Excursions from Awasi Atacama

Tour

On the edge of the Altiplano there are villages that still practice the thousand-year-old traditions of the Lickan Antay culture. You'll visit two of them.

Caspana is located at almost 4000m and preserves one of the oldest cultivation systems in the region in a landscape that combines desert, oasis and altiplano.

Chiu-Chiu was regarded as the capital of Lower Atacama (Atacama la Baja) - the counterpart to the power of San Pedro. It is home to the oldest church in Chile, named San Francisco de Chiu-Chiu.

Full-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 2 hours | Total duration: 7 hours

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The El Tatio Geysers are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile. The name 'El Tatio' originates from the Kunza, 'Tata-iu', which means 'the grandfather who cries'.

This is the largest geothermal field in the southern hemisphere, complete with small fumaroles, bubbling springs and beautiful fountains of water. What makes this unique though, is its altitude - at around 4300m above sea level it's the highest in the world.

The best time to see the steam rising from the geysers is at dawn when the air is cold enough for the steam to burst forth in giant jets. This excursion therefore involves an early start from the hotel - about 6am.

Note: As this excursion involves ascending to an altitude of more than 4000m, it is recommended to drink lots of water and reduce alcohol consumption beforehand.

Full-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total duration: 7 hours

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This volcano is located right on the border between Chile and Bolivia and during the ascent you'll be just metres from the border signs.

You'll start the ascent from an abandoned sulphur mine, testament to the determination of the people of Atacama, from where you ascend 300m to the summit.

From the top you can see the crater of the extinct Saciel Volcano as well as the Bolivian Altiplano and the Atacama Basin.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather and safety conditions. An acclimatisation period of 2-3 days is required prior to ascent due to the high altitude.

Full-day | Difficulty: Challenging | Travel time: 2 hours | Total duration: 8 hours

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Named the 'Mountain of the Rains' in the Kunza language of Lickan Antay, Sairecabur Volcano sits at an altitude of almost 6000m. The ascent is extremely difficult, increased more so by the slope of the mountainside and the presence of sulphuric gases and thin air.

You'll need prior acclimatisation plus great willpower and endurance to reach the summit.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather and safety conditions. An acclimatisation period of around three days is necessary prior to ascent.

Full-day | Difficulty: Very challenging | Travel time: 2.5 hours | Total duration: 9 hours

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Toco Hill is actually a volcano whose summit sits at 5600m. It's the least difficult ascent in the area for mountaineers as the trail is well-marked and has no technical challenges.

Despite this, the high altitude can present problems for those who aren't acclimatised so an acclimatisation period is recommended prior to ascent.

From the summit you'll have views not only over the Atacama Salt Flats, but also further to the white and green lagoons in Bolivia.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather and safety conditions.

Full-day | Difficulty: Challenging | Travel time: 2 hours | Total duration: 7 hours

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On this excursion you'll head into the Toconao and Sóncor areas in addition to visiting one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the region - the Miscanti and Miñiques lakes.

Located at 4500m, these lakes are of great scenic beauty. The larger of the two is Miscanti which offers a panorama out to the Andean volcanoes with groups of vicuñas around.

The smaller lake, Miñiques, is the ideal place from which to view the beautiful Miñiques Volcano and the Callejón Varela.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather conditions and conservation regulations imposed by the local communities.

Full-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 1.5 hours | Total duration: 7 hours

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Located close to the border with Argentina are the salt flats of Aguas Calientes and Tuyajto, both of which see very few visitors.

From the red waters of Aguas Calientes you'll have a fantastic view of the surrounding volcanoes. Tuyajto is a complete contrast with a mirror-like surface of salt water which looks like snow in the dry season.

Note: As this excursion involves ascending to more than 4000m, it is recommended to drink lots of water and reduce alcohol consumption beforehand.

Full-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Travel time: 2 hours | Total duration: 7 hours

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Located between the arid salt flats and the impressive Puna are numerous ravines. The ravine followed by the Vilama River is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting and is where the huge cardón and pasakana cacti grow.

From here you can ascend to the Puritama hot springs, or descend to the archaeological site of Gatchi. Both routes are of similar length and level of difficulty.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather conditions and conservation regulations imposed by the local communities.

Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Travel time: 30 minutes | Total duration: 3 hours

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From the north of the town, you'll follow the course of the San Pedro River to the Catarpe area. It was here that the officials of the Tawantinsuyu (Inca kingdom) were assigned to govern the Lickan Antay, collecting taxes and recruiting for Inca armies.

The remains of the Kallanka (Inca centre) can still be seen, surrounded by the stunning Cordillera de la Sal and the salty waters of the river.

You can combine this excursion with La Garganta del Diablo or La Piedra de la Coca.

Half-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 20 minutes | Total duration: 2.5 hours

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The Cordillera de la Sal is made up of countless stream beds that mimic the Martian landscape. Normally they are dry, but their waters can turn treacherous when the rains arrive.

The Devil's Ravine is one of the most dramatic. Known for its enormous walls of clay and gypsum, you can expect stunning views at every turn on the route, ending at a huge, dry waterfall known as the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo).

Note: This excursion is subject to weather conditions and conservation regulations imposed by the local communities.

Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Travel time: 15 minutes | Total duration: 3 hours

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In prehistory, the denizens of San Pedro forged an extensive network of commercial routes to other regions on the coast and the Bolivian Altiplano.

Traces of these routes are still visible, in places decorated with rock art. You can follow some of these routes, walking in the footsteps of people from thousands of years ago while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Cordillera de la Sal.

Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Travel time: 40 minutes | Total duration: 3 hours

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Between the Moon Valley and the Cordillera de la Sal is an area of iconic landscape. Enormous sand dunes are guarded by rocky, salt-frosted hills.

Over thousands of years, erosion in this hyper-arid region has formed a bizarre karst landscape. These mountains are absolute desert due to the barren soil, dry climate and intense sunlight.

You can explore the dunes on foot, or by horse, to get an idea of the vastness of this region, all the while with a backdrop of the Andes mountains an numerous volcanoes on the horizon.

Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate | Travel time: 10 minutes | Total duration: 2 hours

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The terrain of the Atacama Desert has often been described as 'Martian' and seems to have remained untouched for millions of years.

Dinosaur Valley gets its name not from fossils, but from its topography. The line of hills, stretching for several kilometres, are reminiscent of the spikes on the back of a dinosaur.

There are some excellent photo opportunities here and also the chance for some moderately challenging horse riding.

Half-day | Difficulty: Moderate/challenging | Travel time: 10 minutes | Total duration: 3 hours

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San Pedro de Atacama has been permanently inhabited for at least 2,500 years and therefore presents some fascinating archaeological experiences.

This excursion will take you to the major archaeological sites in the town. First is the Pukará de Quitor - a pre-Columbian fort built from adobe and white volcanic rock. Then you'll visit Tulor whose enigmatic history illustrates the link between architecture and geography. The church on the town square is the second-oldest in Chile and was built during the Spanish colonial period.

Half-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 5 minutes | Total duration: 2.5 hours

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'Ayllus' means 'families' in the Quechua language and are the traditional forms of community in the Andes and the heart of the Inca empire's economic prosperity.

San Pedro comprises 15 ayllus, located in the areas surrounding the town. You can visit the cultivated pastures to observe the routes of thousand-year-old irrigation canals used by the Lickan Antay people.

Half-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 15 minutes | Total duration: 2.5 hours

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If you visit San Pedro de Atacama, you must try some stargazing. This excursion offers you a detailed look at the night sky, in some of the most favourable conditions on the planet. You'll use both your bare eyes, and a powerful telescope.

The beauty of space will amaze you while there will be an opportunity to learn about the constellations, celestial sphere, archaeoastronomy, cosmology, stellar evolution and space exploration.

Note: The excursion is subject to weather conditions which can be unpredictable in February due to the rainy season. When the moon dominates the night sky this can prevent you from observing most celestial bodies, but is an excellent opportunity to focus on the moon itself.

Half-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 15 minutes | Total duration: 1.5 hours

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The Atacama Salt Flat is the third largest salt flat on the planet. At its heart there are high-salinity lagoons that are home to unique and beautiful birdlife and salt-tolerant plants.

You can bathe at Cejar Lagoon - an experience similar to when visiting the Dead Sea. It's also possible to visit Los Ojos del Salar Lagoon and Tebenquiche Lagoon, both of which have fantastic locations.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather conditions and conservation regulations imposed by the local communities.

Half-day | Difficulty: Easy | Travel time: 30 minutes | Total duration: 3 hours

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