ATACAMA DESERT - CHILE
Excursion Guide
Discover the Atacama Desert Location High in the Altiplano, the Atacama Desert is an otherworldly landscape ripe for exploration. From Tierra Atacama, perched on the Andean Plateau above San Pedro, vast salt flats, vivid lagoons and volcanic peaks unfold in breathtaking contrast. Though among the driest places on earth, the desert teems with life – flamingo-filled lakes, mineral pools and geysers punctuate the scene, while ancient petroglyphs and ever-shifting colors reveal the extraordinary beauty and mystery of Chile’s high desert.
Getting Here Tierra Atacama is situated on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, a small village in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Regular two-hour flights operate between Santiago and Calama and the lodge offers complimentary road transfers from Calama Airport to the lodge, taking around one hour.
The Seasons of Atacama Chile’s Atacama Desert offers a climate of stark contrasts. Days are warm to hot and sunny, yet as night falls, the temperature drops significantly, providing cool relief. Rainfall is exceptionally rare, making the region one of Earth’s driest spots. Season
Average daytime temp
Average overnight temp
Summer (Dec-Feb)
27-32°C (81-90°F)
10-15°C (50-59°F)
Fall (Mar-May)
22-27°C (72-81°F)
2-8°C (36-46°F)
Winter (Jun-Aug)
16-22°C (61-72°F)
0- -2°C (32-38°F)
Spring (Sept-Nov)
16-20°C (61-68°F)
3-9°C (37-48°F)
What to Bring Atacama’s dry and temperate weather calls for layered clothing. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, and add insulation for warmth. A hat, sunscreen, and a buff are essential for sun and wind protection and gloves are required for high-altitude treks. View our detailed Packing Guide to help you prepare.
Must-Do Excursions Top 5 excursions for nature lovers 1. Contemplate the epic columns of steam at the Tatio Geysers 2. Marvel at Rainbow Valley’s colourful cliffs and petroglyphs of ancient traders 3. Encounter strange and beautiful rock formations at The Valley of the Moon 4. Spot three species of flamingo at the wildlife-rich Salar de Atacama 5. Discover the Atacameñan view of the cosmos on a stargazing excursion Top 5 excursions for active adventurers
Signature Excursions » Desert Discoveries » Trekking Expeditions » Bike Riding » Horseback Riding Bespoke Excursions Private Touring Uma Spa
1. Hike among towering cardón cacti at Cactus Valley 2. Climb to the 5,600m summit of an extinct volcano on the Volcano Ascent 3. Saddle up to experience unforgettable desert landscapes on horseback 4. Navigate rocky gorges and hidden groves on the Devil's Canyon Ride 5. Hike to the otherworldly Mars Valley Cornices KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THIS BADGE, WHICH INDICATES A TRULY RARE AND EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE.
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Choose Your Pace At Tierra Atacama, guided excursions range from a leisurely walk, scenic tour or gentle horseback or e-bike rides through to a challenging hike and bucket-list volcano climb and plenty in between. A personalized excursion plan is created for guests on arrival taking into consideration your personal interests and physical activity level so that you can explore the driest desert in the world in your own way. Difficulty
Key
Easy
Appropriate for all ages and abilities.
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Medium-Easy
Requires a basic level of physical fitness.
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Medium
Requires some degree of physical fitness and experience.
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Medium-Difficult
Requires a good level of physical fitness and experience.
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Difficult
Only for people who are very fit, with experience in wilderness areas.
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Restricted
Not appropriate for anyone whose health may be impacted by high altitude. Some excursions in this category also require a minimum number of days of acclimitization prior to participation.
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Please Note • All our excursions are subject to weather conditions and availability. • Signature excursions are led by expert guides on a shared basis with fellow guests at scheduled times. • During your stay, our generous all inclusive program means you can choose two half day or one full day excursion per day, except on the day of your departure. • Half day excursions take place in the morning and/or afternoon, returning to the lodge for lunch. • Full day excursions begin in the morning with lunch enjoyed enroute. This may be in the form of a box lunch, a buffet table or lunch at a local restaurant, depending on the excursion. Return to the lodge is usually by 5pm.
Private Touring Many travellers value the option of private touring, ensuring an exclusive encounter with family and friends. All signature and bespoke experiences may be undertaken on a private basis at additional cost. Bookings are subject to availability and required in advance. Duration
Rate for 1-6 guests
Rate for 7-12 guests
Full Day, including driver-guide
US$900
US$1,300
Half Day, including driver-guide
US$600
US$800
TIERRA ATACAMA / RESERVE.CHILE@BECKONS.COM / +562 6469 0518 / TIERRAATACAMA.COM / BECKONS.COM
How To Book Please call +562 6469 0518 from 9am-5pm (CLT) daily or email the Reservations team. Please Note Rates for the Suite include a personal guide and vehicle for private signature excursions, with the exception of Stargazing which is offered on a shared basis.
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Signature Excursions Experience Atacama's must-see sights on the lodge's signature excursions. These guided excursions are included in the rate and are provided on an intimate shared basis with fellow guests at scheduled times.
