Atacama Desert Adventures, Salt Flats, and Desert Hikes

Welcome to Chile! Please be ready to meet in the hotel lobby at 5:30 P.M. for your welcome meeting. Afterward, we'll head out together for your welcome dinner at a local restaurant. The reservation time will be confirmed closer to your trip date. If you're arriving today, we recommend flying into El Loa Airport in Calama (CJC), the closest airport to San Pedro de Atacama.

• Transfer · El Loa Airport in Calama (CJC) → Ssan Pedro de Atecama

  TrovaTrip will provide 2 arrival transfers from El Loa Airport in Calama (CJC) to the hotel between 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. The exact transfer times within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.

  private · 90 min

Today, get ready to experience the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert. After breakfast you’ll head to Moon Valley, where wind and water have carved striking salt and clay formations, including the famous Tres Marías. You'll also visit the salt caves and take in the surreal scenery of one of the driest places on Earth. After some time to rest and grab lunch, set out in the afternoon for a gentle hike through Devil's Ravine. The trail starts with a short climb to a viewpoint over the Andes and the Atacama Salt Flat, then passes ancient petroglyphs, an old sulfur mine and native plants traditionally used as medicine, before dropping into a narrow canyon of shifting colors and shapes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Moon Valley

  Begin your day with a 20-minute private transfer to the entrance of the Moon Valley, where an unforgettable journey through the Atacama Desert awaits. Set in one of the driest and most unforgiving landscapes on Earth, this otherworldly terrain is a showcase of nature’s artistry: sculptures of salt and clay, carved by wind and water over millions of years. Along the way, you’ll discover the iconic Las Tres Marías, rock formations of extraordinary beauty that invite you to pause, take in the scenery, and capture some unforgettable photographs. The adventure continues with a visit to the salt caves, where the quiet magic of the desert reveals itself once more. After the excursion, you’ll take a 20-minute transfer back to the hotel where you’ll be able to enjoy lunch at your own pace in town.

  09:00· 270 min· San Pedro de Atacama
• Devil's Ravine Trek

  A short ten minute private transfer takes you to the trailhead, where your walk begins with a gentle five minute climb along a sandy path. Soon the landscape opens up to a sweeping viewpoint over the Andes mountain range, the village of San Pedro, and a glimpse of the vast Atacama Salt Flat. Along the trail, you’ll pass an old sulfur mine and learn about the native plants that have been used for generations as natural medicine. A few minutes further on, you’ll encounter ancient petroglyphs, a quiet reminder of the Atacameño peoples who once called this land home. After an easy, mostly flat 30-minute stroll, the path descends into the Quebrada del Diablo, a narrow canyon where colors and rock formations shift with every turn. For the next 45 minutes, you’ll wander through its winding walls until you reach the San Pedro River, where your vehicle awaits to take you back to your hotel. Distance: 3.1 miles | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 164 ft

  16:00· 150 min· San Pedro de Atacama

Begin your day watching flamingos wade through the shimmering waters of the Atacama Salt Flat at Laguna Chaxa. Then climb above 4,000 meters to lagoons that mirror the sky at the foot of towering volcanoes. After a traditional lunch in an Atacameño village, the day closes among the rust-red rocks of Piedras Rojas, where iron-stained earth meets the emerald waters of Aguas Calientes. A full day of dramatic high-altitude scenery, with lunch included. You'll return in the evening for an evening at leisure for dinner. Mornings on the altiplano are cold and the wind can be strong, while the sun is intense, so we recommend dressing in layers: a thermal base layer, a warm jacket, comfortable shoes, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, a reusable water bottle, and your camera. Please note: the order of the attractions may be adjusted on the day to ensure the best possible experience for our travelers.

• Red Rocks Hike

  Our first destination is Piedras Rojas, a surreal reddish terrain painted by iron oxidation and set against the stark backdrop of the altiplano. Here we set out on a 1 hour 15 minute trek, wandering among rust-colored rock formations and open plains framed by volcanoes. Nearby, the emerald-green waters of the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat make this one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Distance: 1,74 miles| Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Elevation Gain: 100ft

  10:45· 75 min· San Pedro de Atacama
• Altiplanic Lagoons

  Return to your vehicle for an hour’s drive to your next destination: the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, set at over 4,000 meters above sea level at the foot of the two volcanoes that share their names. Here, the deep blues of spring-fed waters, the volcanic slopes, and the ice formed by freezing temperatures blend into a landscape of breathtaking contrast. Spend 45 minutes soaking in the silence and the sweeping views of the high plateau. Time at the lagoons: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 100ft

  12:00· 120 min· San Pedro de Atacama
• Atacama Saltflats and Chaxa Lagoon

  Surrounded by crusts of salt and gypsum formed as underground saline waters evaporate, this lagoon is a haven for flamingos and other native birds, which you can admire in a striking, otherworldly setting. Spend 45 minutes here soaking in the scenery as the afternoon light paints the salt flat.

