Destinations-Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is an old oasis village (permanent population about 1000), which has become a popular base for seeing the sights of the Atacama Desert. The harsh beauty of the Atacama is obviously the main attraction, but there are others. San Pedro has unique geological formations within biking distance, and is the starting point for longer excursions to the high plains with their unique wildlife, and the Tatio Geysers. There are also the remains of a pre-Inca fortress and an Inca administrative center within hiking distance.
The great Atacama Desert in the north of Chile covers 600 of most arid square kilometers on the face of the planet. Its central area is so dry that objects or remains are fossilized for centuries; the hand of primitive man can be seen in the giant Petroglyphs, which cover the slopes of its hills. Thanks to the water from thawing snow in the mountains, small settlements, which still exist and, as though suspended in time, still maintain their ancestral customs, sprung up close to the spurs of the Andes mountain range.
- ACCESS ROUTES
Situated at 800 mi / 1,300 km north of Santiago, San Pedro can be reached by road (buses from Arica (12 hours) and Santiago (24 hours; daily) and by taking a flight from Santiago to Calama (1 hour) and bus (3 hours) from there. - ACCOMMODATION
Good middle class accommodation is scarce in San Pedro. There is the 5-star Explora and one or two 3-4 star options and a considerable amount of hostels. The hostels however are of good quality. - WHEN TO GO
San Pedro de Atacama can be visited year-round. Although it can get a bit cloudy and colder during winter time: September to February.
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Excursions
Across the Bolivian border, about 40 miles from San Pedro de Atacama, is the Green Lagoon, an enchanting, emerald (due to a high concentration of magnesium), 10-square-mile body of water. Like an immense green mirror, the lagoon throws off a reflection of volcano Licancábur, which rises almost 19,000 feet above sea level. This makes for a magical setting and may be the reason why the area was considered sacred by the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the territory.
- Included: transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.
- Time: Full Day.
- Type: group and private service available. Make sure to have your passport with you! Please contact us for rates and information.
About 50 miles ( 82 km ) over a difficult road are the geysers at El Tatio, the highest in the world. The Tatio geysers, one of the desert's most awe-inspiring "son et lumiere" spectacles, are located fairly close to san Pedro de Atacama. At dawn, the vapor from dozens of fumaroles springing up from the mineral heart of the desert decomposes into thousands of colors and fantastic images. The best time to see El Tatio is at dawn, so tours leave San Pedro around 03:00 AM.
- Included: transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.
- Time: Full Day.
- Type: group and private service available.
In an impressive contrast, sunset in the Valley of the Moon is the maximum expression of silence, solace and aridness. For thousands of years the wind has carved strange, desolate, stone shapes in the valley and, in the diaphanous atmosphere of the altiplano, these stand out sharply against the startlingly blue sky.
- Included: transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.
- Time: Half Day.
- Type: group and private service available.
Both the Meñique and Miscanti are fed from water sources far below the surface of the earth, and both attract an array of wildlife, like an abundance of flamingos whose pink figures, a stark contrast to the surrounding snowy slopes, are brilliantly reflected in the waters. Another lagoon at Chaxas is famous for the three varieties of flamingos and other birds that nest here. This is the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos. From Jeria, you will visit the surprising Salar de Atacama, a huge lake hidden under a thick white mantle of salt (the largest salt flat in Chile).
- Included: transport, bilingual guide, all entrance fees.
- Time: Full Day.
- Type: group and private service available.
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