Desert Discoveries Combining travel by road and shorter, easy-paced walks around scenic destinations – these excursions are perfect for exploring special interests such as photography, birdwatching or astronomy.
The Salar de Atacama This captivating excursion features vivid colors and an introduction to the vast expanse of the highland desert. Visit the unique stone village of Toconao, then the Los Flamencos National Reserve at Chaxa Lagoon in the Salar de Atacama, which is home to three species of flamingo and the perfect location to take in sweeping views across the desert landscape.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Cejar Lagoon Float Drive out to the Atacama Salt Flat in the late afternoon, when the light begins to shift across the desert. Cejar Lagoon sits at the flat's edge - its waters dense with salt and warm at 18°C (65°F), keeping you afloat without effort. A thick salt crust rings the shore, catching the last of the sun.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Moon Valley Journey southwest of San Pedro de Atacama to the Cordillera de la Sal and explore the surreal expanse of the Valley of the Moon. Walk among otherworldly rock formations shaped by wind, water, and extreme desert conditions and experience the vastness of the Atacama’s dramatic landscape.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
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Rainbow Valley Witness the Rainbow Valley’s namesake mineral-rich formations, where vivid bands of red, green, yellow and white create a natural palette shaped by iron, clay and other deposits. Continue to Hierbas Buenas, home to intricate pre-Columbian petroglyphs depicting animals and ancient desert trade routes.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Tatio Geysers 🏔 Explore the Tatio Geysers, one of the world’s highest geothermal fields with more than 80 active geysers and steaming vents. Enjoy breakfast in the wetlands, observing Andean wildlife such as flamingos and vicuñas, before visiting the picturesque highland village of Machuca, rich in local tradition.
Rate Included Duration Full Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Restricted (includes acclimatization)
Andean Lagoons 🏔 Embark on a full-day journey to the Andean Altiplano, exploring Piedras Rojas, where red volcanic rock meets turquoise waters and white salt flats. Continue to the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, refuges for Andean wildlife, before enjoying lunch in Socaire Village and returning to the lodge by late afternoon.
Rate Included
Due to the high altitude, this activity can be physically demanding and is not recommended for those sensitive to altitude.
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Duration Full Day Difficulty Easy Restricted
Stargazing The skies in the Atacama desert are amongst the clearest in the world and there are many ways to view the canopy of stars and the Milky Way as it moves through the heavens. View astronomical phenomena through a professional telescope, spot classical constellations with the naked eye, and learn about the Atacameñan view of the cosmos.
Rate Included Duration 1.5 hours Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Please note this is a shared activity with fellow guests.
TIERRA ATACAMA / RESERVE.CHILE@BECKONS.COM / +562 6469 0518 / TIERRAATACAMA.COM / BECKONS.COM
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Trekking Expeditions There’s so much to explore and discover throughout the Atacama Desert. From leisurely walks or challenging treks, there is something for everyone to enjoy, all accompanied by experienced guides.
Purilactis Valley Follow an ancient riverbed through the Purilactis Gorge, past rock formations petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas - carved, it's believed, by traders passing through thousands of years ago. The trail continues into arid mountain terrain before opening onto Rainbow Valley, where rock walls run in bands of ochre, rust and violet.
Rate Included Duration Full Day Difficulty Medium ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Devil's Canyon Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Cordillera de la Sal on an early morning hike through Devil’s Canyon. Following ancient caravan routes marked by petroglyphs, traverse a maze of rocky gorges and dry riverbeds before reaching a scenic lookout with sweeping views of San Pedro de Atacama’s oasis and surrounding volcanoes.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Medium ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Cactus Valley Venture into the hidden oasis of Cactus Valley, hiking among towering cacti, rocky trails and cascading waterfalls. Discover the confluence of the warm Puritama and cold Purifica rivers, where life flourishes amid the stark Atacama landscape and sweeping valley views.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Medium-Difficult ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Mars Valley Cornices Set out on an exhilarating journey through the Atacama’s striking desert landscapes. Follow an ancient road toward Calama, encountering sculpted, otherworldly terrain and awe-inspiring views of towering volcanoes. Climb a small dune along the rim of Death Valley, where a 360-degree panorama reveals oases, salt flats, and rugged peaks.
TIERRA ATACAMA / RESERVE.CHILE@BECKONS.COM / +562 6469 0518 / TIERRAATACAMA.COM / BECKONS.COM
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Medium-Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
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From Machuca to Río Grande 🏔 Begin in the high Andean village of Machuca (4,000m) and follow the Peñaliri River through striking Altiplano scenery. Spot llamas and native birdlife, pause for lunch in the abandoned hamlet of Peñaliri, and continue past ancient terraces and cacti to reach Río Grande, a traditional farming village.
Rate Included
Due to the high altitude, this activity can be physically demanding and is not recommended for those sensitive to altitude.
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Duration Full Day Difficulty Medium-Difficult Restricted
Bike Riding Enjoy an easy ride to visit local communities or head out for a more challenging journey to explore the region's high-altitude terrain.
