Explora Atacama

Transfer from Calama Airport to Explora Atacama, located in Ayllu de Larache, a 5-minute drive from San Pedro de Atacama. Upon arrival, relax in your room and familiarize yourself with the high-class lodge.

In the evening, head to the living room area to meet your guide and other guests that will be joining you during your excursions. Here your guides will explain the different explorations available for the following day, ranging from horseback riding, cycling, high-mountain climbing, stargazing, and more. Your guides will help you choose what activities are best for you according to your personal interest and physical abilities. Keep in mind that acclimating is important in areas such as the Atacama desert and this can?t be taken for granted when choosing excursions.

Note: From now on, the following itinerary works as an example to give you an idea of the excursions you can take advantage of at the lodge. These are subject to change without prior notice and properly acclimating is important.

Cornisas
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, walking from 1.5 to 2 hours
Distance by foot: 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
Level: Easy

Go on a 20-min ride to the Llano de la Paciencia. Hike along the cornices of the Salt Mountain Range. Here you can enjoy seeing the salt flats, oasis, and mountains.

Keep walking until you arrive at the Death Valley and enjoy views of the sand dunes.

Kari Ravine
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, walking from 2 to 2.5 hours
Distance by foot: 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
Level: Easy, except for two 10 feet-high (3 meter) vertical descents.

Board a van and travel towards Calama until arriving at Kari Ravine. This is a small canyon with salt walls that originated from the constant erosion of water in the dunes. Do some trekking with your guide and explore the area while learning about the geological characteristics.

Return to Explora Atacama by van.

Moon Valley Circuit
Duration: 3 to 4 hours (half-day), cycling from 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 23 km (14 mi)
Level: Moderate

Take a 20-minute drive to Llano de Paciencia. Go on a bike tour and cycle down a gravel road with several climbs and descents. Enjoy the rugged terrain with craters of brown and violet hues creating a lunar landscape. This is why the region is called the Moon Valley.

Piedra de la Coca Cycling
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours cycling
Distance: 18 km (11 mi)
Level: Moderate to demanding

Go on a bike tour towards Catarpe Valley. Cycle along dirt roads, tunnels, salt ranges, and dry river beds until finally arriving at Piedra de la Coca (Coca Stone). Here your guide will show you some petroglyphs dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Afterward, continue cycling through the quiet desert to San Pedro de Atacama. Here, you will board a van and return to Explora Atacama.

If you are still feeling energetic, you can opt to continue down towards the Moon Valley, another 20 km/12.4 miles. (Note: This is only recommended for riders with experience that are in good physical condition).

Tatio Geysers – Puritama
Duration: 7 hours, walking for 1 hour at an altitude of 4,320 m (14,176 ft) through the geothermic field of the Tatio Geysers
Level: Easy

Leave the lodge by 5:30 am and travel north towards the Tatio Geysers. Gaze in wonder at the thermal steam rising from the geysers. The best time to explore this natural phenomenon is before sunrise. After spending a few hours at the geysers, travel to the Puritama Thermal Waters. Relax in the natural ponds and swim in the warm pools. Towels are provided and a light appetizer is included. Return to the hotel by van.

Salares del Altiplano
Duration: 7 to 8 hours, walking for 1 hour
Level: Easy

Transfer south towards the altiplano and explore the lagoons, the Salt Flat, and Aguas Calientes. This tour includes a short walk and a picnic lunch. Most of the journey takes place from the van. Your guide will explain all the native flora and fauna in the region.

Enjoy your last day in the vast Atacama Desert. Transfer to Calama airport to catch a flight home or continue traveling through South America.