Atacama Ultimate Luxury

This itinerary is an example of how you could spend your time on this all-inclusive experience. Please see the full list of excursions available.

Day 1: Transfer from Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama; Sand dunes horse ride

After arriving at Calama Airport, you'll be taken by your private guide to your luxury hotel on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll pass through incredible rock formations en route to the small oasis town of San Pedro located at 2,440m/8,000ft above sea level, taking about 1.5hrs, as you make some stops to absorb the magnificent surroundings. 

On your first afternoon you’ll be taken to an area between the Moon Valley and the Cordillera de la Sal - an area of iconic landscape - where 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 horseback 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.

Difficulty: Moderate
Travel time: 10 minutes
Total duration: 2 hours

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Awasi Atacama

Day 2: Morning bike at San Pedro de Atacama; afternoon hike and bathe at Cejar Lagoon

Following a hearty breakfast, you'll head into town on a bike. 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.

Difficulty: Easy
Total duration: 2.5 hours

After lunch at the hotel, you'll head out to the Atacama Salt Flat - 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.

Difficulty: Easy
Travel time: 30 minutes
Total duration: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Awasi Atacama

Day 3: El Tatio Geyser excursion

Today you'll take a full-day excursion to the El Tatio Geysers - 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.

Difficulty: Moderate
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total duration: 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Awasi Atacama

Day 4: Altiplano Salt Flats excursion

This full-day excursion will take you close to the salt flats of Aguas Calientes and Tuyajto close to the border with Argentina, 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.

Difficulty: Moderate
Travel time: 2 hours
Total duration: 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Awasi Atacama

Day 5: Transfer to Calama Airport

Your private guide will take you from the hotel to Calama Airport for your flight and onward travel. We recommend a flight departing Calama airport after 2pm.

If you require a transfer before 7am or after 12:30 pm it will be considered an extra service, and a supplement will be charged. 

Meals: Breakfast