San Pedro De Atacama

Reception at Calama’s airport and transfer to the village of San Pedro de Atacama through the Domekyo Mountain Range and the Salt Mountain Range. Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the middle of the desert, where the origin of its population dates back to around 11,000 years BC. with groups of nomadic hunter-gatherers, who later, with the domestication of camelids and the development of terrace agriculture, gave way to local villages.
In the afternoon, visit to the Moon Valley: Tour of an impressive salt scene that resembles the lunar landscape, which has been shaped by water and wind for millions of years, appreciating striking rock sculptures that give life to the Salt Mountain Range where you visit Las Tres Marías, an interesting geological formation that is located next to an old salt mine. The tour ends in the Mars Valley, also known as Death Valley, a sector that stands out for the particularity of its rock formations and the absolute desert of its landscape. No type of plant or insect manages to survive in this place that has been described as one of the most inhospitable areas of the country. From here you can get one of the best views of the Andes Mountains and its volcanoes, a natural space that towards sunset, offers a wonderful spectacle of colors with the sunset, enjoying an aperitif. Return and accommodation.

Note: The regular option does not include the Mars valley.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart on an excursion to visit the picturesque town of Toconao, a town built mostly in liparite stone (volcanic stone) where its main attraction is its church dating from 1744 and the bell tower of San Lucas, both declared National Monuments, here its artisans make handicrafts in liparite stone and alpaca wool. Continuation towards the Atacama Salt flat, the largest in Chile and one of the largest in the world, where the Chaxa Lagoon is located, habitat of 3 species of flamingos, and then continue towards the Altiplanic Lagoons of Meñique and Miscanti, located 4,500 m a.s.l. This area is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. The lagoons are surrounded by imposing volcanoes that originated as a result of the uplift of the Andes in remote geological times. On the way back, we will stop at Socaire, a typical highland town, where we will see its small houses, its church as the main historical heritage including San Bartolome as its patron saint, its crops on terraces on the slopes of the hill and its viewpoint with an extensive view of the salt flat. Picnic lunch and time to visit local artisans.
Return and accommodation.

Early morning departure to the Tatio Geysers to take a guided walk through the geothermal field and observe the fumaroles that appear impressive at dawn. Return with a spectacular view of the Tocorpuri and Sairecabur volcanoes including a picnic breakfast en route. Stop along the way to visit the town of Machuca with its typical farming terraces, its mud houses with thatched roofs, its church and its small wetland where you can observe the local fauna such as llamas, alpacas and flamingos. With the reactivation of agriculture, grazing, cheese production and tourism, little by little the Atacameños have been returning to their town of origin.
Rest of the day free.

Note: in the regular option, the visit to the town of Machuca is replaced by the visit to the Putana and Machuca wetlands where different species of birds and local fauna can be seen.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport of Calama (1h30) to board your next flight.