Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour

This Atacama Desert tour starts from Santiago, the capital of Chile. After pick-up at Santiago Airport, it’s time to head to your hotel in the city center. Here, you’ll meet your fellow travelers for the next two weeks as you are all welcomed with Chile’s national drink, the Pisco Sour!

It’s then time to embark on a city tour to get a glimpse of this metropolitan paradise. Among many other sites, you’ll visit the historic old town, the market, the cathedral and the main square (Plaza de Armas). San Cristobal Hill rewards you with stunning views of the city and the impressive Andes Mountains — a constant companion during your time in Chile!

After breakfast, a flight takes you from Santiago to the mining city of Calama in the north of Chile to begin the Atacama Desert self-drive experience of this partially-guided tour. Your tour guide will welcome you upon arrival, and you’ll then receive the keys to the rental cars.

It’s time for your first ride in convoy — through the world’s driest desert. It’s a leisurely drive to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll spend the next days.

There are many possibilities to explore San Pedro’s spectacular surroundings; one of them is a trip to the Atacama Salt Flats. Its extensive surface is covered with glittering salt crystals. This dried-up inland sea, formed millions of years ago, is an otherworldly sight and one of the most impressive landscapes on earth.

There is probably no better place to watch the sunset than the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna). From the valley’s highest dune, you’ll enjoy fantastic views over bizarrely shaped desert rocks. Snow-covered volcanoes form a spectacular backdrop, with the perfect cone shape of Licancabur Volcano being the most impressive. The last rays of sunshine paint the tranquil landscape in bright shades of orange, red and violet as the day winds to a close.

While today’s wake-up time may seem early, the reward definitely makes it worthwhile! Rise early this morning and set out to catch the sunrise over one of the world’s most important geothermal fields, the El Tatio Geysers. At an altitude of over 4,000 m (13,000 ft), more than 70 geysers eject boiling hot water out of the ground. Early morning is the best time to observe the steaming geysers that contrast with the intense blue sky.

On the way back to San Pedro, a stop at Machuca is a good option; this Atacameño highland village consists of around 20 houses, each made of clay, straw, and cactus wood. Its inhabitants dedicate themselves to tourism and offer handmade souvenirs and typical regional dishes such as lama meat, sopaipillas (a traditional pumpkin bread) and empanadas. Yum!

Today on your Atacama Desert self-drive journey, it’s time to say goodbye to bustling San Pedro, as you make your way further north to the small town of Pica. It is here where the famous Pica lemon comes from. In fact, the fruits grow alongside the road which you’ll no doubt observe along the way.

A worthwhile detour on the way leads to the so-called painted geoglyphs, where you can marvel at more than 400 well-recognized figures. There is also a small museum on-site, while a short hiking trail leads along the mountain range. After a lengthy car ride, the nearby hot springs of Mamiña, Macaya and Lirima are the perfect place to stretch the legs and soothe the muscles.

Today, a leisurely drive leads us from Pica to the lively coastal town of Iquique during the Atacama guided tour. On the way, we have the opportunity to visit the former saltpeter mines, Santa Laura and Humberstone. Both of them are ghost towns nowadays, protected by UNESCO for once being the main saltpeter suppliers for Europe and the United States. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Today you’ll take it easy and enjoy some down time before this journey leads up into the highland in the days to come. The wide beach Playa Brava lends itself to some relaxing hours at the seaside. Another option is a visit to the Cavancha Peninsula with the church Grotto de Lourdes, or a walk along Baquedano Street, flanked by Georgian-style houses.

You’ll continue your journey from the coast to the Altiplano highland today, where breathtaking scenery awaits around every corner. The group can decide for themselves whether they want to go directly to Colchane or take a detour on gravel roads across the Huasco Salt Flats.

During the ride, you’ll slowly get accustomed to the altitude of almost 4,000 meters (13,000 ft), at which you will spend the next couple of days. Once acclimatized, you can fully appreciate this region’s outstanding natural wonders and exciting encounters with its few inhabitants, most of whom belong to the Aymara people.

This day on your Atacama Desert trip is at leisure for the exploration of this unique and little developed highland region. Flamingos and alpacas can be observed at the Arabilla Lagoon; there is a hike along the shore that’s well worth the effort. You’ll continue to the barely visited Puchuldiza Hot Springs, where geysers and fumaroles spew boiling hot water to the earth’s surface. There are two pools for bathing while taking in breathtaking views. Parinacota Lagoon is well worth a visit as well; it can be accessed via the abandoned Aymara village Latarani.

Today’s route along mighty volcanoes leads north to one of the highlights of our tour, the Surire Salt Flat. Its snow-white surface is one of the little known and visited natural wonders of Chile, situated at an altitude of 4,200 m (13,800 ft). Impressive volcanoes and turquoise-colored lakes with several different flamingo species paint a truly unforgettable picture. It is possible to swim in the Polloquere Hot Springs, located in the flat’s southeastern corner.

You’ll then continue further north to the highland town of Putre, near the Bolivian border, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Overnight in Putre (very basic accommodation).

Today there is plenty of time for a trip to one of the most impressive, protected areas in Chile: Lauca National Park. Apart from the surreal views of volcanoes and lakes, there are over 150 different bird species in the park. It is worth visiting Chungará Lake, which is located just before the Bolivian border at a staggering altitude of 4,500 m (14,700 ft). Its surface reflects the majestic volcanoes Parinacota (6,110 m / 20,000 ft) and Pomperane (6,232 m / 20,400 ft). The unique and – despite the harsh climate – quite diverse flora and fauna is impressive here; flamingos, guanacos, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, condors and vizacachas are commonly observed. On the way back to Putre, it is possible to take a detour to the small town of Parinacota.

Today you’ll make your way back to the coast to the city of Arica, your final destination. The village of Socoroma is worth a stop; on the terraced fields surrounding it, agriculture is still practiced, just like the Incas did hundreds of years ago.

Rather than taking the main highway, it is an option to take the route through fertile Azapa Valley to reach Arica.

The option to take it easy on your last day in Arica will likely be appealing after an adventure packed journey. Also known as the driest inhabited place in the world, Arica is a unique oasis waiting to be discovered.

The wide beaches of Chile’s northernmost city lend are perfect for a long, leisurely walk. Those interested in culture should not miss a visit to the Archeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa and the Morro Hill, which is of historical importance, offers beautiful city and sea views.

The last car ride of this wondrous journey leads you to the airport of Arica, where you’ll drop off your rental cars and say goodbye to your guide and group. Surely, you will leave with a storehouse full of magical memories of visiting the Atacama Desert after completing this guided tour. A flight takes you back to Santiago, from where you can continue your onward journey or take a connecting flight back home.