| Budget Tours:
South America
>
Chile
>
San Pedro de Atacama
|
|
Atacama Desert Nature Tour
With
Cascada Expediciones
Departing from
San Pedro de Atacama
,
Chile
|
Prices from around $638
The Atacama Desert, in the north of Chile, is the driest place on earth. The desert is so dramatic that, at first sight, it appears never to have sustained any life. However, pink flamingoes together with Llamas, Vicunas y Guanacos and many other species of fauna and flora can be found living in perfect harmony in the many oases and lakes located in the area. The volcanoes that crown the Atacama desert are among the tallest on earth and their summits used to be sacred sanctuaries for the ancient Incas.
TUE: Calama- San Pedro
Reception at Calama''s airport (11-12AM) and private transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (98km) crossing the Cordillera de la Sal with amazing rock formations. Lunch and briefing in San Pedro de Atacama. The evening schedules an interesting Ethnic tour (*) which introduces the social & economic system developed for the ancient inhabitants to work and live in harmony on this remote oasis. It is possible to learn a bit of the land working techniques, which manage to grow food with little water, and on extreme weather conditions. The tour ends at the archeological remains of Tulor, sacred village with singular rounded constructions which origin and decay remains a mystery. Overnight in Hotel (L, D)
WED: San Pedro- Toconao- Salar de Atacama
Exploration starts by visiting the small village of Toconao, 35km from San Pedro, well known for its volcanic rock handcrafts. Walk in the nearby valley of Jeria and observe the typical cultivation on terraces. On the way back enter the immense and sparkling white Atacama Saltflat until reaching the beautiful Chaxa lagoon where flamingoes and other Andean birds nest. Be back at San Pedro on time for lunch (*); Afterwards, visit the Museo Arqueologico to gain an insight into the ancient cultures that inhabited the area. Next, visit and walk around the remarkable remains of the fortress of Quitor 3 km from San Pedro. Its strategic location overlooking the neighboring fertile valleys gave peace and splendor to its original inhabitants, the Atacamenos (S.XII) until first the Incas and later the Spanish conquerors (S.XVI) invaded the city. As the sun gets down enter the silent Moon Valley and explore its extraordinary rock formations. Overnight in Hotel (B, L, D)
THU: Geysers Del Tatio (4.500m, 270km rt trip)
Leave the Hotel at 04:30 hrs on time to observe the geysers in action at El Tatio. The boiling steam rises up to 40mt over the surface and some 900m from underground. Breakfast in the open and walk around the geothermal field. Drive back through dirt Andean roads with magnificent view over Tocopurri and Sairecahur volcanoes. The evening is free to walk around the town and visit the picturesque church, square and handcraft market. (B-, L, D)
FRI: San Pedro- Pakana’s Sentinels – Calama
(290 km rt)
After breakfast we drive about 135 km south east of San Pedro to reach Pakana’s Sentinels.
Pakana is a group of rocky structures in columns that have remained since geological times, as the result of volcanic eruptions, which took place during the tertiary era. As background you’ll get to know a wonderful landscape with extraordinary ecosystem of the tara salt flat at 4500 mts.
Lunch on the way while returning to Calama on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago (6-7 PM) (B, L)
What´s included
-Transfer Calama arpt/San Pedro/Calama arpt;
-Excursions specified on the itineraries and according to chart below;
-Meals as indicated: B=bkfst; L=lunch; L-=Box-lunch; D=dinner. All meals are served at the hotel´s dinning room;
S.I.B Restrictions
- Available only on Tuesday.
-Overnights in Hotel Terrantai, Htl Kimal or similar.
-English speaking guide;
-Mineral water and softdrinks on excursions;
(*) If you want Spanish speaking archeologist/native agricultor to make a briefing on the previous meal and escort afterwards the group during the arqueological/ethnic excursions you should add USD 150/100 to be split among the participants. Their participation always would require a previous confirmation.
|
| Tour Details |
| About
Cascada Expediciones
|
| FAQ's For
Cascada Expediciones
|
| Ask A Question |
| Tour Advice |
| Tour Category:
Culture
|
| Fitness Required: n/a |
| |
| Company :
Cascada Expediciones
|
| Days: 4 |
| Departs :
San Pedro de Atacama
|
|
Cheap Accommodation
|
|
|
|
|
| Budget Tours:
South America
>
Chile
>
San Pedro de Atacama
|