Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1 - 4
Discover the Atacama Desert
On arrival at the airport you will be welcomed and taken to the Awasi Atacama at San Pedro de Atacama.
In the Awasi Atacama there is no fixed daily program. Each suite comes with a private tour guide who will take you on excursions of your choice, meaning that your stay is customised to fit to your personal taste.
We recommend the following excursions:
Visit the Valley of the Moon: The Valle de la Luna extends about 15 kms west of San Pedro de Atacama, between the Atacama Desert and the Andes. It is one of the most famous destinations in northern Chile and one of the driest areas on earth. In some places it has not rained for over 100 years! The name Valley of the Moon owes its name to the valley's luna-like landscape. The valley shows its most beautiful side at sunset, when the evening sun illuminates the sand crystals and minerals in golden colours.
El Tatio Geysers: On the edge of the driest desert in the world is the geyser El Tatio. We recommend making the trip in time for sunrise - the early morning hours hold temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius, the warm steam settles on the thin outside air and becomes visible in 20 meter high clouds of steam. The highest geyser field in the world has 40 geysers, 60 hot springs and more than 70 fumaroles. You should wear warm clothing when you set off, but be sure to pack something to swim in as soon as the sun rises. You can bathe in the nearby natural pool with thermal water with water temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius.
Lagoon Cejar: At the northern end of the salt lake Salar de Atacama is the Cejar Lagoon. This lake has more than 40% salinity! Although the temperatures of the lake are only about 10 degrees, it is worth experiencing the special floating effect - so pack your bathing suit to float like you can in the Dead Sea.
On the last day you will be brought back to Calama airport and fly to Santiago de Chile.