The Atacama Desert is a fascinating destination, filled with mysterious and magical places.
Your stay in this area will lead you into the heart of the Chilean desert, where you will climb sand dunes in otherworldly landscapes, traverse the massive expanse of the country’s largest salt flat, meet the residents of ancient villages, and encounter the effects of volcanic activity.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by representatives of Condor Travel and then be driven to your hotel, where you will receive the detailed itinerary plus a welcome kit. Our team will also assist you with your luggage and hotel registration.
After settling in, you will head out to the Atacama Desert for a tour of the famous and mythical Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). The crowning moment is at the top of a sand dune, watching the sunset and being amazed as the surrounding area changes into a moonscape under the play of light and shadow.
During this tour, you will be driven high into the surrounding mountains to an elevation of 4220 meters to visit a series of lakes of stunning colors; this area is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve and is managed by the indigenous community of Socaire, a Pre-Hispanic town where you will have lunch and meet local artisans.
Later on, you visit the huge Atacama Salt Flat, which is really a dry inland sea that formed thousands of years ago. The vast white emptiness stretching out into the Chilean Desert is simply astounding!
Early in the morning before sunrise, you will head out to see the El Tatio Geysers, which are located at an altitude of 14,108 ft. This remote spot is the highest geothermal field in the world and its scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with steam plumes rising high into the morning sky.
The steaming pools are filled with brilliant salt crystals that reflect the steel-blue sky. Next stop on this Atacama Desert tour is the village of Machuca, where llama caravans used to rest from their travels on the Inca Trail.
At the agreed upon hour, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight.
