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Atacama Extension

4 Days
From USD 1,916

STYLE: Extension package

Trip Code: CLTSATD

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure - high altitude in some places)

Start: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Finish: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

DestinationDestination

Chile

DestinationDeparture Date

Daily 

MealsMeals

3 Breakfasts (B)

TransportTransport

Shared transfers from Calama Airport to Atacama Hotel return

TransportAccommodation

Hotels



Enquire Now
map

Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Half Day Archaeological Tour: Tulor & Quitor
Half Day Moon Valley & Salt Mountain Range tour 
Half Day Atacama Salt Flats tour 
Full Day tour of Tatio Geysers & Machuca village

HOW OUR SIGNATURE TOURS WORK

Booking a South America trip with Chimu is easy! Our signature tours are developed so you can choose your own departure date, choose your accommodation style and add extensions to customize your trip!

Choose a 
Signature Tour

Choose a 
Departure Date

Choose your Accommodation Style

Add optional extensions pre or post tour

Enjoy your trip!

OVERVIEW

Discover the unique landscapes that Northern Chile has to offer during this Atacama Extension. 

You’ll feel like you have departed our planet on this four day Chimu Adventure’s Atacama Extension. Staying in the heart of the desert at San Pedro de Atacama, you will explore the different landmarks and landscapes of this unique part of the world. Highlights include taking an archaeological tour through a stone fortress built by the Atacameno people in Pukara de Quitor and visiting the circular and vault mud wall settlement of Tulor. And who can forget the feeling of walking in the Valle de la Luna. You’ll think you’ve landed on the moon as you visit the Cuevas de Sal Canyon, the Mirador Achaches and watch the sunset over Duna Mayor. The other-worldly landscape doesn’t stop there as you adventure to the largest salt flat in Chile, Salar de Atacama, and enjoy birdwatching including seeing Chile’s famous flamingos in the wild. Finally, you will see our earth erupt as you journey to the Tatio Geysers and explore the highest geothermal field in the world.

On this all-encompassing extension program, Chimu will provide travel logistics for your travel party for the duration of your journey, plus expert guides for all the major sightseeing as per itinerary.  Each night you will stay in superior accommodation, handpicked by our experienced team for their creature comforts, convenient locations, and impeccable service. 

ITINERARY

San Pedro de Atacama

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.

Pukara de Quitor, Tulor & Moon Valley

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.

Toconao & Salar de Atacama tour

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.

Tatio Geyser tour & Depart

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.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ITINERARY

  • The dramatic landscapes are matched with incredible cultural offerings which reflect the historical and cultural heritage of the Andean people. 

  • Bear witness to awe-inspiring landscapes including salt flats, deserts, geysers and incredible mountain backdrops. 

  • This itinerary can be easily amended to include an exploration of Santiago. 

  • Each night you will stay in superior accommodation ensuring your journey is comfortable

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date


Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service

4 Days FROM USD 1,916 Enquire Now
Best Value!

Superior

Tried & tested upmarket properties with above average facilities and service

4 Days FROM USD 2,610 Enquire Now

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Important Information

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share.
    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
    All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

  • Inclusions

    Shared airport transfers to/from Calama Airport
    Accommodation with breakfast daily
    Other meals where stated
    Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide as detailed in the itinerary

     

    Exclusions 

    International and internal flights not indicated
    Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable) 
    Travel Insurance
    Beverages
    Personal expenses
    Gratuities for tour guides/drivers
    Any items not mentioned as included

  • 2 (light adventure - high altitude in some places)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Seasonality and availability at time of booking.