7 Days in the Atacama Desert & Andean Heights
For hikers and stargazers, the Atacama offers otherworldly landscapes with minimal crowds. You'll trek through colored mineral mountains, soak in natural hot springs, and camp under some of the clearest skies on the planet—all while based in a relaxed oasis town.
What to expect
- Pre-dawn jeep to Geysers del Tatio (13,500ft) for sunrise steam columns
- Hike Pico de los Tres Cruces ridge for 360° Andean views
- Trek the Valley of the Moon's otherworldly rock formations
- Night stargazing at a dark-sky observatory or dune camp
- Soak Puritama hot springs tucked into a canyon
- Explore the Salar de Atacama salt flat and flamingo lagoons
Day by day
Fly into Calama, transfer 1.5 hours to San Pedro. Check into your lodge.
Wander the main plaza and cobbled streets; acclimate to 7,900ft elevation.
Dinner at a local café; early rest for tomorrow's pre-dawn wake.
3am pickup for Geysers del Tatio; watch steam vents erupt at sunrise (13,500ft).
Return to San Pedro, rest and refuel.
Light dinner; prepare for multi-day hiking permit.
Guided hike into the Vallée de la Lune's layered mineral ridges.
Climb to viewpoint overlooking stratified rock formations and distant volcanos.
Sunset from the valley; return to town for dinner.
Full-day trek to Pico de los Tres Cruces (14,200ft) with a mountain guide.
Summit push with views across the Chilean-Argentine border peaks.
Descend to base camp; eat and rest at modest mountain refuge.
Early jeep tour of Laguna Cejar (warm, buoyant brine lake) for floating.
Visit Ojos del Salar (freshwater springs) and Laguna Tebinquinche for flamingo spotting.
Return to San Pedro; optional outdoor dinner under stars.
Guided hike up Puritama Canyon to natural thermal pools (86°F).
Soak among canyon walls; easy walk back to town.
Spa massage or rest; pack for departure.
Optional last-minute visit to a local alpaca farm or museum.
Transfer to Calama airport or continue to Argentina (if time permits).
Depart.
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