Atacama Under the Stars

Atacama Under the Stars: Northern Chile

Difficulty

Level: Intermediate (?) Intermediate adventures require that you are at least at an average fitness level. Activities will be mandatory and occasionally physically demanding. Experience in this sport is recommended.

Departure Dates

This expedition includes 6 days of trekking in Northern Chile and 1 night accommodations in Santiago.

Day 1: Upon your arrival to Santiago’s international airport, a OneSeed staff member will be there to greet you and take you to a our partner bed and breakfast. Catch up on some much needed sleep and settle into Chile’s capital city.

Inclusions: Private transfer from airport; accommodations

Day 2: The adventure begins! Depart Santiago by flight to Calama. Travel by private transfer to the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama. At nearly 2500m, this high desert environment feels like another planet. Drop your gear at the lodge in town and head out to explore Valle de la Luna and its unique rock formations. Return to the lodge for dinner and a private star gazing trip with one of San Pedro’s astronomical experts.

Inclusions: All meals (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water, juice, soft drinks. Other options available for guest purchase); airport transfer; domestic flight; accommodations

Approximately 3-4 hours of trekking

Day 3: Depart San Pedro by foot, traveling through the desert river valleys towards the villages of San Bartolo and Rio Grande (3200m). Visit the archaeological ruins of Quitor and Katarpe. Camp under the stars in the walled courtyard of a centuries-old Catholic church.

Inclusions: All meals (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water. Other options available for guest purchase); accommodations

Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking

Day 4: Continue your trek from Rio Grande toward the village of Machuca at 4000m above sea level. Pass through desert valleys and red rock formations of this lunar landscape. Enjoy dinner and camping in the village of Machuca.

Inclusions: All meals (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water. Other options available for guest purchase); accommodations

Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking

Day 5: Wake up early and begin the trek from Machuca to the geysers of El Tatio. Ascend to the 4200m and visit the hot springs created by the region’s unique geothermic activity. Take a dip and settle into your tent for the night.

Inclusions: All meals (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water. Other options available for guest purchase); accommodations

Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking

Day 6: Rise before the sun and begin the ascent of Cerro Soquete. At 5500m, this impressive summit is higher than Everest Base Camp! Take in the views of the Cordillera that marks the Chilean-Bolivian border. Return to camp and celebrate with a hearty dinner and a warm sleeping bag.

Not up for the big climb? No problem–enjoy a rest day dipping yourself in the hot springs!

Approximately 7-8 hours of optional trekking

Inclusions: All meals (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water. Other options available for guest purchase); accommodations

Day 7: Catch the sunrise on the boiling flats of El Tatio. Feel the heat from the geysers as the sun rises over the Andean horizon. Return by private transfer to San Pedro and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow expedition members.

Inclusions: All meals (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water. Other options available for guest purchase); accommodations

Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking

Day 8: Depart San Pedro for the salt flats of Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos. Discover the hidden world of this desert environment full of flamingos, sea monkeys (yes!), and all varieties of flying creatures.

Catch a flight back to Santiago International Airport and say your farewells! Airport hotel accommodations available but not included.

Inclusions: Breakfast (choice of 2 options including vegetarian, coffee, tea, water. Other options available for guest purchase); domestic flights; airport transfers

All itineraries are subject to change based on local conditions and the judgment of the guide.

Price

Group Expedition – $2200 ($200 single supplement)
Private Expedition – $2860 ($2200 for groups of 5 or more)
Student Discount – $1870 (15% discount) ($100 single supplement)