From Santiago
4 days, 3 nights
Atacama is the driest desert in the world. Lying between the cool Pacific Ocean and the high Andes, it is one of South America’s visual highlights.
The stunning lunar landscape abounds with shapes, shades and colours. We find geysers and hot springs, sand dunes and incredible valleys and as we make our way through these remarkable lands, we have the imposing back-drop of dramatic volcanoes.
The desert around San Pedro de Atacama is the archaeological capital of Chile. Here it is still possible to come across excavations in the middle of the desert and relics from the pre-Inca civilizations, and its museum showcases one of the oldest mummies in the world. A visit to Atacama will introduce you to another world – a place of insurmountable beauty, geological splendour and fascinating Atacameño culture.
Voyage Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Calama, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Visit the town and Valley of the Moon.
Day 2
Explore the Atacama Desert, including Tatio Geysers.
Day 3
Transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama, via the Pukara de Quitor pre-Inca fortress. Fly to Santiago. Overnight Santiago.
Day 4
Transfer to airport, where extension ends.
Price per person:
Jan – Mar 2008 £1145 (single supp £185)
Oct 2008 – Mar 2009 £895 (single supp £195)