5-day private active exploration of San Pedro de Atacama
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationAmerica / Chile
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AgeFrom 7 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions89.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
French
In a few words
Explore the wonders of the Atacama Desert on a 5-day journey through lunar and volcanic landscapes. From the charming village of San Pedro de Atacama , you'll discover iconic sites like the Valley of the Moon , before taking on the challenge of climbing Cerro Toco and Lascar Volcano , both perched at over 5,000 meters above sea level. Each day is filled with immersive and active experiences, from spectacular panoramas and high-altitude plateaus to active geothermal activity .
This professionally guided trip combines exploration, personal challenge , and contemplation in a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting. It is designed for groups of 6 people to ensure a friendly atmosphere and personalized attention.
The highlights
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San Pedro de Atacama and the Valley of the Moon
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Valley of the Cactus, Eyes of the Salar, Cejar Lagoon and Tebinquiche
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Cerro Toco and the Lascar volcano
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The overall intensity is demanding, as it includes high-altitude hikes and volcano ascents, so good physical condition is recommended.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
Management
Outdoor Index is an adventure tour and outdoor experiences company in Chile, created to connect travelers from around the world with local guides, authentic activities, and unique natural destinations, from the Atacama Desert to Chilean Patagonia.
Program
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Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama and excursion to the Valley of the Moon
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Difficulty: Easy / Altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level / Duration: Approximately 4 hours / Meal: Snack / Pick-up from 2:30 pm to 3:10 pm.
We begin our adventure with the transfer from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama. We'll visit the Valley of the Moon, the highest point in the Cordillera de la Sal. Our route includes the largest and most imposing dune, the amphitheater, the rock formations known as the Three Marys, and the viewpoint of the Coyote Stone (Kari), where we'll enjoy the sunset over the majestic Andes Mountains, accompanied by a delicious cocktail.
Day 1 -
Hiking in the Valley of the Cactus + The Eyes of the Salar de Uyuni + The Cejar Lagoons and
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Difficulty: Easy / Altitude: 3,000 meters / Duration: Approximately 4 hours / Meal: Snack / Recommendation: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water / Equipment: Hiking poles.
We will take a guided hike through the magnificent Vilama River canyon, where we can admire a vast cactus forest and a unique rock formation that surrounds the area. This site also holds great cultural and archaeological significance, ideal for those wishing to discover the pre-puna landscape of the Atacama Desert.
In the afternoon, we'll head to Laguna Cejar, where we'll enjoy the "Laguna Piedra" (Stone Lagoon), a place where the high salinity allows you to float. Next, at Laguna Tebinquiche, we'll see the Andean volcanoes reflected in this natural sanctuary. Finally, we'll stop at the Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flats) to admire this incredible landscape of two hills with the Andes Mountains as a backdrop.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Cerro Toco
- Transportation Minibus - 00h49 - 50km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Difficulty: Moderate / Altitude: 5,604 meters / Duration: Approximately 7 hours / Food: Snacks / Recommendations: Thermal clothing, wool hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water / Equipment: Hiking poles.
At 5,604 meters above sea level rises one of the most accessible volcanoes for climbing. Located just a short drive from San Pedro de Atacama, it offers ideal conditions for a first ascent. From the summit, one can admire a portion of the Bolivian Altiplano, Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, the ALMA observatory antennas, and the panorama of the Atacama Salt Flat.
Day 3 -
Ascent of the Lascar volcano
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 70km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Difficulty: Medium / Altitude: 5,600 meters above sea level / Duration: Approximately 8 hours / Food: Breakfast and snack / Recommendation: Thermal clothing, wool hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water / Equipment: Poles.
70 km southwest of San Pedro de Atacama lies one of the most interesting volcanoes for mountaineers. Located at nearly 5,600 meters above sea level, it is one of the most popular due to its visible activity and the beauty of the landscape along the route, which allows for the observation of high Andean wildlife, as well as a mandatory stop at the magnificent Laguna Lejía.
Day 4 -
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama Airport
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 100km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A driver will pick you up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to take you to Calama airport.
Day 5
Accommodation
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás offers accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, just 2 km from the Pukará de Quitor ruins. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are also available.
A complimentary American buffet breakfast is served every morning.
All rooms feature a private bathroom with free toiletries, a safe, a fan, and heating. Towels and bed linen are also provided. Each room also includes a complimentary bottle of water.
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás has an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It also features a tour desk.
Airport shuttle service is available upon request and for an additional fee. Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás is located 11 km from Valle de la Luna and 27 km from the Puritama Hot Springs.
Access
The program begins at Calama Airport, where we will meet you for a direct transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, the starting point of the experience. At the end of the program, your return transfer will also be from Calama Airport.
Go to the starting point
To get to San Pedro de Atacama from abroad, the most common route is to first fly to Santiago, Chile, then take a domestic flight to Calama. From Calama Airport, you can take ground transportation to San Pedro de Atacama, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Price details
The price includes
• Transfer Calama – San Pedro de Atacama.
• Private excursions with guide (Spanish, English, Portuguese and French).
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned.
• Meals indicated in the itinerary.
• 4 excursions (private service).
• 4 nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel.
The price does not include
• Flights.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Tips.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
Information may change up until the departure date, so remember to check official websites regularly.
• Sworn Declaration for Travellers (given to foreigners upon their entry into Chile).
• Passport.
• Copy of Medical and Travel Insurance (foreigners).
Equipment
Equipment to bring
• Daily backpack 30–35 litres (fits snugly to the body).
• Battery-powered headlamp (with spare batteries).
• Trekking poles (lightweight and with a good grip).
• Sunglasses with neck cord.
• UV sunscreen (minimum SPF 30).
• First aid kit: bandages, moleskin, anti-inflammatories, etc.
• Water bottle or hydration system*.
Clothing to bring
• Mountain boots (already used, NOT NEW!).
• Mountain/trekking trousers.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (e.g. Gore-Tex®).
• Quick-drying synthetic T-shirts and thermal layers.
• Fleece jacket or similar.
• Fleece or Buff neck warmer.
• Fleece or wool hat covering the ears.
• Merino wool socks or similar (an extra pair in the bag).
• Waterproof trekking gloves.
• Cap or hat to protect from the sun (beware of the wind).
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- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.