Authentic desert life in San Pedro de Atacama

Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna): On this first day we will go to the Moon Valley in a small group (maximum 14 people), passing through the Salt Mountains, to get to know one of the most picturesque spots in the Atacama Desert, the driest place in the world. The names already give an idea of what the landscape is like, dominated by rock formations shaped by erosion, layers of salt on the ground and views that make you feel as if you were on another planet.

* Remember to bring cash for the payment of the entrance fee ($3.000.- CLP per person).

Astronomic Tour*: Later we will have the opportunity to enjoy the Atacama skies, one of the best in the world for stargazing. The local guides will teach you, as part of a small group, the Andean constellations and the western stars, and how to understand the cosmos according to the ancient inhabitants of the Andes. Using modern telescopes, they will tell and show you the most amazing objects in the universe. You will be back in your accommodation late at night.

* The excursion depends on the sky conditions. If the sky is not clear at night, you will be called to your accommodation. The activity will be postponed to the next night if the weather conditions get better.

Accommodation: Night at the Ckapin Ohiri Hostel*/ Private room / Breakfast included

* or similar, depending on availability at the time of generating the reservation (prices may change).

Included: excursion, English/Spanish speaking guide, transport, room with breakfast.

Hierbas Buenas & Rainbow Valley: After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hostel to go to the Hierbas Buenas Valley (1:30 hours), where you will meet Pamela Condori, who will guide you to see the impressive petroglyphs of the place and visit the Rainbow Valley with its many colors.

Río Grande: Later, we'll head to the Rio Grande. Discover this town nestled in one of the deepest canyons in the desert. Visit its orchards and stone houses. We will have lunch here, all prepared by local people. We will be back in San Pedro in the afternoon.

* Recuerde traer efectivo para el pago de la entrada ($3.000.- CLP por persona).

Alojamiento: Noche en el Hostal Ckapin Ohiri / Habitación Privada / Desayuno Incluido

* or similar, depending on availability at the time of generating the reservation (prices may change).

Included: excursion, English speaking guide, transport, room with breakfast.

Transport: In the morning, we will pick you up from your lodging in a private transfer and we will go to the Ayllu of Coyo (15 min. approximately).

Lickan Antay experience: Indigenous people called Atacamenians, or Linkay Antay, have been living in the Atacama for thousands of years and their descendants still inhabit this land. In all this time, they have learned to live with the desert and to discover all his secrets.

Duration: 3 hours / 1-hour walk.

Difficulty: Easy.

Atacameño Lunch: You will enjoy a lunch of authentic Atacama "fusion" food with preparations based on products traditionally used by the Lickan Antay, such as corn, quinoa, llama or lamb meat and fruits and vegetables produced in the community gardens. After lunch, you will return to the hostel to rest or stay and enjoy the restaurant's garden.

Ancestral Caravan: The Ancestral Llama Caravan once was a traditional way of traveling long distances through the Chilean Andes to visit relatives and exchange goods. Now, the local indigenous community Lickan Antay tries to recover the tradition. You will also be able to relive this beautiful experience by walking with llamas through the Atacama Desert and learning how to handle this animal. Our local guides Sandra and Carlos will tell you stories of the desert and the relationship between men and llamas: from herding to transportation to making various products from llama’s fur.

Duration: 2-hour walk.

Difficulty: Easy.

Accommodation: Noche en el Hostal Ckapin Ohiri / Habitación Privada / Desayuno Incluido

* or similar, depending on availability at the time of generating the reservation (prices may change).

Included: excursion, English speaking guide, transport, room with breakfast.

Tatio Geysers: This day will start very early, before dawn. The guide will pick you up at the lodge and take you to the northeast with a small group, going up the hills and mountains of the Andes, to reach the Tatio Geysers after approximately 1:30 hours of travel. Located about 89 km from San Pedro de Atacama, and 4,230 meters above sea level, this geothermal field is composed of more than 80 active Geysers of different magnitudes. In summer the temperature can be about -6ºC and in winter about -20ºC. Arriving at this reserve, we will have time to visit the different Geysers and steam columns.

On the way back to the hotel we will pass through the small town of Machuca.

* Don't forget to bring: $10,000 CLP per person in cash for entrance fees; sunscreen; windbreaker; plenty of warm clothes; comfortable clothing and walking shoes; water (minimum 1 liter per person).

Included: excursion, English speaking guide, room with breakfast