Night 1-2
Atacameño Family House
Find yourself welcomed into the home of Atacameño locals where you’ll witness their way of life and be treated like one of their own.
Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour
Prices
Highlights
Explore the natural and cultural highlights of Northern Chile on the Atacameno Tour
The 4-Day Guided Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour captures one of Chile’s most spectacular natural landscapes, the Atacama Desert, and blends unique culture experiences along the way.
Starting this Atacameño adventure in Chile’s most northern city, Arica, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of its highlights, taking in plazas, cathedrals and more. Then, it’s off to the Atacama Desert’s famous Moon Valley and the Atacama Salt Flats for a day of majestic adventures. Day 3 whisks you away to the small village of Belén, home to just 140 inhabitants where you’ll get a glimpse into local life in this remote village in Northern Chile.
Experience the natural wonders of Chile and get to know one of its unique populations on this short, but sweet guided Atacameño tour!
Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama
Your cultural experience in Atacameño starts in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city where you’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel in Arica.
Check in and get settled, then enjoy a bite for lunch. In the afternoon, discover the most important sights of the city on a guided tour, including highlights such as Plaza Colon, the Cathedral of San Marcos, the Cultural House and the Fishermen’s Mole. End with an ascent to Mount El Morro, which offers a spectacular panoramic view over the city.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 Explore Moon Valley and the Atacama Salt Flats
The second day of your Atacameño tour starts with a visit to the impressive Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna). This wondrous valley is located about 18 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama and is part of the nature reserve Los Flamencos, which is co-administered by the Atacameño communities.
This dream-like place, one of the most spectacular in the Atacama Desert, owes its name to the unique geological formations that resemble a lunar landscape. Stand in awe as you explore the area and examine the strange sculptures that nature has created from salt and clay.
Following lunch, the tour continues to the northern part of the Atacama Salt Flat. It is the largest salt flat in Chile, created millions of years ago by the upheaval of the Andes Mountains and the Cordillera Domeyko. The octagonal salt crusts in the middle of the world’s driest desert are truly an impressive sight. It is possible to observe three different species of flamingo, which feed on the lakes´ salt brine here.
To finish off this memorable day you’ll visit Laguna Cejar. Here, visitors can float on the water without moving, due to its high salt concentration.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Traditions and Customs of the Atacameño People
Today your time Atacameño tour is dedicated to the traditions of the Atacameño people. The Lama Caravan (walking with llamas) is a truly unique experience that allows reliving this centuries-old way of transport in the desert, while the guide explains about this symbolic Andean animal.
Afterwards you’ll head to the Salt Mountains, the Cordillera de la Sal, an impressive mountain range consisting of folded sedimentary rocks with salt deposits. Here we visit the community of Ayllu Vilama, whose water mill has been used by the villagers for a century. You have the opportunity to help with some community’s daily activities.
A unique cosmic experience awaits you this evening, where community members will introduce you to the world of Andean astronomy. The traditional systems of the Likan Antai use the stars for orientation and the cosmic energies for the regulation of their life energy.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Depart
Today, your Atacameño tour in Chile comes to an end. Following your final breakfast, Chilean style, a transfer will take you back to the airport in Calama to depart.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Chile is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the type of rooms chosen.
The prices below are per person:
- Guided Solo Traveller: $2,705USD per person
- Guided Group of 2: $1,550USD per person
- Guided Group of 3: $1,180USD per person
Accommodation on the Atacameño Tour
This tour is based in family houses or hostels.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement (on request).
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Altiplanico in San Pedro de Atacama
Surrounded by surreal landscapes, this upscale hote is the perfect base for exploring San Pedro de Atacama.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Atacameño Tour?
Meals
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including airport transfers. Flights are not included.
Also Included
- Local Spanish-speaking guide and English or German speaking translator
- All taxes
- Entrance fees
- Traditional ceremonies and cultural activities as mentioned in the program
Not included
- Meals not noted as included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Flights
Optional Extras
- Extra nights before or after the tour
Frequenty Asked Questions about Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour
How hard is the Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. There are no strenuous activities during the tour, however, you’ll spend numerous hours walking while sightseeing.
Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour?
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Calama to start this tour?
Fly into Calama International Airport (CJC). This airport can be reached via direct flight from Santiago.
Is the Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour in English?
Although the guide is Spanish-speaking, you will be accompanied by either an English or German-speaking translator for this tour. Alternatively, you can book this tour with a local Spanish-speaking Aymara guide only.
Where does the Atacameño Cultural Experience Tour end?
The tour ends where it starts, in Calama.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Reviews
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.8
18 ratings
Written Reviews
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18 total ratings, 0 with reviewsPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this Atacameño tour as a 2 / 5. There are no strenuous activities during the tour, however, you’ll spend numerous hours walking while sightseeing.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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