Santiago to La Paz - Atacama & the Uyuni Salt Flats

Day 1 : Santiago

Arrive in Santiago where you will be met by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Santiago > San Pedro de Atacama

Discover Santiago’s most iconic landmarks and historical spaces, unveiling this captivating city’s vibrant identity. We will immerse ourselves in the charm of the famous Bicentennial Park (Parque Bicentenario), a spectacular oasis adorned with green gardens and lakes that transmit tranquility amid the bustle of the city. Also explore the picturesque Cerro Santa Lucía, full of winding trails, impressive water fountains, and an incomparable panoramic view of the Santiago skyline with the Andes as a backdrop. Continue to the emblematic Main Square (Plaza de Armas), surrounded by architectural wonders such as the Cathedral and the Municipality, and then move to the Constitution Square (Plaza Constitución) that houses the famous Palacio de la Moneda (Palace of the Mint) – the presidential seat of the government.

After the conclusion of your tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your San Pedro de Atacama hotel.

Day 3 : San Pedro de Atacama

This morning brings a privileged view of the Cordillera de la Sal, with the impressive landscapes of the Moon Valley, and the traditions of the town of San Pedro de Atacama, its history, and its people. Begin with a delicious breakfast outdoors. From there, we will be able to appreciate the Andes Mountain range and its runoff, to San Pedro, which make it a true oasis. In the middle of the Cordillera de la Sal, we will find the Moon Valley, with its rock formations that look like sculptures and the mantle of salt that covers it in white, hearing the crunch of salt underfoot. In addition, as we walk the trails to reach Tres Marías, the largest dune in the valley, we will have some photo ops that look like we are on the moon. To top off the day, while departing the mountain range, we can visit an ayllu, a traditional community, to try the typical flavors of the area or a traditional ceramics workshop, where in addition to learning about ancient techniques we can purchase some souvenirs.

Late afternoon we will ascend about 1000 meters to reach the village of Talabre. There we will walk through Kezala, one of the canyons that connect the high mountains of the Andes with the basin of the Atacama Salt Flat and which preserves an invaluable archaeological heritage in the form of rock paintings. Towards sunset we will head to Chile´s biggest salt flat to marvel at its geography and its unique ecosystem where we can spot flamingos, amongst other birds.

Day 4 : San Pedro de Atacama

With the sunrise we head towards one of the entries to the Andean highlands, passing through important altitude ecosystems of extremely rich biodiversity such as the wetlands of Machuca and Putana. We make a stop at Machuca, a little farmer´s village, to then continue towards an overwhelming spectacle of nature: the El Tatio geyser field. Before returning to San Pedro we explore yet another mighty gift of the earth, known as the “Geyser Blanco” (White Geyser), where intrepid types can get into the thermal waters in the middle of the river trough.

Day 5 : San Pedro de Atacama > Villa Mar

You will be met by your English-speaking guide and transferred to Hiton Cajon, the border with Bolivia. Meet your Bolivia English-speaking guide and head to the mesmerizing Laguna Verde, backed by the towering Licancabur Volcano reaching 5960 meters.

Continue to Laguna Colorada, home to the unique James’ Flamingos, set against eternal snow-capped peaks, and witness the lagoon’s vibrant red hues caused by algae and plankton. En route, encounter the volcanic wonders of Valle de Dalí, the Chalviri thermal waters, and the Geysers Sol de Manana (Morning Sun). Your adventure concludes in the charming village of Villamar.

Day 6 : Villa Mar > Salar de Uyuni

Enjoy a scenic journey through windswept ranges with remarkable erosion, passing Alota, Culpina K villages, and the historic San Cristobal silver mine. Traverse the highlands, visit the captivating old train cemetery, and reach Uyuni town.

Continue to Colchani, a salt-producing village on the Uyuni salt flats’ shores. Explore the vast salt flat, heading to Incahuasi Island (Fish Island) to marvel at the iconic Giant Cacti. Witness the mesmerizing sunset on the salt flat’s edge, creating a breathtaking panorama. Indulge in a unique lunch experience in the heart of the expansive salt flat, making this journey an unforgettable exploration of natural wonders.

Day 7 : Salar de Uyuni > La Paz

You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Laz Paz where your arrangements end.