Arrival at Calama Airport. Transfer to hostel or hotel. Free day
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Get 250 pesos bolivianos per passenger before the Overland trip(day 4), you will need to pay entrances to National Parks and they only receive national currency.
Free day to relax or taking optional tours like Moon Valley or Astro Photography Tour.
Afternoon
Geysers del Tatio Excursion: You will be picked up at the hostel between 4.30 and 5 am depending on season to be able to admire the driest and highest desert in the world. The road will take you between hills and mountains of the tough Andes range until you reach the geothermal site of the Geysers, 1 hour and a half after departure. There you will be able to admire the out of this world Geysers, fumaroles and steaming craters that show the volcanic activity of the region. The Geysers reserve is located at 89 km from San Pedro and 4.230 meters above sea level. So temperature is low in summer (-6 degrees Celcius) and even colder in winter (july-august) (-20 degrees Celcius). It is very important to take warm clothes and plenty of water to help your body adapt to such a high altitude. Breakfast is offered viewing the geothermic field. Back to San Pedro hostel at about mid day
Tatio Geysers - San Pedro de Atacama
🌋 El Tatio Geysers: San Pedro de Atacama - A Sunrise Adventure at 4,000 Meters
Witness the earth breathe at one of the highest geothermal fields in the world. Located 4,230 meters above sea level in the heart of the Andes, El Tatio is a spectacular display of volcanic power. Every morning, as the sun rises, dozens of geysers, fumaroles, and steaming craters create a surreal landscape that feels like a journey to the beginning of time.
✨ Tour Highlights
Geothermal Spectacle: Watch as massive columns of steam erupt into the freezing morning air, creating a dramatic contrast against the desert sunrise.
High-Altitude Breakfast: Enjoy a unique breakfast served directly in the geothermal field, surrounded by active geysers and the silence of the high Andes.
Machuca Village: On the return journey, visit this traditional highland village. Discover its historic adobe church and get a taste of local Andean life.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas, Andean foxes, and giant vizcachas that inhabit these extreme altitudes.
⏱️ Logistics & Schedule
Departure: Early morning pick-up between 04:30 AM and 05:00 AM (varies by season).
Travel Time: A 1.5-hour journey through the mountains to reach the field.
Return: You will be back at your hostel in San Pedro around 12:00 PM (midday).
Pick-up Window: Please allow a 30-minute tolerance window for group coordination.
ℹ️ Practical Information
Activity Level: Moderate (Due to extreme altitude).
Included: Professional bilingual guide, round-trip transportation, and breakfast.
Not Included: National Park Entrance Fee (Approx. CLP 15,000 per person).
⚠️ Crucial Note: The entrance fee must be pre-paid in CASH at the Horizonte Atacama office (Caracoles 238) before the tour. It cannot be paid at the park.
âś… Hi Travel Get Ready Checklist
[ ] Dress for Extreme Cold: Temperatures can drop to -6°C (summer) and -20°C (winter). Wear thermal layers, a heavy down jacket, a warm hat, and gloves.
[ ] Altitude Preparation: Drink plenty of water the night before and avoid heavy meals or alcohol. The site is at 4,230 meters, so move slowly and breathe deeply.
[ ] Cash for Fees: Ensure you have the CLP 15,000 ready to pay at the agency office before your trip.
[ ] Sun Protection: Once the sun comes up, the radiation at this altitude is extremely strong. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses.
Supplier: Horizonte Atacama - Phone: +56 978859999
San Pedro – Uyuni Overland 1st day
6.30 am - 7 am pick up at your hostel for the beginning of the San Pedro to Uyuni Overland. There is a stop at the border to go through Chilean immigration before departing San Pedro. After a short but nice ride the minibus reaches Hito Cajon, the border with Bolivia and in the foothills of the Licancabur Volcano. There you will change to the Jeep 4WD you are going to use until the end of the overland and have breakfast meeting your driver and other staff. They almost don´t speak English and even their Spanish is basic but are normally very friendly and helpful. This is the beginning of the real adventure. The vehicle will ride along deserted landscapes, climbing higher and higher without even noticing it is happening. You will see lagoons with plenty of wild life (Red and White lagoons), huge white topped mountains and volcanoes, and altiplanic plains while you talk to your companions and learn about their travels. Lunch is provided at a place of hot springs and after that, the second part of the day takes you to the Sol de Mañana Geysers and finally to Laguna Colorada, where more than 30.000 flamingoes nest every year. The night will be spent at Huaylajara or Villamar at a family or communal hostel. Basic but clean and enough to sleep and eat to be ready for next day! Attention, this 1st day you will reach 4.500 meters above sea level, so take into account the many tips to avoid “soroche”.
**Important note**: The Bolivian High Plateau, also known as the Puna, is a remote region with limited services, scarce water, no electricity in many areas, and a local culture very different from what most travelers may be used to. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the journey is unforgettable — but the itinerary is subject to change at any time due to weather conditions, road closures, or limited availability of accommodations. Schedules are flexible, food is simple (not gourmet), and both the altitude and the vehicles can be uncomfortable. The salt flats may be flooded from December to March, requiring alternate routes.
If you're approaching this trip with expectations of punctuality, comfort, and polished service, you might not enjoy it. But if you come with an open mind, understanding the limitations of the region and its people, you'll likely have the adventure of a lifetime — and take home some of your best travel memories.
PLEASE HAVE YOUR PASSPORT AND PDI TO CROSS THE BORDER.
Supplier: Imperio Inca - Phone: +591 73853381
San Pedro to Uyuni Overland Tour
To read before travelling.
This San Pedro to Uyuni overland is a true adventure, one you won´t forget. But if you are looking for a comfortable air conditioned seat, smooth paved roads, swiss punctuality and perfect information in your mother language, you may re think your destination.
