INTRODUCTION

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

Trip Highlights

• Spectacular and diverse landscapes dominated by volcanoes, snowy peaks, puna grasslands and saltpans.

• Three species of flamingo (Chilean, Andean, and James').

• Explore the pukaras, ayllos and ritual villages from remarkable pre-Hispanic cultures.

• Interesting mammals such as vicuñas, guanacos, foxes and striking birds that include lesser rhea, horned coots.

This program is operated as a custom trip (flexible option which runs on a date you choose giving you more privacy), available upon request for individuals or small private groups.

The Difference of Traveling with Fantástico Sur Expeditions:

• Fully flexible, hotel-based, all-inclusive trip with private transportation and naturalist guide.

• Great hotel-based accommodation, superb dinning cuisine and memorable picnic lunches.

• Spacious private vehicle that ensure a window seat to each trip participant.

• Each vehicle and driver we use has been authorized by the Chilean Transportation Authority.

• The service and expertise of a professional local naturalist leader, who will look after every logistical aspect of “your” holiday.

• Top-class spotting scopes will be available for the use of our guests for a better observation and study of the wildlife and landscapes.

• You will receive a free, signed copy of one of our natural history book "Atacama Desert, Wildlife and Landscapes" by Enrique Couve and Claudio F. Vidal.

• …plus an useful pre-departure information package (maps, wildlife checklists and more).

'Atacama Desert Explorer' can be combined with one of the following optional extensions:

• Torres del Paine Explorer (2 to 5-day options); photo safari and natural history trip to Patagonia's premier mountain and wildlife destination;

• Patagonia Photo Safari (8 days | 7 nights), landscape and wildlife photo trip to mythic Patagonia, led by resident naturalist guides;

• Easter Island (3 to 5-day options), in-depth exploration of the enigmatic island of Rapa Nui, the most isolated corner on Earth.

ITINERARY

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

Day 1 | Drive to San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna (Moon's Valley

After meeting your guide at Calama Airport, you will be transferred to the pleasant oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, our base during the following five nights. There are two hotels to choose (see links below).

During the afternoon we have a planned visit to the barren and lifeless Valle de la Luna (Moon's Valley) to discover its impressive geological features. 'Cordillera de la Sal' - the Salt Range - is part of a massive geological system being pushed and folded some 23 million years ago. Here we will see luminous layers of salt, gypsum, chlorates, borates and clay forming dramatic and multi-colored sculptures, valleys and escarpments, interspersed by vast dry lakes and dunes, with their characteristic and delicate patterns and textures. We will have time to see and photograph the most famous formations including 'Las Tres Marias' - the 'Three Marys' - and the 'Anfiteatro' - Amphitheatre. We will be at location in one of the best view points to be witness of a dramatic sunset; the sun rays will tinge the rocks, providing superb photographic opportunities of the valley against the omnipresent Licancabur Volcano - the sacred and protecting mountain for the 'Likanantai' or 'Atacameños'. Overnight (O/N) Hotel Altiplánico or Hosteria San Pedro, San Pedro de Atacama (4*). (L,D)(G).

Altitude: 2.550 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level) | 8.366 ft.

Another day to experience the dramatic vistas and surprising biodiverisity of the world's driest desert. Before sunrise we will be at location to see the 'Salt Range' from another interesting angle. The 'Death Valley' offers numerous view points from where is possible to appretiate the colossal folds being modelled by the millenia and the erosive action of the wind and water. Later we shall visit 'Salar de Atacama', one of the largest saltpans in the world. The water in the saltpans has its origins in the geyser fields and from the melting snow and ice in the highlands. It accumulates temporarily in these huge depressions where it evaporates very rapidly. Salts are concentrated and precipitate, and the water becomes pink, blue or white, through colonization by saline-tolerant bacteria and diatoms. Some invertebrates (including shrimp-like crustaceans) are also able to survive in this extremely caustic environment. Laguna Chaxa and its brine shrimps are literraly a magnet for the flamingos; this being one of the few places where you can observe up to three species; Puna, Chilean and James's, the latter being the rarest in the world. Other birds we may see here are Andean Avocet, Andean Gull, Puna Plover and the migratory Baird's Sandpiper. We will spend sunset at Laguna Tebiquinche to enjoy another splendid photo session. The crust of this salar lagoon is reminiscent of the topography of a ploughed field in some areas, while the salt crystal formations are perfectly flat and smooth in others. O/N Hotel Altiplánico or Hosteria San Pedro, San Pedro de Atacama (4*). (B,L,D)(G).