Vallecito Embark on a 14-mile cycling adventure from a lush oasis across the desert plains to the striking Cordillera de la Sal. Ride through spectacular valleys, vast sand dunes and historic salt mines as the landscape transforms from verdant to otherworldly, offering an experience that feels almost extraterrestrial.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Medium ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Devil's Canyon Ride Set out early to explore the heart of the Cordillera de la Sal by bike, winding through Devil’s Canyon and a maze of dry riverbeds, rocky gorges and hidden groves. A final ascent leads to the canyon’s upper reaches, where the stark desert backdrop gives way to the unexpected green of the Catarpe plantations below.
Rate Included Duration Half Day Difficulty Medium ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Transfers to and from Devil’s Canyon are provided by vehicle.
Horseback Riding Enjoy a unique perspective of the Atacama and observations that only an adventure on horseback can offer.
Atacama on Horseback Departing from the lodge, horseback rides can be tailored to guests riding ability and desired experience, ranging from a one-hour gentle walk around the village or up to five hours in duration, heading towards the Salt Mountains nearby. The rides are operated by experienced local guides and the saddles are Chilean, similar to the US western saddles.
TIERRA ATACAMA / RESERVE.CHILE@BECKONS.COM / +562 6469 0518 / TIERRAATACAMA.COM / BECKONS.COM
Rate Included Duration Full or Half Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
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Bespoke Excursions Bespoke excursion rates valid July 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027. All rates quoted in US Dollars; additional charges and taxes not included. To make a stay truly unforgettable, Tierra Atacama offers a menu of bespoke excursions designed to suit every interest, from hot air balloon flights to volcano climbs.
How to book Please call +562 6469 0518 from 9am-5pm (CLT) daily or email the Reservations team.
Volcano Ascent 🏔 Embark on an unforgettable ascent of the extinct Cerro Toco volcano, starting at 5,000m (16,400ft). Conquer dusty trails amid dramatic hills, culminating at 5,600m (18,700ft) with breathtaking summit views of Salar de Atacama Laguna Blanca over the border in Bolivia. Although not technically difficult, this high-altitude hike is physically demanding. Guests must be over 18 and have spent at least five nights acclimatizing before departure. For safety reasons, participation is limited to those with appropriate fitness and readiness.
Rate $900 for 1-4 guests Duration Full Day Difficulty Difficult ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Restricted
Puritama Thermal Pools Relax in the Puritama Hot Springs, a series of eight natural pools nestled in a canyon 30 kilometers from San Pedro. Soak in thermal waters between 28°C and 31°C, rich in revitalizing minerals like calcium, magnesium and boron, surrounded by native vegetation and serene desert views.
Rate $600 1-8 guests Duration Half Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Sunrise Balloon Flight Lift off at dawn for a breathtaking balloon flight over the Atacama Desert. Watch the sun rise behind the Licancabur Volcano, casting golden light across the desert’s vast expanse - a serene, unforgettable perspective of this extraordinary landscape. Light breakfast and transfers included. Balloon flights are provided by a third-party operator. Advance booking essential.
Rate $360 per person (shared flight) $2,100 for 1-6 guests (private flight) Duration 5 hours (1 hour 45 minutes of flight time) Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
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Atacama in Focus Capture the best of the Atacama on a tailor-made photography tour led by a professional photographer. Visit the region’s most iconic landscapes while creating lasting memories through personalized photo, video and drone sessions, with optional add-ons such as llamas, horseback riding, or cycling for unique shots.
Rate $1,000 for 1-8 guests Duration Full Day Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Andean Heritage at Sunset Travel to a historic indigenous estate in the Andean foothills to learn about ancient Atacameñan traditions and explore ancestral archaeological sites. Conclude the experience with sunset views and a tasting of authentic Andean flavours, prepared by local hosts who preserve these time-honoured customs.
Rate $600 1-8 guests Duration 3-4 hours Difficulty Easy ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
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Uma Spa Named for the Aymara word for water, Uma Spa is elemental in both name and nature. Here, every detail is inspired by the landscape - from tranquil pools to open-air views of Licancabur Volcano – creating a serene refuge for body and spirit after a day of discovery.
Spa Treatments Uma Spa’s treatments draw inspiration from the desert’s healing spirit, blending natural botanicals with ancestral wellness traditions. Drawing on locally sourced botanicals such as the endemic native rica rica and medicinal chañar both valued as natural exfoliants – each ritual restores deep balance, clarity and calm.
How to Book Reservations are recommended in advance. Additional charges apply. View a printable menu, email or call the Reservations team on +562 6469 0518.
Spa Facilities A sanctuary of calm, Uma Spa invites pure relaxation across its tranquil spaces – three treatment rooms, serene lounge, heated pool with water jets, steam room, sauna, and outdoor infinity pool with jacuzzi, complemented by daily yoga and an intimate gym.
Terms & Conditions Published cancellation fees apply for private signature and bespoke excursions booked at Tierra Atacama. For cancellations made less than 15 days prior to the excursion date, the full charge for the private signature excursion may apply. For cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the service, the full charge for private transfers may apply. Some rates are subject to minimum numbers set by external operators and are subject to change. Touring options, inclusions and times are subject to change without notice. Some experiences are subject to weather conditions. V4 | August 26
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