Atacama Desert *4 to 6 Days*

Discover the mystical beauty and inspiring geology of the Atacama Desert. Flexible itineraries offer the leeway to select the best adventures to suit your travel needs. Choose from a variety of day tours that explore this incredible region. Take an archaeological tour at the famous the Museo Gustavo Le Paige museum. Witness the fantastic colorful display of the Valley of the Moon at sunset. Explore the Lasana valley and its preserved petroglyphs. The opportunities to explore this region are endless. Spend your nights at Terrantai Lodge, which provides relaxing accommodations while appreciating the traditional ways of life of the indigenous communities of the area.

Day 1 Arrive Atacama  

Atacama Archaeological SiteThis morning you fly to Calama airport, where you are met by people from our lodge and taken to your oasis in the desert - the Terrantai Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama. Once you are settled into your room and have explored the lodge, you set off to explore with your guide. Depending on which day you arrive, you might take an archaeological and cultural tour of the area or visit the giant sand dunes and polychromatic rock formations of the Valley of the Moon.

Days 2-3 Atacama Excursions (B)  

Atacama Moonscape a la carte tours »
Your time at Terrantai Lodge is flexible and includes a choice of a la carte tours. Excursions include visits to a stone craftsmen village, the famous Tatio Geysers, Atacama's salt flats, volcanoes, lagoons, and other wonderful and otherworldly landscapes. Most excursions depart after breakfast and return in the early- to mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to enjoy a good book from Terrantai's library, relax in the shade of the garden, or take a dip in the lodge's swimming pool. Be prepared though to rise early for the excursion to El Tatio Geysers! Here you will watch the sunrise over the world's highest geyser field. As the dawn breaks, you'll be treated to a stunning sight of steaming geysers set against the azure colored antiplano backdrop. A short hike around the geothermal field brings you to the thermal pools - take care where you tread so as to avoid falling through the thin crust!

Day 4 Return Home (B)  

Atacama Geyser Depart from Terrantai Lodge and return to Calama airport to fly on to your next adventure or return to Santiago to fly home.
  

US$930

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Save $100 per person if starting 4 day/3 night trip on Tuesday. Triple room discounts available.
4 Days starting and ending in Calama, Chile
Tour Code: AD4
Single Supplement:  US$380



US$1095 - AD5
5 Day/4 night tour. Single Supp $455
US$1285 - AD6
6 Day/5 night tour. Single Supp $530


Contact us for holiday rates for trips between Dec 22-Jan 2, 2008

Travel Highlights Tatio Geysers
Atacama Salt Flat
Valley of the Moon
Altiplano villages
San Pedro de Atacama
Petroglyphs

Accommodations:  3 nights comfortable hotel

Food Includes:  All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:  private minibus, local flight, your own feet!

Notes:  Flight Santiago-Calama-Santiago is not included. Please add US$350-$550 (flight cost subject to change). Box lunches are provided during full day excursions.

Group & Staff:  Min 2, bilingual local guides

Personal Budgeting:  Money for souvenirs, US$350-$550 for internal flights (prices subject to change), $75 for dinners not included, $130 Chilean visa reciprocity fee

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:  Santiago: Share US$60, Single US$100

Is it for Me?  This is an easy trip for any age.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Start Dates Any day of the week

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount