5 nights, 6 Days
Explore Chile Tours takes you to discover San Pedro de Atacama, the driest desert in the world as well as Uyuni, Bolivia. San Pedro de Atacama is the center of the “Atacameño” culture. The Inca Empire, in its desire to expand, managed to control these lands by forcing people to adopt to their customs and their worship of their god, the sun. It has various archaeological sites and a profound cultural legacy. San Pedro de Atacama is filled with unique natural landscapes between valleys, desert, salt flats, geysers, lagoons and volcanoes. Uyuni is one of the largest salt flats in the world and offers us an unbelievable surreal landscape.
Uyuni Salt Flats, located in Bolivia offers one of South America’s most sought-after attractions. Accessible from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile by a 4X4 vehicle, this beautiful journey will take you through surreal landscapes of volcanoes, lagoons, and magnificent skies. Uyuni, 3,656 metros above sea level, is the world’s largest salt flat with more than 4,050 square miles that expand throughout the Altiplano. Travelling from Chile, the trip is 3 days and two nights with the final night in Uyuni or 4 days and 3 nights returning to San Pedro de Atacama. During your epic road trip, you be able to stop to appreciate the most spectacular attractions before arriving at Uyuni.
Due to the long hours of sun, a hat and sunscreen during the day is recommended. During the day hiking shoes, jeans and a light jacket us fine whereas at night, a heavier jacket may be needed.
Day 1
Arrival at El Loa Calama Airport (CJC)
Transfer to the Hotel La Casa Don Tomás. The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (101 kilometers).
14:00: Group Tour Laguna Cejar
Enjoy floating on top of salt water as you are marveled by the incredible view of mountains and volcanoes. During this private tour your guide will explain the attractiveness of the surroundings. Before returning to your hotel, you will enjoy premium cocktails and sacks with beautiful views to contemplate the sunset.
18:30: Return to Hotel
20:00: Group Astronomic Tour* (Subject to availability due to weather conditions)
San Pedro de Atacama is home to the clearest skies on earth, ideal for star watching. Tourist from all of the world come to San Pedro to observe our galaxy and dream of another world. Our observatory located in Ayllu de Cucuter (away from light pollution) is home to 6 professional telescopes and expert guides that will teach you about our beautiful skies as well as the Andean and Incan worldview. Astronomic photos are included.
22:00: Return to Hotel
Day 2
6:20am – 7:00am: Pick up from hotel
During day 2 you will visit:
Hito Cajón: You will cross the border between Chile and Bolivia, marking the beginning of your adventure in the Salar de Uyuni. You will enjoy panoramic views and a unique experience of change of environment.
Laguna Blanca: A lagoon with white, crystalline waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a stunning place to admire natural beauty.
Laguna Verde: Known for its emerald green waters, this lagoon is an impressive spectacle in the middle of the desert, thanks to the minerals and microorganisms that give it its color.
Dalí Desert: This lunar landscape resembles the works of the famous surrealist painter. Its rock formations and colors will make you feel like you are walking in a dream.
Hot Springs: Enjoy a well-deserved rest in the natural hot springs, relaxing your muscles while admiring the surrounding environment.
Sol de Mañana Geyser: Experience the amazing geothermal activity in this area, where geysers spew steam and boiling water, creating a stunning spectacle at sunrise.
Laguna Colorada: This deep red lagoon is home to a population of pink flamingos and is a magical place for bird watching and photography.
Day 3
8:00am: Day begins
During day 3 you will visit:
World Cup: You will start the day exploring the “World Cup”, a unique geological formation that resembles a large natural stadium. This site is a testament to the amazing geology you will find in this region
Rock Camel: As you continue your journey, you will be surprised by the “Rock Camel”, a rock formation that resembles a camel resting in the middle of the arid landscape. It is an ideal place to take fun and memorable photos.
Laguna Catal (mysterious): Laguna Catal is a natural mystery. Its waters take on different colors during the day, from green to blue tones, creating a hypnotizing effect. This natural phenomenon is a gem that will leave you speechless.
Laguna Vinto: Another stunning lagoon on your way, Laguna Vinto, is characterized by its crystal clear water and surrounding views of mountains and rock formations. It is a serene place to contemplate natural beauty.
Valley of the Rocks: This valley is a spectacular rocky area, where enormous rock formations of various shapes and sizes rise against the sky. It is a perfect place to explore and appreciate the unique geology of the region.
Anaconda Canyon: Anaconda Canyon will surprise you with its narrowness and intriguing rock formations. The name comes from a curious resemblance to the shape of an anaconda that extends along the canyon.
Lost Italy: This evocative name refers to a rock formation reminiscent of an abandoned medieval city. It is a fascinating place to explore and let your imagination fly as you immerse yourself in the geological richness of the region.
Bofedal de Sora (we appreciate animals in the area): The Bofedal de Sora is a special ecosystem where you can observe local wildlife. You may have the opportunity to see native birds and animals that inhabit this unique wetland area.
This third day of the tour offers a variety of experiences, from intriguing geology to panoramic views and wildlife encounters. Each highlight adds a layer of awe to your Salar de Uyuni adventure, making this trip unforgettable.
Day 4
5:00am: Day begins
During day 4 you will visit:
Sunrise in the Salar de Uyuni: Starting the day with the sunrise in the Salar de Uyuni is a magical experience. The sun gently illuminates the vast salt flat, creating a spectacle of colors that reflect on the surface of the salt. It is a perfect time to take photos and appreciate natural beauty at its finest.
Walk on the Horizon: Walking on the Salar de Uyuni is like walking on a giant mirror that extends to the horizon. The feeling of being in the middle of the immensity of the salt flat is unique and surreal. You will feel as if you are floating in a world of infinite whiteness.
Salt Museum: The Salt Museum is an interesting stop that will provide you with information about the geological formation of the salt flat, its history and its economic importance for the region. You will learn about the extraction and production of salt in this area.
This small town on the banks of the salt flat is known for its production of salt crafts. You will have the opportunity to explore its local shops and purchase unique souvenirs made of salt. Train Cemetery: This place is a window to Bolivia’s industrial past. In the middle of the desert, you will find an abandoned train graveyard, a fascinating collection of locomotives and train cars from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a photogenic site and a reminder of the region’s railway history.
This fourth day of the tour starts early so you can enjoy the impressive sunrise at the Salar de Uyuni. Next, you’ll explore interesting places that offer a unique perspective on the history, culture, and geology of the region, making your experience even more enriching.
Day 5
5:00am: Return to Chile
During day 5 you will visit:
Direct Departure to the Border: On the last day, you will start early in the morning, heading directly to the border. After having explored the wonders of the Salar de Uyuni and its surroundings, it is time to begin the journey back to Chile.
Hito Cajón: At Hito Cajón, you will cross the border between Bolivia and Chile, marking the beginning of your return trip. Here, you will complete the procedures for leaving Bolivia and entering Chile, an important experience in your adventure.
Arrival at the Bolivia-Chile Border: Once you have completed the border procedures, you will have left Bolivia behind and you will be back in Chilean territory. This is the moment when you will say goodbye to Bolivia and return home.
Return to San Pedro: Return to San Pedro de Atacama is scheduled for approximately 2:30 p.m., giving you time to say goodbye to your travel companions and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you have had in the Salar de Uyuni. Enjoy a comforting breakfast before leaving.
This final day of the tour marks the return to Chile across the border at Hito Cajón and offers an opportunity to reflect on your experiences in the Salar de Uyuni before concluding your exciting adventure in San Pedro de Atacama.
This tour is a must-see experience for anyone wishing to explore the majesty of the San Pedro de Atacama Desert and witness some of the most impressive natural landscapes in the world. Get ready to be surprised by the magic of this unique place and take with you priceless memories of this adventure in the heart of the Chilean desert.
Day 6
5:00-5:30: Tour of Tatio Geysers
Tatio Geysers are a volcanic geothermal field located 89 kms from San Pedro de Atacama. These are the highest geometric field in the world, where you can observe how water and steam sprout out abruptly from the earth. Tatio Geysers are located 4.200 metros above sea level.
14:00: Rest time
18:00: Transfer to El Loa Calama Airport (CJC)
Includes:
- Lodging (Private room + bathroom) 3 nights during Uyuni Trip
- 2 nights stay in Hotel Casa Don Tomas El Refugio
- Expert bi-lingual guides
- Minibus transport (Sprinter in Chile) 4×4 vehicle in Bolivia
- Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during Uyuni Trip
- Premium cocktail and snacks during San Pedro de Atacama tours
- 3 Group Tours in San Pedro de Atacama (Laguna Cejar, Astronomic Tour, Tatio Geysers)
- Round Trip Transfer from El Loa Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama
Pricing (Chilean Pesos)
Terms and conditions: 100% of the reservation must be fully paid to confirm the tour. Bookings may be canceled up to 95 days before arrival with a cancellation fee of 25% of the total amount of the stay. All monies – after the cancellation fee – will stand as credit for future bookings. No reimbursements. Bookings may be cancelled from 89 to 60 days before arrival with a cancellation fee of 50% of the total amount of the stay. All monies – after the cancellation fee – will stand as credit for future bookings. No reimbursements. Bookings cancelled 59 or less days before arrival: 100% cancellation fee.
- 3.5% surcharge on international cards
- Subject to availability
- Prices subject to change until reservation is made
@All rights reserved – Prepared by Explore Chile Tours – Not for duplication
