Atacama Express Experience – 3 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Calama & Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama + Astronomical Experience

Upon arrival at Calama Airport, you will be met and privately transferred to San Pedro de Atacama. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through the spectacular landscapes of northern Chile before arriving at your hotel.

In the evening, you will enjoy an unforgettable astronomical experience in the Atacama Desert, home to some of the clearest and most pristine skies in the world. Departing from San Pedro de Atacama, you will travel into the desert for an introduction to the Southern Hemisphere sky, where you will have the opportunity to observe the Milky Way, planets, and constellations through high-precision telescopes.

The experience also includes time for astrophotography and the enjoyment of hot beverages while taking in the remarkable night sky. After the excursion, return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Important Note: The astronomical tour is subject to weather and visibility conditions. If conditions are not suitable for the activity, the tour may be canceled for operational reasons. In such cases, no refund will apply.

• Night in San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 02: Excursion to Red Rocks & Altiplanic Lagoons (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, we journey into the breathtaking Andean highlands, traveling through spectacular landscapes surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, and vast desert scenery.

Our first stop is the impressive Red Rocks (Piedras Rojas), where striking reddish volcanic formations create a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters of the surrounding lagoons. We then continue to the beautiful Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, located at over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level and surrounded by an extraordinary natural setting.

Throughout the excursion, there will be opportunities to stop for photographs and short breaks while admiring the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Altiplano.

Later, we visit Chaxa Lagoon, located within Los Flamencos National Reserve, where you may observe flamingos and other native bird species in their natural habitat. After completing the excursion, we return to San Pedro de Atacama, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

• Night in San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 03: Overland Departure to Hito Cajón – Uyuni, Bolivia (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the scheduled time, private transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajón, the border crossing between Chile and Bolivia. Upon arrival, border formalities will be completed before continuing the journey toward the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats, beginning your Bolivian adventure.

Optional: Private transfer to Calama Airport (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) for your flight back to Santiago and onward journey home.

Included:

• Private transfers (including one small suitcase per passenger).
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
• Shared excursions and sightseeing tours.
• 02 nights of accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama with breakfast included.
• Excursion to Astronomical experience.
• Excursion to Red Rocks & Altiplanic Lagoons.
• Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
• Professional guide in Spanish / English.
• Permanent assistance throughout the journey.

Additional Charge: Airport transfers between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM are subject to a supplement of USD 10.00 per person.

Not Included:

• Domestic or international flights.
• Additional charge for extra luggage (more than one suitcase per passenger).
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Optional tours and excursions.
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, beverages, etc.).

Recommendations for This Program

• Allow time for proper acclimatization, as San Pedro de Atacama is located at a considerable altitude and several excursions reach elevations above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
• Stay well hydrated throughout the trip and opt for light meals, especially during the first days.
• Dress in layers and bring warm clothing, including thermal jackets, gloves, hats, and a windproof jacket, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
• Be prepared for extreme temperature changes, particularly during early morning departures and high-altitude excursions.
• Use high-SPF sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and a hat, as the Atacama Desert experiences intense solar radiation despite its cool temperatures.
• Carry some cash in Chilean Pesos for personal expenses, small purchases, and services that may not accept credit cards.
• This program is recommended for travelers aged 8 years and older.

Nate Rates per person in USD – Minimum 2 passengers:

Hotels featured in this program:

• Single Traveler Supplement (Single Room / SGL): USD 180.00

Additional Hotel Nights – Rates per Person in USD

San Pedro de Atacama: