Atacama Desert Overland Tour: Argentina and Chile
Experience one of the best overland tours in Chile and Argentina
Guided
Atacama Desert Overland Tour: Argentina and Chile Overview
The Atacama Desert Overland Tour lets you explore the spectacular Atacama Desert which is the driest non-polar desert in the world, lining the Pacific coast and the Andes Mountains. Used as an experimentation site for Mars-bound equipment, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet every day on the overland tour in Argentina and Chile.
This Atacama Desert driving tour takes you to valleys, gorges, and plateaus like you’ve never seen. Watch steam billow out of geothermal geysers, walk the shores of vast salt lakes and across salt flats, and see the evidence of millions of years of water and wind erosion in dramatic formations. End the days observing flocks of flamingos as the sun sets. With stays in unique desert towns, you’ll feel far away from your normal life on the Overland Across the Atacama Desert tour!
Browse all Atacama Desert tours on 10Adventures, or see more Guided Chile tours in northern Chile.
Trip highlights
Drive far, far into the Atacama Desert of Argentina and Chile, discovering a landscape unique from anywhere else.
Watch pink flamingos pick their way through great salty lakes, taking to the sky in pastel flocks.
Visit dramatic gorges, wide plateaus, museums, and sputtering geothermal geysers.
Stay in far-flung cities and towns, discovering what life in this unique region is really like.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your Atacama Desert driving adventure begins in Salta, the capital city of the province of the same name. You’ll spend the afternoon on a walking tour of the colonial buildings, bustling streets, and pretty churches. You’ll make a stop at the High Mountain Archaeology Museum, seeing the “Children of Llullaillaco,” one of the most important archaeological findings of recent years.
Note: The Town Hall and the MAAM close on Mondays. San Miguel ‘s Market closes on
Sundays. The itinerary could be modified.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Salta
- Meals:
- None
Today on this overland tour in Argentina and Chile is all about the natural beauty just outside of Salta. Drive to explore the Calchaquies Valleys, Los Cardones National Park, the Del Obispo Slope, Tin Tin Straight, and the Cachi and De Las Flechas gorges. Make sure you’ve got your camera charged!
Note: Pablo Díaz Museum closes on Mondays.
You’ll spend the night in Cafayate.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Cafayate
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Sleep in a bit or spend a little longer enjoying breakfast today, as you’ll enjoy a relaxed morning before heading back to Salta in the afternoon.
Note: The Vine and Wine Museum closes on Mondays.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Salta
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Early this morning, hop in the van and begin a drive along the Del Toro Gorge in Jujuy province. Stop in San Antonio de los Cobres for a stretch, then continue along the puna (plateau) to Salinas Grandes Salt Flat, a scene out of a movie.
After marvelling at the salt flat, it’s on to Purmamarca for the evening. The De los Siete Colores Hill is nearby, and it’s a scenic spot to admire as the sun sets.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Purmamarca
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Spend the morning exploring Jujuy province, an area defined by unusual rock formations. Get to know the Humahuaca Gorge, a Cultural and National Heritage Site.
Return to Purmamarca at the end of an adventurous day.
Note: There is an optional extension to visit Hornocal (De los Catorce Colores Hill) available, please enquire for more information.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Purmamarca
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Early today, begin your drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy the scenery of the desert passing by as you approach your hotel for the night,
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Spend this day of the Atacama Desert Overland Tour strolling the otherworldly Atacama Salt Flats, a wide partially-evaporated salt lake surrounded by red mountains. Watch out for flamingos here! Next up is Chaxa Lagoon, another favourite spot for local flamingos- fittingly, as it’s part of Los Flamencos National Reserve.
Watch the sunset at De la Luna Valley before turning in for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Rise early and grab your coffee before heading out to the El Tatio Geysers, the highest geothermal field in the world. Watch the steam fumaroles produced by the scorching craters, a crazy sight!
Tonight it’s back to San Pedro de Atacama.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s back to Salta. Savour your last few hours cruising through the Atacama Desert.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Salta
- Meals:
- Breakfast
On your final day of your overlanding in Chile and Argentina, you can spend your time as you please before it’s time to head to the airport. Adios!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 9 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Transfers according to the itinerary are included. Transfers upon arrival and for departure are included. Luggage transfers are also included.
- Guide services
- Museum and reserve tickets
- Luggage Transfers
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Optional activities or excursions
- Additional nights before or after the tour
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This is an overland tour with only light daily walking required. However, you’ll be spending time at very high elevations (up to 4,400m!) which will make the walks feel harder than they are.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into Martín Miguel De Güemes International Airport (SLA), where you will be picked up by your guide to begin your tour.
Yes, your drivers will be English-speaking.
The tour ends in Salta, where you will be dropped off at the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
The best time to visit Argentina for this tour is between November and February when the weather is at its warmest.
Why book Atacama Desert Overland Tour: Argentina and Chile with 10 Adventures?
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