Highlights
The Atacama desert of Northern Chile is a land of vast vistas, thermal activity and colorful rock formations. While San Pedro de Atacama is squarely on the tourist map, head north and you’ll find equally fabulous landscapes with only a few llamas for company.
Itinerary
To experience different parts of this vast desert region we first did a 5 day private tour from Arica to San Pedro de Atacama and then did several day trips from that base. Highlights of our tour included – Lake Chungara, Lauca National Park, Salar de Surire and the ghost town of Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone. Out of San Pedro de Atacama we did several day trips including – the Tatio Geysers, Valle de la Luna and the Salar de Tara.
Sleeping and Dining in Arica
While not your typical tourist destination, this beach town makes a great place just to hang for a day.
5 Day Private Tour from Arica to San Pedro de Atacama with Mayuru Tours.
A great way to experience the national parks of the Altiplano desert with very few other tourists.
Day 1 Arica to Putre
The highlight of the day is the well preserved mummies at the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel of Azapa.
Day 2 Lauca National Park
Day includes the impressive Lake Chungara.
Sleeping and Dining in Putre
Small working town within easy reach of the coveted national parks.
Day 3 Putre to Colchane via Salar de Surire
The Salar de Surire was my favorite spot on the 5 day tour.
Day 4 Colchane to Pica
Besides more amazing Altiplano scenery the day includes the ghost town of Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone.
Day 5 Pica to San Pedro de Atacama
Bleak drive across the low desert, one of the driest spot on the planet.
Review Mayuru Tours, Putre, Chile
Our guide and driver was very professional and I would highly recommend this tour company.
San Pedro de Atacama
The well marketed gateway town has plenty of tours for visiting the nearby Altiplano attractions.
Tatio Geysers Tour, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Come early to experience the highest funnels of steam.
Valle de la Luna, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
This iconic landscape doesn’t disappoint.
Salar de Tara Tour, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
A variety of colorful rock formations in a remote part of the Altiplano.
Sleeping and Dining in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
A wide variety of upscale sleeping and dining possibilities.