OVERLAND CHILE & BOLIVIA: ATACAMA DESERT & UYUNI SALTFLAT (7D – 6N)

d the pristine steam of the geysers. In the middle of this impressive natural scenery next to the Andes, we will enjoy a replenishing breakfast, which will allow us to warm up the body, given that the temperatures in this area range from -2º C to 24.5º C.

Taking the way back to San Pedro de Atacama, we will observe the beauty of the landscape, its valleys, its native flora and fauna, where the charismatic vicuñas and vizcachas stand out. Then we will stop at the town of Machuca, an Atacameño town of barely twenty houses made of adobe, straw and cactus wood, where its inhabitants offer Andean crafts, and typical cuisine such as llama meat, sopaipillas and empanadas. The stop includes a visit to the beautiful Church of San Santiago -the patron saint of the town-, and to small wetlands where flamingos, ducks and other birds coexist.

Astronomical Tour – Shared Excursion: The Astronomical Tour begins with a brief talk, with the naked eye, with a laser pointer drawing the different constellations and objects present in the sky. Afterwards, planets, nebulae, open-and-closed clusters, star sequences, galaxies, and super and hypergiant stars will be observed through the telescope (the objects to be observed will depend on the season). Emphasis will be placed on the Greek and Andean worldviews, explaining their way of interpreting the cosmos. In the place, they have a 16-inch Meade Lightbridge Newtonian Dobsonian Telescope (40cms. primary mirror) F 4.5 (2mts. high). The tour will end with a group and individual Astrophotography, which are sent virtually. The tour is subject to weather such as clouds or rain and does not operate on full moon days (in case of suspension, the service can be rescheduled or cancelled).

Night at the Altiplánico San Pedro de Atacama hotel in a standard room.

Pick up at hotel in San Pedro and transfer to Hito Cajón border with Bolivia. After the immigration procedures, transfer and continue to Laguna Verde, at the foot of the Llicancahur Volcano. Continuation through the Dalí Valley towards the Termas de Polques, the Sol de Mañana Geysers. Visit the Laguna Colorada, the habitat of the famous James flamingos, unique to its species in the world, and to see the change of tones in the Lagoon until it reaches its red colour, from which its name comes. Continue to Ojo de Perdiz visiting the Stone Tree.

Night at Tayka del Desierto Hotel. Box lunch en route and dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast and check out. Transfer to the north, visiting the High-Andean Lagoons (Ramaditas, Chiar Khota, Hedionda, Cañapa). We will pass by the viewpoint of the Ollague Volcano and then by the edge of the Chiguana salt flat. We will enter the Salar de Uyuni from the south. Visit Incahuasi Island, inhabited by giant cacti. Walk to the top, where you will have a 360-degree view of the salt flat. Time to enjoy the place.

At the end of the afternoon, we will go to your hotel (Luna Salada or Palacio de Sal). Box lunch en route and dinner at the hotel included.

Breakfast and check out. We will cross the Great Salt Flat heading north to visit the town of Tahua at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano, with a spectacular view of the salt flat, then the Coquesa mummies. We will cross the salt flat again stopping at the springs to observe how the salt is extracted; once again we will visit Incahuasi Island. In the afternoon we will travel to the town of Villamar, visiting El Valle de Las Rocas – rock formations because of erosion by the winds. Arrival and accommodation at the Mallku Cueva Hotel.

Box lunch en route and dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast and check out. Travel through the Sud Lipez Desert. On the way, we will have time to enjoy a bath in the thermal waters of Polques. After lunch continues to Hito Cajon. After the immigration process, continue to San Pedro de Atacama.

Transfer to your hotel. Box lunch en route included.

Private Transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport (1:20 hours).