Day 3 | Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons – Salar de Talar

This morning we will head south of San Pedro to explore the 'Lagunas Altiplanicas'. We will pass through the interesting agricultural villages of Toconao and Socaire. Toconao in particular is characterized by its stone houses, beautiful orchards and quite complex irrigation system. From here we will gain height and we will visit the impressive Lagunas Miscanti and Meñiques. This is a protected reserve and we must keep on the well-defined trails at all times. The birdlife is quite rich at this typical lake of the Altiplano region and we will see a great array of waterbirds and songbirds. These lakes hold one of the few breeding populations of the scarce Horned Coot. Also we might see herds of Vicuñas around these lakes, against the magnificent mountain backdrop formed by the homonymous volcanos. Later we will continue south to enjoy one of the most splendid vistas of the day as we reach Salar de Talar. There are great panoramic photo opportunities of the turquoise-colored lake and the soft textures of the surrounding mountains and volcanos. O/N Hotel Altiplánico or Hosteria San Pedro, San Pedro de Atacama (4*). (B,L,D)(G).

Altitude: 4.200 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level) | 13.800 ft.

Day 4 | 'Pakana Monks' – Salar de Tara – Salar de Pujsa

Today we will enjoy of a full day of exploration at one of the most remote and least-visited regions of the Atacama Desert. We will leave eastwards of San Pedro, following the international road, very close to the limit with Argentina, enjoying of the sunrise views of Licancabur Volcano and Laguna Blanca in Bolivia. At some point we will reach the remarkable rock columns called 'Monjes de Pakana' - the Pakana Monks. From here, we will literally leave the road and in the hands of our capable driver we will head to the remote Salar de Tara. Dramatic and desolate valleys and ridges characterize the way to this incredible spot; one of the highlights of the day will be the 'Cathedrals of Tara', a truly remarkable geological spectacle. Once we reach the lake, we will see Andean and James' flamingos, plus several high-altitude birds including Andean Tinamou, Lesser Rhea, Golden-spotted Ground-Dove, Mountain Parakeet, Red-backed Sierra-Finch among several others. We will also hope to see the bizarre Mountain Vizcacha and Vicuña herds. On the way back to San Pedro, we will stop at Salar de Pujsa, where there are large concentrations of flamingos, feeding on the caustic waters. O/N Hotel Altiplánico or Hosteria San Pedro, San Pedro de Atacama (4*). (B,L,D)(G).

Day 5 | 'El Tatio' Geyser Fields – Vado de Putana – Puritama River

Today we will start very early in the morning to explore the impressive 'El Tatio' Geysers, located at an altitude of 13,800 feet. This is one of the highest geyser fields in the world. During the first hours of the morning we be witness how this bizarre landscape, filled by columns of steam, covered by cones of crystallized silica and other salts, and containing ponds of boiling pastel-colored mud. Surprisingly, some plants and animals are adapted to live in these extreme environments at the very limit of where life is possible. Later we will descend and explore the 'Vado de Putana' and its rich wildlife including coots, ducks and other birdlife. We will have also the time to explore the flora, adapted to the extreme altitude and harsh conditions. One of the most conspicuous plants to see will be the tall columnar Atacama Cactus (Echinopsis atacamensis) which grows in the Guatin gorge and hillsides along Puritama river. Back in San Pedro, you will have a few hours on your own, to explore the town and visit the market and the interesting 'Father Le Paige' Anthropological Museum. O/N Hotel Altiplánico or Hosteria San Pedro, San Pedro de Atacama (4*). (B,L,D)(G).

Day 6 | Pukara de Quitor – Catarpe – Transfer to Calama

Early in the morning we will visit the pre-Hispanic fortress called 'Pukara de Quitor', located just a short distance from San Pedro. This ancient complex of rock buildings, dates from more than 700 years, and its purpose was to protect the locals against other tribal groups. It lies in the hillsides of the homonymous hills. At noon you will be transferred to Calama, where our trip ends. (B)(G).

Codes: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch/Box-lunch; D=Dinner; G=Guide; *=Hotel Category.

MAP

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

DATES & RATES

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

2010 | 2011 Dates:

Available from 1 August 2010 through 31 August 2011.

Meet/Depart: Daily departures from Calama, Chile.

Rates for Custom departures (you choose the date):

The above price is per person in US$, based in single or double accommodation.

* = Guests sharing a triple room throughout the trip.

** = Guests based in 1 double room and 1 single room throughout the trip.

Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 1 participant.

Do you want us to arrange your flights from Santiago to Calama?

Domestic flights Santiago – Calama – Santiago (from US$ 150 per person).

Duration of the flight: 2 hours (direct).

What the trip includes/excludes

Single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested.

The trip price includes: All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour plus park entrance fees. A daily bottle of mineral water is also included.

The trip price excludes: Domestic flights, tipping, travel insurance, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Tour Registration: To book this tour, please complete the online registration form and pay a deposit of US$ 350 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

Cancellation Policy: Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.

Refunds are made according to the following schedule:

If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 200 is refundable.

If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.

If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.

This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.

LODGES

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

HOSTERIA SAN PEDRO, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

HOTEL ALTIPLANICO, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

DETAILS COMING SOON!

SLIDE SHOW

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

Check out our set of images from recent trips to the Atacama Desert.

FACTS

ATACAMA DESERT EXPLORER | 6 days, 5 nights | Trip Code ATA01 

Introduction from the book 'Atacama Desert | Wildlife & Landscapes' by Enrique Couve & Claudio F. Vidal, Fantastico Sur (2003).

The Atacama Desert is Chile’s largest covering 5% of Chile’s territory with its 13,900 square miles (36,000 sq. km.). The Atacama Desert lies in the arid zone of western South America, spreading from 15ºS, in southern Peru, down to 30º S near the city of La Serena in Chile.  Many of the world’s largest deserts including the Kalahari and the Great Desert of Australia also occur at this latitude in the Tropic of Capricorn. The huge Atacama Salt Pan is situated between  23º41’S and 68º33’W, at an altitude of 7,560 feet above sea level (f.a.s.l.) (2,305 meters).

The Atacama is considered the most arid desert of the planet. Skies here remain clear over 300 days a year and in some areas no records of rainfall exist. Stretching along the western slope of the Andes Range, the desert is divided into three areas by altitude. The Inner Desert Area consists of the plateau situated between the Coastal and the Andean mountain ranges. This area varies between 3,600 and 8,200 feet (1,100 and  2,500 meters), with hardly any precipitation and very low humidity. The second  zone, the Marginal Tropical Area, includes the first ranges and valleys of the Andes, from 9,180 to 12,460 feet (2,800 and 3,800 meters). This area experiences low precipitation during the summer and slightly higher humidity, due to the effect of rivers and salt pans. Finally, the High Tropical Area exists above 13,120 feet (4,000 meters) in the Andes and is characterized by summer rainfall.

Human occupation in the Atacama Desert basin began around 11,000 years ago, in places with sufficient water to support vegetation. The seeds of algarrobo (Prosopis chilensis) and chañar (Geofroea decorticans), were both important food sources. Agriculture came later, beginning with corn and continuing with livestock. Following the domestication of Llamas (Lama glama) and Alpacas (Lama pacos), these camelids became essential for food, transportation and clothing.

The flora of these desert ecosystems has managed to adapt to the rigorous climate  and the  harsh  conditions of altitude. Despite the extreme aridity and scarce vegetation, the Atacama desert  depressions hold a wealth of fauna. Of the total of 183 vertebrate species, birds constitute 120 species.  Reptiles and amphibians comprise 37 and 5  species respectively.  21 species of mammals include a highly diverse group of camelids, carnivorous rodents,marsupials and bats.

Los Flamencos Nature Reserve was established to protect this fascinating community assemblage. Its 183,000 acres (73,986 hectares) encompass the entire altitudinal gradient from the Inner Desert Area ascending the Andes to the High Tropical Area. All seven sectors of the park are home to a wealth of floral and faunal communities. This reserve includes: the salt pans of Tara, Aguas Calientes and Pujsa in the high plateau, the  Valle de la Luna (Moon’s Valley) along the edge of the Atacama salt pan, Tambillo, Laguna de Quelara (Quelara Lagoon) and Soncor, and the incomparable scenic Miscanti and Miñiques lakes.