Hike, bike, and horseback ride your way through the driest desert on Earth, home to geysers, craggy mountains, lunar valleys, and shimmering high-altitude lakes.
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’ll receive a briefing over lunch about the upcoming days of adventure. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 star accommodation) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: Lunch.
In the morning, we will depart on foot until we reach and mount our horses! We will ride along the trails towards Death Valley, part of Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) with views of the ancient rock formations. We will ride for approximately 3 hours. Closer to mid-day, we'll return to the starting point and dismount the horses to have lunch at San Pedro (lunch is not included).
Following lunch, we will head back to our hotel where we will be picked up to embark on an hike at the Moon Valley in the afternoon. This remarkable hike will last approximately 2 hours, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Finally, we will be dropped off back at the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 star accommodation) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: Breakfast.
Embark on a journey from the town of Machuca to the Puritama hot springs, a walk that takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Starting at an elevation of 4,100 meters, you'll gradually descend to 3,500 meters, where the hot springs await. This route offers breathtaking views of the Salar de Atacama and the majestic Andes Mountains. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of the area's ancient shepherds, such as corrals, rucas, and apachetas, which bear witness to the age-old grazing paths. Discover the history and natural beauty of this remarkable trail.
Note: There will be snacks available during the hike and a box lunch that you can enjoy at the hot springs or where it suits you the most.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 star accommodation) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Morning Biking to Laguna Cejar (18 km)
Enjoy a smooth bike ride on a scenic trail to Cejar Lagoon, famous for its floating effect due to high salinity. Remember to pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Post-ride, we'll drop you off at your hotel to have lunch in a local restaurant (lunch is not included).
Included: Cejar Lagoon entry, hotel transfers, bilingual guide, biking gear, water, and dried fruits.
Afternoon Biking to Cordillera de la Sal (32 km)
Start with a quick helmet and gloves fitting followed by a safety briefing. Then, bike through beautiful oases to reach the breathtaking Cordillera de la Sal. Note: Participants must be at least 16 years old.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 star accommodation) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: Breakfast.
We will depart San Pedro at 4 am -- but don’t worry, this experience is well worth the early start! We’ll drive straight towards the world’s highest geothermal field, the El Tatio Geysers - at 4,300 m.a.s.l. The combination of spouting geysers and the bright morning sun is a very special experience.
Afterward, we will be driven to the base of Soquete Mountain, here, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before hiking up to the summit, from which we have another incredible view of the geysers from above, a delicious box lunch is included with this hike also.
The day includes approximately 7 hours of hiking before we head back to the comfort of the hotel for a farewell dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Kimal (3 star accommodation) or similar, San Pedro de Atacama.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
On the final day, we will 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 a flight back to Santiago... Adiós Atacama!
*Departing in the morning is an option too with previous coordination with your Travel Specialist (additional costs may apply).
Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