  14:30· 135 min· San Pedro de Atacama
• From San Pedro de Atacama to Red Rocks

  After enjoying breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of the Atacama Desert towards Piedras Rojas. After approximately one hour of driving, you'll reach the village of Socaire, where you'll have a chance to use the restroom before continuing. From there, the journey takes another 1.5 hours through the spectacular Andean Altiplano, offering breathtaking views of colorful mountains, salt flats, and volcanoes before arriving at the remarkable red rock formations and turquoise waters of Piedras Rojas.

  private · 150 min
• Red Rocks to Atacama Saltflats and Chaxa Lagoon

  After enjoying your box lunch, we continue to our final destination, about 1 hour and 30 minutes away: Laguna Chaxa, at the center of the Atacama Salt Flat within the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

  90 min
• Laguna Chaxa to San Pedro

  From Laguna Chaxa, take a 1 hours private transfer back to your hotel in San Pedro.

  60 min

Enjoy a day at your own pace in San Pedro de Atacama. Stroll through its adobe-lined streets, browse the artisan markets, or linger over a long lunch at a local café. For a shot of adrenaline, you can add an optional sandboarding session and glide down the golden dunes of the desert. As night falls, the clearest skies on earth come alive. Your evening includes an astronomical tour, where you’ll gaze at the Milky Way, planets, and constellations through powerful telescopes, guided by local experts. Since the experience takes place outdoors and desert nights can be quite cold, it is recommended to dress warm: a thermal base layer, a down jacket, a hat, gloves, a scarf, warm socks, and closed-toed shoes.

• Stargazing in the Atacama Desert

  In the evening, you’ll take a short 10 minute transfer to discover the extraordinary night skies of the Atacama Desert, one of the best places on Earth to observe the cosmos. Upon arrival at the observatory, you’ll be warmly welcomed and invited into a cozy room for an introductory talk about local astronomy. Then, we step outside to a clear open space, where you can trace constellations and other celestial wonders beneath a sky crowded with stars. Next, head to the telescope platform, where you’ll take turns with other guests to peer deep into the universe: star clusters, distant galaxies, glowing nebulae, and planets. To close the experience, a warm snack is offered before you begin your short 10 minute journey back to the hotel. **Please note: the day of this activity is indicative and subject to change, as it depends on sky visibility and weather conditions. In case of cloud or rain, the tour may be rescheduled to another night during your stay.**

  21:00· 120 min· San Pedro de Atacama

After breakfast, you’ll take a one hour private transfer to Machuca. Leave the crowds behind and hike through the quiet heart of the Andean highlands. Starting at 13,123 feet above sea level in the traditional community of Machuca, you’ll cross the Machuca River, pass ancient llama corrals, and wander beside abandoned terraced fields, with pink flamingos along the way, depending on the season. Choose how far you want to go: the route can be adapted to your pace and energy, ending at the road, by the river, or at the charming Río Grande Church. A day of wide horizons, silence, and authentic Andean culture. You’ll then take a one hour transfer back to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Mornings on the altiplano are cold and the sun is intense, so it is recommended to dress in layers: a thermal base layer, a warm jacket, a windproof outer layer, comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, and plenty of water.

• Full-Day Trek to Machuca & Río Grande

  After breakfast, we leave the hotel and drive north for about an hour to Machuca, a tiny Andean community perched at 13,123 feet above sea level. Just before arriving, and depending on the season, pink flamingos may appear along the way, a gift of the altiplano. Our trek begins on the high plateau, where the air is crisp, the sky seems endless, and silence becomes part of the journey. We cross the Machuca River, pass ancient llama corrals, and watch the landscape transform with every step. At midday, we pause in the shade at PeñaLiri, a cluster of abandoned houses, to enjoy a packed lunch before wandering beside old terraced fields, silent witnesses to how time and weather have shaped this land. From there, we descend gently toward the valley, with the option to extend the walk to the riverside or the Río Grande Church, depending on your energy and pace. Mornings on the altiplano are cold and the sun is intense, so we recommend dressing in layers: a thermal base layer, a warm jacket, a windproof outer layer, comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, plenty of water, and your camera. Distance: 7.5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Change: -1,640 ft

  08:00· 480 min· San Pedro de Atacama
• Transfer to Machuca

  After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel and take a private transfer north for about an hour to Machuca.

  private · 60 min
• Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama

  After the trek, you'll take a private transfer back to your hotel.

  private · 60 min

Enjoy your final day in San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace, with two optional experiences to make the most of your last hours in the desert. Rise before sunrise and journey to the legendary El Tatio Geysers, where the Andean dawn is lit by columns of rising steam. Back in San Pedro, spend the afternoon strolling through town for last souvenirs, or add an optional half-day visit to the Puritama Hot Springs and unwind in warm, crystal-clear thermal pools set in a hidden canyon. As the day comes to a close, you’ll gather for a farewell dinner, a chance to share stories, raise a glass, and celebrate the unforgettable moments of your journey.

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! We recommend flying out of El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama.All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! We recommend flying out of El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama.

• Departure Airport Transfer

  TrovaTrip will provide 2 departure transfers from the hotel to El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to your departure based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to the airport.

  private · 90 min