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Loaded with a myriad of breathtaking scenery, the Atacama Desert is more than just the driest place in the world. On this small group tour you will explore the wonders of Atacama, including the picturesque Valley of the Moon, the villages of San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao, the famous Le Paige Archaeological Museum, and a visit to the spectacular Atacama Salt Flats.
Join this small group tour and explore the wonders of the Atacama Desert. But first, you’ll explore the wonderful charm of Santiago and the world renowned vineyards during our guided half day tours. It’s a wonderful combination and a great way to see Chile and the Atacama Desert region.
Places Visited:
Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama, Chilean Salt Flats, Valley of the Moon, Le Paige Archaeological Museum, Chilean Wine Region, El Tatio Geyser, Santiago
Trip Itinerary:
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Santiago, airport pick up and transfer. O/N Santiago.
Day 2: City tour of Santiago. O/N Santiago. (B)
Day 3: Tour of Maipo Wine Valley. O/N Santiago. (B)
Day 4: Fly Santiago to Calama. Tour of museum and Valley of the Moon. O/N San Pedro de Atacama. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Tour of giant salt lake, village and archeological site. O/N San Pedro de Atacama. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Tour of El Tatio Geysers. O/N San Pedro de Atacama. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Fly Calama to Santiago. Afternoon free. O/N Santiago. (B)
Day 8: Trip ends. Transfer to airport. (B)
Detailed Itinerary:
B: Breakfast | L: Lunch | D: Dinner
Day 1:
SANTIAGO, CHILE
Arriving in Santiago, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are yours to relax, get settled and enjoy the city. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 2:
SANTIAGO, CHLIE (B)
Today you will be met by your guide and introduced to Santiago on our half day city tour. See the highlights of this wonderful city and learn about its fascinating colonial history.
Santiago is a city of contrasts, where the modern and cosmopolitan blend with history, bohemia and tradition. It has a Mediterranean climate, with short winters and very sunny long summers that offer visitors an unforgettable stay. The city offers a variety of historical milestones which date back to colonial times and include magnificent examples of historically-relevant aristocratic residences with a notable French and Spanish architectural influence that contrast with the cultural past of its native roots. Overnight in Santiago. (Includes breakfast).
Day 3:
SANTIAGO AND WINE REGION TOUR (B)
Santiago is set in a fertile valley with vineyards and wine routes that enjoy a superb reputation throughout the world. Today you will take our small group tour and explore these famous vineyards, learn about the wine making process and, best of all, taste the delicious wines. Overnight in Santiago. (Includes breakfast).
Days 4 - 6:
ATACAMA DESERT REGION (B, L, D)
In the morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama airport. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the village of Sa Pedro de Atacama. Over the next 4 days you will explore the wonders of the Atacama Desert region.
San Pedro is an ancestral village that has remained unchanged by time. You will be thrilled by this surprising landscape that combines natural wonders with age-old archaeological ruins. The starting point of our trip is the lovely village of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the middle of the desert, which has a beautiful and well-preserved 18th Century church and the famous Le Paige Archaeological Museum with pieces that are over 3,000 years old.
You will travel through this magical region and will discover the breathtaking Valley of the Moon, the Atacama Salt-flat, steaming geysers, and crystal clear lagoons. Overnights in Atacama Desert region. (Includes breakfast).
Day 7:
ATACAMA DESERT REGION TO SANTIAGO (B)
Today we leave the Atacama Desert region behind and make our return to Santiago. Upon arriving in Santiago, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to explore on your own or with your travel mates. Overnight in Santiago. (Includes breakfast).
Day 8:
TRIP ENDS (B)
Trip ends. Transfer to the airport in Santiago or continue on with one of our other great adventures such as Patagonia or Easter Island. OR take one of our unforgettable Antarctic cruises out of Ushuaia or our Antarctic flight & cruise combo out of Punta Arenas – contact us for details. (Includes breakfast).
Important Information
All rates are in USD and are based on double occupancy. Availability and prices for flights are subject to confirmation and changes. We will advise you of any changes.
All Prices are “LAND ONLY”. You are responsible for making your own international flight arrangements between your home city and Santiago and for arriving at the designated departure location as per the itinerary. However, flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you receive a written guarantee from Head Out Adventures that the Land Only portion of your trip has been fully booked. Prices are subject to change.
It is highly recommended that you extend your tour by one day (both before and after) to avoid possible delays. Extra hotel nights are available during check out.
While in Santiago, why not add on one of our tours to Chile’s beautiful Patagonia region, or Easter Island. OR take one of our unforgettable Antarctic cruises out of Ushuaia – contact us for details.
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Trip ID: SA1090
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PRICING
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Departure Dates:
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$715.00
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RT Domestic Flight: Santiago-Calama (subject to change): |
$775.00
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Trip Highlights
- Small group tour of the Atacama Desert Region
- Visit to the Valley of the Moon
- Visit to the Atacama Salt Flats
- Visit to El Tatio Geyser
- City tour of Santiago, Chile
- Tour of Chile’s Central Wine Valley
Price Includes
- Small group tour of the Atacama Desert Region
- Small group city tour of Santiago, Chile
- Small group tour of Chile’s Central Wine Valley
- Breakfast and most lunches and dinners
- Expert English/Spanish speaking guides
- All airport transfers and excursions as mentioned in itinerary
- 7 nights lodging in excellent mid-range hotels
- Entrance fees
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare from your home country to Santiago, Chile
- Domestic airfare between Santiago and Calama
- Bottled water and other beverages
- Meals other then specified
- Airport departure taxes and fees paid at airport
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Minimum Group Size
Typical Group Size
Typical Guide to Group Ratio
Group Leader
- Expert English and Spanish speaking local guides
Number of Days
Accomodation Included
- 7 nights lodging in excellent mid-range hotels
Transportation Included
Meals Included
- 7 Breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
Budget
- US$200 - $300 per person for additional meals and personal expenses
Seasonal Info
Chile:
Atacama Desert, north of Santiago, is one of the driest places in the world. It is hot and arid in the summer and can get cold in the evening and throughout winter. Although the desert is dry year-round, the surround areas in the north can see heavy rainfalls between December and February.
Santiago has a Mediterranean climate, with short winters and very sunny long summers that offer visitors an unforgettable stay. Wet season is winter (May to August). Average daily highs are around 57F (14C) in June and 84F (29C) during the summer months of December to March.
Easter Island enjoys the benefit of an agreeable year-round sub-tropical climate with an average temperature of 68F (20C). Temperatures in the summer (September to May) may reach as high as 82F (28C) or as low as 59F (15C) at night. Average winter temperatures range between 57F & 71F (14C & 22C). Short, sporadic, daily showers are possible anytime of the year, although May typically see the most.
Patagonia in the far south, while offering some of the most dramatic scenery in South America, is also one of the wettest and stormiest areas in the world. Raingear and warm clothing is always advised in the south.
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