: $6.000 CLP p/p
Difficulty: Moderate
Duración: 4-5 horas.
Altitud: 2400 - 2500 msnm.
Price in Private: $150.000
CLP for up to 12 travelers
On this outing we will ascend the gentle slope of the Río San
Pedro (San Pedro River) where we will encounter surprising views
of the green vegetation of the Valle de Catarpe (Catarpe Valley)
that contrast beautifully with the orange color palette of the
Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range). Here the Incas did
not only pass through on foot, but rather they installed
themselves in the valley and constructed an administrative
center in the 15th century. Later in the 16th century, the
Spanish conquistadors finally defeated the Atacamenian people
who took refuge at the Pukará de Quitor fortress, thus
initiating the decline of the Lickanantai culture. We will then
cross the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) and return
to San Pedro via the Cornisa de Catarpe (Catarpe Cornice) path,
giving us an aerial view of the Valle de Catarpe (Catarpe
Valley), and leading us to the upper sector of the Valle de
Marte (Mars Valley). Then we will descend the sandy valley which
connects us to the main road which takes us back to San Pedro de
Atacama.
Includes: water, individual
snack, visits to the Catarpe Tunnel and Cornices, and Mars
Valley
Does NOT include: Bike
rental. Entrance fees: $6.000 CLP p/p
Difficulty: High
Duration: 5 hours
Altitude: 2,400 - 2,700 masl
Price in Private: $150.000
CLP for up to 12 travelers.
On this occasion we will learn about the shepherding of llamas
and the thousand year old history regarding caravan expeditions
and the commercial exchange that occurred between the
Atacamenian people and Amazonian and coastal peoples. We will
walk among the llamas in the Coyo community or “ayllu” as the
indigenous would say. Later, we will learn about traditions and
customs of the native peoples, especially related to cooking as
we will taste test some local products. We will finish the day
at a restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious lunch made with
local products.
Includes: water, local
product tasting, lunch.
Does NOT include: N/A
Difficulty: low
Duration: 4 hours
Altitude: 2,400 masl
Price: $100.000 CLP p/p for
4 people (minimum)
The local legend says that on August 1st, at dawn, the shadow of
the Volcán Licancabur (Licancabur Volcano), the lead male figure
in the folktale casts his glance upon the lady Cerro Quimal
(Mount Quimal), thus consummating their forbidden love for one
another. Interesting fact: In local tales, volcanoes are
considered to be either male or female personas. Furthermore,
Cerro Quimal (Mount Quimal), which is part of the Cordillera
Domeyko (Domeyko Mountain Range), actually stands out as the
highest point visible from the Cuenca del Salar de Atacama
(Atacama Salt Flat Basin).
Includes: water, individual
snack, isotonic drink, soup, and hot beverages, hiking poles,
gloves and balaclava.
Does NOT include: Hiking
boots, warm clothes, sunglasses, or goggles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 9 hours, between
6:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Altitude: 2.400 - 4.278
masl
Suitable season: Weather
Conditions and Appropriate Hiking Season: Can be visited all
year. However, successful climbs completed to the peak have
been completed between December to March.
Value in Private: 400.000
CLP for up to 5 travelers.
This is an excellent hike for those who are looking to acclimate
their bodies in preparation for climbs at higher altitudes like
the Volcanes Licancabur and Ojos del Salado (Licancabur and Eyes
of the Salted Volcano). Also, due to the fact that it is a
non-technical ascent, it is ideal for those are just beginning
to climb at high altitudes (alpine mountaineering).
On this expedition we will travel east to the high-plateau until
we arrive at the base of the volcano. Depending on the snow
level, we will exit the 4WD and start our ascent between 5,000
and 5,200 meters. From here we will ascend for around two hours
on a trail that will take us to the summit. Here on top of Mount
Toco we will have a spectacular view of Volcanes Licancabur and
Juriques (Licancabur and Juriques Volcanoes), as well as the
Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) to the north of us. Looking towards
the south, with a clear sky we will be able to see the
impressive Volcán Llullaillaco (Llullaillaco Volcano).
Alternative:
Conquer Cerro Toco on bike. Enjoy a 2,800 meter or 9,186 foot
descent starting at the base of Cerro Toco at 5,200 meters or
17,060 feet and finishing our trip in San Pedro de Atacama
Includes: water, individual
snack, isotonic drink, soup, hot beverages, hiking poles,
gloves and balaclava
Does NOT include: Bike
rental. Hiking boots, warm clothing, sunglasses and goggles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 7 hours (7:00 AM -
2:00 PM). Alternative: 9 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 5604
masl
Suitable season: Weather
Conditions and Appropriate Hiking Season: Can be visited all
year. However, successful climbs completed to the peak have
been completed in March and April and from July to December.
Value in Private: $330.000
CLP (Hiking) for up to 6 travelers..
Volcán Lascar (Lascar Volcano) or Tongue of Fire as the locals
say, is one of the most active volcanoes in the country, and
constantly exhibits an active steam vent or fumarole. Its last
eruption was in 1993 and the last significant volcanic activity
occured in 2015. Due to its activity it is constantly being
monitored.
Being that it is a day hike, it will also
help you get used to the altitude so that you can climb higher
volcanoes like Licancabur and Eyes of the Salted Volcano should
you choose. The hike is a bit steeper and more challenging than
Cerro Toco (Toco Volcano), it will take about three hours to
reach the crater and another forty minutes to reach the
summit.
Near Volcán Lascar (Lascar Volcano), there are many other
volcanoes that are recognized as alpine sanctuaries by the
Atacamenian people such as the Pili, Chiliques, Tumisa
Volcanoes. Lascar itself could have also been used as an alpine
sanctuary, however any vestiges that existed in the past, are no
longer, due to it volcanic activity.
Includes: water, breakfast,
individual snack, isotonic drink, soup, hot beverages, hiking
poles, gloves, and balaclava.
Does NOT include: Hiking
boots, warm clothing, sunglasses or goggles. Tickets $10.000
CLP per person
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 12 hours
Altitude: 2400 - 5.600
masl
Suitable season: Weather
Conditions and Appropriate Hiking Season: Can be visited all
year. However, successful climbs completed to the peak have
been completed in March and April and from July to
December.
Price in Private: $400.000
CLP for up to 5 travelers
This volcano is undoubtedly the most impressive and striking of
all the volcanoes in the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat
Basin). Here we will be able to admire the drastic elevation
difference between the base of the basin and the summit of the
volcano; it is an impressive three and half kilometers or 11.5
miles!
There are many stories and legends about the
male persona of the Volcán Licancabur (Licancabur Volcano); some
of these stories could be true and while with others it could be
hard to tell. However, we can confirm with our own eyes the
existence of the little town of Licancabur at the base of the
volcano on the Bolivian side where we can identify ancient Incan
ruins presumably used as a rest area before continuing the climb
up the volcano. There is another site at the summit of the
volcano where ruins were found. Years ago cactus wood was found
here that was mostly likely used to build a fire at the summit
where rituals were practiced by the Incas. Others have told the
story about a quartz sphere that was found and then lost on a
dive in the small lagoon that can be found in the crater of the
volcano.
To complete this climb, one of the requirements is that the
travelers do other alpine hikes at higher elevations, as to get
accustomed to the extreme conditions.
While the hike is not technically challenging, it is physically
demanding. The first day we will have dinner and spend the night
in a mountain shelter.
The next day around 3:00 AM, we will head to the base of the
volcano and complete a six to seven hour ascension, and a short,
three hour descent.
Includes: Dinner on first
day. Breakfast and lunch for second day. Water, individual
snack, isotonic drink, soup, hot beverages, hiking poles,
gloves, and balaclava. One night's lodging. One guide every 4
people.
Does NOT include: Boots,
warm clothing and sunglasses, Appropriate visa and fees paid
for entry to Bolivia depending on your country of origin
(current passport). Entrance fee: $150 BOB for the Reserva
Nacional Eduardo Avaroa.
Dificulty: Difficult.
Altitud: 2400 - 5916 msnm.
Weather Conditions and
Appropriate Hiking Season: Can be visited all year. However,
successful climbs completed to the peak have been completed in
March and April and from September to December.
Price in Private: $900.000
CLP for up to 5 people.
The Meteorite Museum invites you to participate in our Astronomy
and Planetary Geology experience.
We begin our tour
at the Meteorite Museum.
Included:
20:00 We
start the guided tour in the meteorite museum where you can
interact with museum where you can interact with real
meteorites that were recovered throughout the Atacama Desert.
the length and breadth of the Atacama Desert.
21:10 Transport to the Ayllu of Cúcuter where the sky
offers itself to contact us with the cosmos.
21:30
a 23:30 AstroPhotography, You and the stars.
We observe at least 5 objects through high-end telescopes
(these vary depending on the cloud cover in the sky)
Hot
drink
23:30 return to the hotels
Interesting explanations about each of the objects to be
observed.
Personal and couple astrophotography, at no additional cost
Difficulty: no difficulty
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Altitude: 2400 masl.
Price: $500.000 CLP for up
to 14 people in private
What to bring:
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