The landscapes are incredible and unique but also extreme and rough.
People with high blood pressure and heart conditions should check with the doctor before coming.
The altitude reached is 4.900 meters above sea level. The lack of oxygen may affect people in some way or another. You need to be prepared to follow some advices to reduce the effect of altitude to the minimum, in order to enjoy the trip. Ref the age, it is not a matter of years but attitude and some minimum fitness.
In the extreme conditions of dirt and stone roads, things can go wrong: a flat tire, a cable burned, a broken battery, so schedules may need to be changed. Drivers have the experience to take you safely to destination but be open to changes in times, accommodation and meals places.
Although it is a desertic high plateau, it can rain and conditions in roads and in the salt flat can change rapidly, so again changes must be expected.
Drivers and other staff in Bolivia have not the education you have. They almost don´t speak English and Spanish is their second language. They speak quechua. Don’t expect a lot of information and communication. But they really know what they do. They look for you, adapt to changing situations, give advices when sick, prepare the food, book accommodation, look for the best times to be at destinations, and generally speaking, always try to help you to have an unforgettable time. Comparing to this, their different education is just another color of the adventure and the cultural immersion.
Accommodation standards: Close to the salt flat, accommodation is in a Salt Hostel or Salt Hotel. Close to the Lagoons and Avaroa National Park accommodation is a communal hostel taken care by village families. Basic but clean and comfortable enough to rest and continue the adventure.
Some useful tips for the overland:
If you are taking the trip from San Pedro to Uyuni, get some Bolivianos before the trip, you will need to pay entrances to National Parks and they only receive national currency. You may change at the entrance of the park but the exchange rate will be horrible.
Bring toilet paper or fresh baby towels with you, toilets are available only in specific places along the road, usually they don´t have paper. In the desert: “inca toilets”!
The night before the beginning of the trip, try to avoid smoking, red meat and alcohol. The 1st day of the San Pedro trip or the 3rd day of the Uyuni – San Pedro direction, the cars get to an altitude of 4.900 meters. During the trip try to eat light and drink a lot of water to help your body to adapt to thin air. If despite the preparation you get “soroche” or “apunamiento”, don´t panic. It can be uncomfortable but your body will finally adapt. Common symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, and bad humor. Think positively, do everything slowly, breath calmly and drink lots of water. It is a good idea to buy some “soroche” pills before the beginning of the overland. If you don’t need them maybe a travel companion does!
If you are coming from La Paz or from San Pedro (and visited high places like the Tatio Geisers) your body may be already adapted to altitude and you will feel less its effects.
Try to avoid the last seats. You will end up switching with your companions but be aware that the last seats vibrate more and affect you more.
Accomodation is basic but clean and comfortable. A hot shower costs 10 Bolivianos so mind this money (less than 2 USD) if you want to refresh from dirt road.
Bring clothes for 30 degrees Celcius and 0 degrees Celcius the same day! Depending when you are travelling, weather can be extremely unpredictable. It is normally hot but in the rainy season (DEC-FEB a bit of MAR) storms can appear suddenly. Also take into account that every 180 meters, the temperature reduces 1 degree. Do the math and calculate the temperature when you are between 3.500 m and 4.900 m. So pack your swim suite along with good boots, polar clothes and a good jacket. Use the onion layers technique to adapt to ever changing temperature.
Plus: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, trekking shoes, a hat and again, enough water (Note: bring your own water, but calculate how much water you will really drink, many people carry big bottles of 6 liters of water and it may be too much and uncomfortable)
It does not include Entrance fees to National Parks or extra food and drink that customers may want to buy along the road. To be paid in local currency (250 pesos bolivianos per passenger).
San Pedro - Uyuni Overland 2nd day:
Breakfast, a bit relax before everyone is ready and off you go to learn a bit more about life in the Altiplano. The second day, the road is less dramatic and lonely and you will see more signs of civilization. You will visit the Siloli desert where the wind and sun and a bit rain carved strange volcanic rock formations. By lunch time you will be at Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon, also called Laguna Negra) and in the afternoon you will see the canyon of river Anaconda. In the evening, arrival at Salt Hotel in the shores of the Uyuni Salt Flat for a comforting 2nd night in the desert.
Supplier: Imperio Inca - Phone: +591 73853381
It does not include Entrance fees to National Parks or extra food and drink that customers may want to buy along the road. To be paid in local currency (250 pesos bolivianos per passenger).
San Pedro - Uyuni 3rd day (Salt Flat) – La Paz:
4 or 5 am departure to cross the biggest and highest salt flat in the world. If weather helps, you will be able to see the sunrise in the middle of the salt flat, one of the most beautiful experiences the Altiplano has to offer…and being at the salt flat is already breathtaking! Breakfast in the salt flat.
The driver has to drive slowly and you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy and be amazed by an “out if this world” landscape. You will never forget this day.
At midday there is a stop to have lunch at a sat hotel and restaurant in close to Colchani village, the gate way to the flats. So after lunch you will go out and arrive to Uyuni at about 1 or 2 pm. You will have time to relax, grab a coffee, eat something, charge your mobile devices and connect with your friends and family to tell them about your adventures. But Uyuni town is not a really nice place to be so, at 8 pm, night bus to La Paz!
The guide will provide the physical bus tickets, or they will be sent via WhatsApp.
Supplier: Imperio Inca - Phone: +591 73853381
It does not include Entrance fees to National Parks or extra food and drink that customers may want to buy along the road. To be paid in local currency (250 pesos bolivianos per passenger).
Arrival to La Paz bus station, find your onw way to your accommodation. End of Adventure
