Atacama
Explore Atacama and the myriad volcanoes, mountains, lagoons and salt flats that make this one of South America’s most remarkable landscapes.
With myriad colours and forms the high altitude landscapes of the Atacama Desert are some of the most spectacular in South America.
Our Atacama tours explore the incredible snow-capped volcanoes, dramatic wind sculpted mountains and gorges, vast lagoons and salt flats, and steaming geysers of this remarkable environment. In Chile this breathtaking scenery is easily experienced from the quaint village of San Pedro which is close to a stunning chain of Andean volcanoes, the Moon Valley and the famous Atacama salt flats, one of the largest in the world.
There are a wide range of activities to experience in this stunning location. With your guide you can hike, horseride or mountain bike through mountains and gorges, tour the famous Tatio geysers, dip in mineral springs, visit pre-Columbian sites, and watch incredible sunsets over the Atacama salt flats and lagoons. Also explore San Pedro village with its market and historic church built by the Spanish in 1577.
The Atacama’s dry, sunny climate makes it wonderful to visit any time of year but high altitude trekking is best in the warmer months of September to April.
Featured
Accommodation in Atacama
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
The stylish Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa blends seamlessly into its location - a lush valley in the ochre Salt Mountains just ten minutes outside San Pedro de Atacama.
Awasi Atacama
The exclusive Relais & Châteaux Awasi Atacama is situated on an ancient walled site that once sheltered shepherds and herders in the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
explora Atacama
explora Atacama is a beautiful, understated luxury lodge that is perfectly placed to explore the volcanoes, thermal springs, salt pans and huge skies of Chile's iconic Atacama Desert.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa is a chic eco-retreat that combines outdoor adventure with indoor creature comforts at the edge of Chile's San Pedro de Atacama.
Recommended
Chile Itineraries
Patagonia Cruises
Cruises are one of the best ways to experience the unique and untrammelled wilderness of Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia.
Puma Tracking
Go in search of the elusive Puma by 4WD or on foot. Discover the amazing wildlife of the Torres Del Paine National Park
Valparaiso and Vina del Mar tour
Tour Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, a great contrast between the charming, colourful neigbourhoods of Valparaiso and the coastal town of Vina del Mar.
Chile Overview
Why Chile: When it comes to awesome scenery and untouched wilderness, Chile is hard to beat. From dry deserts to lush forests, gentle lakes and glimmering icefields, this country has it all.
Culture: Chile’s rich, diverse culture is influenced as much by its indigenous and European peoples, as the varied landscape. Art, literature, folk music, dance and festivals are all central to Chilean society.
When to Go: Chile’s climate varies with latitude. The Atacama is dry and sunny, hot in summer and cold at night in winter. Central Chile has a pleasing Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and wet, mild winters. Southern Patagonia receives plenty or rain, with cool, windy summers and cold winters.
Combine With: Neighbouring Argentina, particularly when visiting the Patagonia region. Chile also combines well with Peru, where you can visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu or experience the Amazon rainforest at a secluded eco-lodge.
Getting There: Qantas and LAN fly from Australia via New Zealand to Santiago.