Atacama Desert and Uyuni salt flats: the best of Chile and Bolivia

Today you will depart for the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world! After your private transfer to Santiago’s airport, you will take a short flight to Calama. From there, your driver will take you to San Pedro de Atacama and your hotel. You can then begin your discoveries of San Pedro and its surroundings. We suggest you take a bicycle and explore the Garganta del Diablo!

Wrap up this first day with an epic night of stargazing with a local astronomy expert.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Today you will visit extraordinary landscapes in Chile’s most impressive desert. 

In the morning, join your English-speaking guide to explore Moon Valley. The excursion then continues with a short walk of about 1 hour in Death Valley. It is truly like stepping foot onto another planet! In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the Arcoíris Valley, or Rainbow Valley, to discover geological wonders painted in a thousand colors.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

The excursion with your private guide begins with the picturesque village of Toconao. You will then go to the wonderful Lagunas Altiplanicas. You will learn about the formation of volcanoes, lagoons, and the entire geology of the Andes. You will then discover the Aguas Calientes and Talar salt flats. You can take a short hike in the area “Piedras Rojas”. You will then go to Tuyajto Lagoon. After a lunch in the village of Socaire in a traditional restaurant, your guide will take you through the village and introduce you to pre-Columbian culture techniques that are still useful nowadays. The day draws to a close with an unforgettable sunset over the Chaxa Lagoon.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Rise with the sun so you can observe the fumaroles phenomenon of the Tatio geysers! After a hearty breakfast, you will fully enjoy the site’s tranquility.

You will then go to the white geyser which will offer you the opportunity to swim in between a river and hot springs, and then head to the mud geysers, a destination which only a well-equipped vehicle can access. You will descend to the bofedal de Putana to learn about the interdependent relationships between local flora and fauna, creating this subtle balance of the local habitat.

Take advantage of the free afternoon to relax and prepare for your departure for Uyuni with some souvenir shopping. Or, you can opt for some relaxation in Puritama springs or enjoy the spa in your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama.

Today you take off for your next destination: a 4-day tour to the Uyuni slat flat! First up, you will visit the highlights of the Bolivian altiplano, such as White Lake and Green Lake, located at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. Then, you will continue to Polques Lake and Termas de Polques, where you can bathe in hot springs amidst this supernatural setting. You can also discover small geysers called Sol de Mañana (at 16,000 feet). After lunch, your day will end with the discovery of the splendid Colorada Lagoon, a nesting center for more than 30,000 flamingos.

Note: the 4-day private excursion itinerary includes accommodation, food, a driver, and overnight stays in very comfortable hotel surrounded by nature. The trips will be made in a 4×4 vehicle. A private English-speaking guide can be reserved for an extra fee.

Overnight: Hotel Mallku Cueva, Mallcu.

Explore the natural park more in depth and get closer to the salt flats of Bolivia. Today, you will visit the stone trees within the Sioli Desert, original rock formations caused by wind erosion.

The trip will continue with the discovery of several superb altiplanic lagoons (Laguna Honda, Laguna Chiarcota, and Laguna Cañapa), including the famous hidden lagoon which is full of surprises. Then, you will pass through the salt desert of Chiguana and the village of San Juan del Rosario.

Overnight: Luna Salada Salt Hotel, Salar de Uyuni.

Depart at dawn to witness the sunrise over the Uyuni salt flats and the Cactus Island.

You will then visit the Island of Incahuasi, known as the Cactus Island, a limestone formation located in the center of the salt flat, followed by breakfast. After crossing the Uyuni Salt Flat, you can visit the salt mines, the salt museum, and the train cemetery. You will then make a stop at Colchani. Upon arrival at Uyuni village, you will have free time to explore. Afterwards, you will take the road back to San Pedro. Along the way, you will have dinner and sleep in Villamar, a traditional-style community.

Overnight: Hotel del Desierto, Cerro Siloli.

Today you will continue your road trip towards the Hito Cajon border. You will have breakfast at the Chilean border, where a van–shared transportation–will be waiting to take you back to San Pedro de Atacama.

You can then take advantage of the afternoon to recover and relax after your action-packed visit to Uyuni.

Overnight: Hotel Desertica, San Pedro de Atacama

It is time to hit the road to Santiago, the capital, before your return flight home. A transfer will take you to the Calama airport to catch your domestic flight. Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you have two options:

• You can be taken back you to your hotel to continue your visit of the city. You will be able to explore the Bellavista district, for example, and end your stay in style with an aperitif on a panoramic terrace. Take advantage of our recommendations of the best restaurants in the city and enjoy one final pisco sour!
• Or, if you are short on time, you can stay at the Santiago airport before hopping on your international flight back home.