Chile

Welcome to Calama airport. Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama upon arrival. This afternoon, we will do the Half Day Moon Valley & Death Valley, one of the best-known destinations between Calama and San Pedro.. With the Licancabur volcano providing the backdrop, strange salt and rock formations in the middle of the valley’s barren sandy landscape really do look like a moonscape. After a tour past the bizarre natural rock and salt shapes, you will ascend a lookout point on a giant sand dune where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and the Licancabur volcano. Then, you pass by the bizarre rock formation “Tres Marías” and end the excursion at “Coyote´s rock” (“Piedra del Coyote”). From the top of this rock, you overlook the Kari-Canyon and wide parts of the desert; you can even catch a glimpse at the Salar de Atacama. The setting sun bathes the landscape in a light that changes with every minute, providing a mesmerising play of colors. The return drive to San Pedro is after sunset.

At 07:00h departure from your hotel. Visit the town of Toconao where you can observe cultural handcrafting. Afterwards we will visit the Atacama Salt Lake, where we will have breakfast in front of the Chaxa Lagoon, the National Flamingo Reserve. The departure to the Salar de Atacama with your tour guide is in the early morning. A salt lake of huge proportions (3000 sq km/1,158 sq mi!), its surface is covered by a thick layer of light-colored salt crystals, caused by the evaporation of the lake’s water. The world’s largest lithium deposits are found here, but the salt flat is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James flamingo, who feed on the microorganisms found in the saline lagoons. These beautiful birds and other species can be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de Atacama’s Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos.

Then, we continue towards the Pukará de Quitor and The Ruins of Tulor. Afterwards we will take a tour to the Moon Valley, where we can see the salt-statues "Three Maries", the Salt-mine, the outlook, and the salt-caves. From here we will enjoy an unforgettable sunset from the big sand dune. Return to San Pedro.

This morning, it is possible to have a great panoramic air view of the Atacama Desert, having an Air Balloon Experience, which offers visitors a unique and exciting journey flying over the desert landscapes in a hot air balloon.

Our sunrise flights throughout the year will drift slowly over multi colored and spectacular rock formations against a backdrop of distant snowcapped Volcanoes. Ordinarily flights are planned to last 45 minutes. However, the entire experience will last about 2½ – 3 hours. On landing, our fully trained local ground crew will pack the balloon whilst passengers enjoy a light champagne breakfast.

Also, it is possible to replace this tour making a tour over Chuquicamata Copper Mine, visit San Pedro de Atacama town or relax in the hotel to enjoy its facilities and services.

Departure from the hotel at 4 A.M. towards the geothermal field of El Tatio - hot springs - located at 4.320 m.a.s.l. We will have to get up early to be able to get the geyser field at sunrise.

Breakfast picnic-style. Possibility to bath in the hot springs (35 degrees).

Afterwards we continue to the airport of Calama to fly to the next destiny. End of our services.