Atacama Desert Trek

Arrival takes place at Calama Airport, followed by a scenic drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Along the way, the route passes through the dramatic landscapes of the Cordillera de la Sal, known for its jagged ridges and salt-covered rock formations.

In San Pedro, check-in at the selected lodge or hotel takes place before lunch. During the meal, a short briefing outlines the itinerary and safety guidelines for the days ahead.

The first activity in the afternoon is a guided hike through Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), one of the top attractions in the Atacama Desert. The trail includes walking across sand dunes and salt canyons before arriving at a panoramic viewpoint. From there, watch the sun set over the valley, with glowing shades of orange and red reflecting across the desert floor.

Return to San Pedro in the evening for dinner and the first overnight stay at the accommodation.

The day begins with breakfast, followed by a drive to Yerbas Buenas. From there, the trek starts with a walk toward the San Pedro River, moving through narrow canyons and crossing shallow water. The route features unusual rock formations and desert plant life, typical of the Atacama region.

The trail continues into the Domeyko Mountains, reaching Rainbow Valley. This part of the desert is known for its striped hills, formed by layers of minerals in colors such as green, red, yellow, and white. These natural patterns have been shaped over time by wind and rain.

After exploring the valley, the group visits the nearby Yerbas Buenas campsite. The site contains well-preserved pre-Columbian petroglyphs carved into stone walls. These drawings include images of native animals and ancient symbols, offering insight into the culture of early desert dwellers.

Return to San Pedro in the afternoon for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay at the same accommodation.

Max Altitude: 3525 m | 11,564.96 ft
Elevation Loss: 406 m | 1,332 ft

After breakfast, begin the day early with a transfer to the trailhead near the old San Bartolo mine. The hike starts by following a path once used by miners, passing through the remains of a deserted mining site and an old graveyard. Nearby, ancient petroglyphs are visible on the rocks, offering more signs of the region’s long human history.

The trail continues with a steady climb along the side of a dry valley. The route passes through one of the driest parts of the Atacama Desert, where conditions are so extreme that even bacteria struggle to survive. The landscape is wide and bare, with little shade and few signs of life.

By late afternoon, arrival takes place at the village of Rio Grande, located at 3,250 meters above sea level. This remote settlement is one of the last small communities in the Altiplano, home to fewer than 100 people.

Dinner is served at the local lodge or homestay, followed by an overnight stay in the village.

Hiking Distance: 22 km | 13.6 mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours 
Max Altitude: 3,288 m | 10,787 ft
Elevation Gain: 394 m | 1,292 ft 

This day marks the longest and most demanding trek of the journey. The hike covers 22 kilometers and takes around 7 to 8 hours, beginning at the village of Rio Grande. The trail follows narrow valleys lined with streams, where locals are often seen herding llamas.

The route climbs steadily through steep canyons, leading to higher ground with an elevation gain of over 750 meters. The landscape shifts from dry rock to wetlands near Machuca, an area known for its desert wildlife, including birds and grazing animals adapted to the altitude.

A stop at Peñaliri provides open views of the surrounding peaks and remote terrain. Along the way, traditional farms appear, showing how native crops like potatoes, corn, and onions are grown in this high-altitude setting.

The trail ends at Machuca, a small Andean village located at over 4,000 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the route offers a view of Licancabur Volcano, an important cultural site for the Atacameño people.

Accommodation for the night is arranged at a simple guesthouse or local lodge in Machuca.

Max Altitude: 4015 m | 13,172 ft 
Elevation Gain: 787 m | 2,582 ft

The day begins with breakfast in Machuca before a transfer to the Tatio Geysers. Arrival takes place after the early crowds, allowing time to explore the geothermal field under full daylight. Steam columns rise up to 40 meters high, surrounded by bubbling pools and mineral formations. The Tatio Geysers are among the highest in the world, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level.

After visiting the geysers, the journey continues with a drive to Guatin Valley. The hike starts in a Cardon forest, home to tall cacti adapted to desert life. The trail leads to the meeting point of two rivers—warm Puritama and cold Purifica—which combine to form the Vilama River. This natural flow supports the local ecosystem.

The hike continues along rocky terrain, crossing the river and passing waterfalls, small pools, and native plants. The trail ends at a high viewpoint with open views of the valley below.

After the hike, transfer takes place back to San Pedro de Atacama for dinner and overnight stay at the same accommodation.

Hiking Distance: 8 km | 4.97 mi
Hiking Time: 2 hours 
Max Altitude: 4,267 m | 13,999 ft 
Elevation Gain: 375 m | 1,230 ft

The day begins with a drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the Atacama Salt Flat, one of the largest salt flats in Chile. The area is known for its wide, dry surface covered in white salt crusts and for being a key habitat for birdlife, including Chilean pink flamingos often seen feeding in shallow lagoons.

The journey continues to the high-altitude Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons. These bodies of water sit at over 4,000 meters and are known for their deep turquoise color, surrounded by volcanic peaks and dry highland terrain. The site offers one of the most striking contrasts in the Atacama Desert—bright waters against dark rock and golden grasses.

After time to walk and explore the viewpoints, return takes place to San Pedro de Atacama for the final overnight stay at the accommodation.

Hiking Distance: 6.5 km | 4 mi
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Max. Altitude: 4,100 m | 13,451 ft
Elevation gain: 94 m | 380 ft

Depart from your lodge and return to Calama airport to fly on to your next adventure or return to Santiago to fly home. With extra time in Atacama, you can wander around the village, visiting the handicraft shops, church, and museum.