Atacama Desert
Tour Description
The Atacama desert is one of the most serene and beautiful places on earth. Surprisingly, whilst it owns title of the driest desert on the planet, it is also home to a rich variety of wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
Base yourself in the small oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama for 4 days and explore the magic of this region. Visit local settlements, discover ancient history, including the Tulor village, the oldest archeological human establishment of the entire region. Witness the stunning landscapes of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range), the beautiful Valley of the Moon, visit enormous salt flats and lagoons. Look out for wildlife including the three types of flamingos that inhabit Chile; Andean, Chilean and James. Be wowed by erupting geysers, and relax in thermal hot springs. At night, the Atacama offers spectular skies for star gazing.
This programme is the perfect side trip from Santiago, a short flight to Calama, then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Or if you are after more spectular landscapes, continue over the border into Bolivia to discover the Salt Flats of Uyuni
Viva's Best Bits...
Interesting flora and fauna. Look out for wildlife including the three types of flamingos that inhabit Chile; Andean, Chilean and James.
Explore the driest non-polar desert in the world! Thanks to a unique combination of low humidity, high altitudes and near non-existent light pollution, the Atacama is also wonderful for stargazing
This is a stunning place for landscape photographers and nature lovers. Visit the Tatio Geysers to see the 100 geysers erupt water up to 50 meters and relax in thermal pools.