Day 1: The Adventure Starts
We’ll arrive at Calama Airport and drive straight to San Pedro de Atacama, passing the impressive rock formations of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt mountains). Once in San Pedro, we receive a briefing over lunch about the upcoming days and in the afternoon we embark on our first hike in the vast, amazing Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). On the hike, we will walk over sand dunes until we reach the viewpoint from where we will witness one of the world's most beautiful sunsets, intensified by the warm colors throughout the Valley. We come back to town and stay overnight in San Pedro.
Day 2: Rainbow Valley & Petroglyphs
After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Yerbas Buenas and walk to the San Pedro River, exploring small canyons. The path crosses the river and there are unique geological formations.
Our journey will take us to the Domeyko Mountains and Rainbow Valley, known for its breathtaking stripes of copper, silver, jade, violet, and more. Immerse yourself in the terrain's beauty, shaped by erosion.
After experiencing Rainbow Valley, we'll continue to the Yerbas Buenas campsite, where you'll see pre-Columbian petroglyphs. These images, etched on rock walls from volcanic ash, tell stories of ancient animals and hidden messages.
At the end of the day, we will camp under the starry Atacama sky.
Day 3: Trek to Rio Grande
We set off early, passing the old abandoned mine of San Bartolo. As we climb, we come across a forgotten mining graveyard and ancient petroglyphs. The trail then leads us up to the side of the valley, greeted by a breathtaking and desolate desert landscape. Shade is rare, and some areas of the valley are so dry that scientists have found no signs of life, not even bacteria! By late afternoon, we reach the intimate indigenous village of Rio Grande (3250 m.a.s.l.), one of the few remaining Altiplano communities with fewer than 100 residents. We camp within the protective walls of the village church, with nearby inviting pools where we can wash and unwind.
Day 4: Rio Grande to Machuca
Today will be the most challenging day as we walk towards Machuca Village. The trail continues alongside streams in narrow valleys with locals and llama herds. We’ll climb steep canyons, gaining altitude until we reach the wetlands of Machuca, full of wildlife.
You'll encounter Peñaliri, offering a view against peaks and wilderness. See traditional plantations thriving in the high-altitude environment with native potatoes, corn, and onions. This glimpse into adaptability is a highlight.
From here, we view Licancabur Volcano, the sacred mountain of the Atacameño people. At 4,000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, we’ll relax and acclimatize at our campsite next to a 'bofedal' - wetlands where llamas graze.
Day 5: Machuca to Tatio Geysers and Guatin Gatchi Valley
After breakfast, we’ll leave Machuca and head to the Tatio Geysers, arriving after the sunrise crowds. The Geysers can be enjoyed in sunlight at a relaxed pace. The geothermal field is incredible, with steam bursts up to 40 meters high.
After exploring the geysers, we'll drive to Guatin Valley. We’ll hike through a Cardon forest, encountering giant cacti. We'll reach the confluence of two rivers: warm Puritama and cool Purifica, forming the Vilama River, which sustains the ecosystem. Continuing through the valley, we'll follow a rocky path with waterfalls and cross the river, passing unique vegetation. Finally, enjoy the enchanting view of the valley below, adding a magical touch to our hike.
Day 6: Atacama Salt Flat and Lagoons
We get up feeling refreshed and satisfied that we crossed the heart of Atacama with the same explorer spirit of its first inhabitants. We’ll drive towards the amazing Salt Flats, home to astonishing birds like the Chilean Pink Flamingos. Then we continue driving towards the marvelous Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, full of turquoise waters that beautifully contrast with the autumnal colors of the Altiplanic lands. It’s a truly incredible landscape! We’ll spend our final night in San Pedro.
Day 7: Goodbye Atacama
On the final day, we’ll relax and wander around the village, visiting the handicraft shops, church, and museum.
In the afternoon we will drive to the Calama Airport to catch our flight back to Santiago... Adiós Atacama!
