Tour/Excursion from San Pedro de Atacama — 3 Days and 2 Nights

Descripcion

Get ready for a truly unique experience! This tour offers a full immersion in the cultural and natural richness of the desert, combining history, art, and unforgettable landscapes.

Day Nª1

We start the day at 8:00 AM with pickup from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama. Our first destination is the fascinating Painted Geoglyphs area, where you can admire an impressive variety of anthropomorphic, animal, spatial, and cultural figures carved into the earth. These enigmatic representations are a testament to the ancestral cultures of the region. Next, we head to the town of Huara for a delicious local lunch. After recharging, we visit the Giant of Tarapacá, a majestic 119-meter-long pre-Inca anthropomorphic figure carved into the northwest slope of Cerro Unit. This impressive figure is a prominent example of the region’s rock art. Then, we continue our journey through the picturesque Valley of Happiness, known for its unique landscapes and serene atmosphere. Afterwards, we explore the Cactus Forest, an amazing concentration of cacti that creates a truly unique landscape. The tour also takes us to the Coipasa Salt Flat, a vast salt flat offering stunning panoramic views. Finally, we head to Cariquima, where we’ll spend the night at a cozy local guesthouse.

Day Nª2

The second day of our adventure begins with pickup from your accommodation as we head to the picturesque village of Isluga. From there, we travel through a series of charming spots, including Enquelga, Mocomocone, and the Cactus Forest. Each destination offers unique landscapes and the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the highlands. Along the way, we stop at Yareta, an impressive example of hardy vegetation that forms green carpets at high altitude. We pass through Portezuelo and Mulluri before reaching the majestic Salar de Surire, a vast and beautiful salt flat. At Salar de Surire, we take a well-deserved break at the Polloquere Hot Springs, where you can relax in the thermal waters and enjoy a moment of wellness amid stunning scenery. We’ll have a picnic lunch surrounded by the impressive nature of the region. After lunch, we visit Cerro Chinchillani, an ideal spot to observe flamingos in their natural habitat and enjoy panoramic views. Next, we pass through the picturesque village of Guallatire before reaching our final destination. Finally, we arrive in Putre, where we’ll stay at a cozy local guesthouse. This tour offers an immersion in the natural and cultural richness of the highlands, combining moments of relaxation with exciting explorations.

Day Nª3

At 8:00 AM, we’ll pick you up at your local guesthouse, offering two options for the day to choose from:

1. Suriplaza Trek (Rainbow Mountain) The trek begins with an ascent to an altitude of 5,300 meters (17,388 feet) above sea level. The first stage of the hike has a moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours to reach the first summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile. The descent is a crucial part of the trek, with moderate technical difficulty due to the rugged terrain. Make sure you’re prepared for a descent that requires focus and care, but also offers opportunities to enjoy the views as you return to the starting point.
2. We begin our adventure at the Taapaca Viewpoint, a panoramic spot offering stunning views of the Andean landscape and a first immersion into the region’s natural beauty. Our journey continues to the Ayane Canyon, a spectacular geological formation with dramatic landscapes and rock formations that capture the essence of the highlands. We’ll pass through the picturesque village of Ancolacane, known for its traditional architecture and authenticity. Next, we head to Suriplaza, where we’ll stop to admire the famous Rainbow Mountain. While we won’t do the trek, the vibrant landscape of the mountain is a sight not to be missed. Our next stop is Cosapilla, a charming village where we’ll explore the main plaza, visit the local church, and have the chance to see alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat. We then continue to Visviri, an important border point with its own unique character. From there, we’ll return to Putre via the Parinacota area, enjoying additional views and the stunning beauty of the Andean landscape.

Day Nª4 

The third day of our adventure begins with an exciting excursion to Lauca National Park, a natural gem in the Chilean highlands. We’ll start at the impressive Chungará Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular mountain surroundings. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views and capture unforgettable memories. Next, we head to the Cotacotani Lagoons viewpoint, offering stunning views of the colorful lagoons that decorate the region. The landscape is simply captivating and perfect for memorable photos. Our journey continues to the picturesque village of Parinacota, where we’ll explore its charming church and the bofedal, a wetland ecosystem that hosts rich biodiversity. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s natural beauty. After lunch, we visit Flamenco Lagoon, an ideal spot to observe flamingos and other birds in their natural habitat. Finally, we explore the Cuevas Trail, where you can see vizcachas and vicuñas in their natural environment. These encounters with local wildlife are one of the highlights of the excursion.

At the end of the day, we’ll return to Arica, where you can choose to stay at a comfortable lodging or head to the local airport to continue your journey. This day offers the perfect blend of natural exploration, local culture, and wildlife observation.

Includes shared transportation, first aid, and a Spanish-speaking driver-guide. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodations are included. If you need a private trip or an English-speaking guide, the price can be negotiated. There’s plenty of time to plan your visit. We operate with small groups, starting with a minimum of 2 passengers.