1-855-848-3899
https://www.intothevineyard.com/
Landscapes surround the quiet town of San Pedro, which is a real oasis in the desert, greenery and rushing irrigation channels give life to this dusty town. Here you will have the opportunity to sightsee the volcano-lined horizon, the salt-shaken valleys, the clear blue salt lakes teeming with flamingos, and the steam-spitting geysers.
Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at the airport in Calama, your private driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama (~1h45min).
This evening, make your way to the meeting point to join your fellow travellers for this evening's visit.
You’ll begin this tour by going through all of the Andean constellations to observe the entire galaxy. From the solar system planets to the stars, enjoy a detailed view of the beautiful sights above.
The largest park of telescopes of any public observatory in South America (between 20 and 72cm diameter), correctly aligned to always provide the best possible view, in order to let you discover some of the incredible views the sky has to offer. The 72cm telescope is currently the largest touristic telescope in South America.
The visit will end with a warm drink to talk a little bit before returning to San Pedro.
Dinner at leisure with recommendations and overnight at your accommodation.
This morning, join your guide in the lobby of the hotel. Set out with the other participants to explore the incredible region that surrounds you.
About 10 km (6 miles) south of San Pedro you arrive at the edge of Chile's largest salt flat. The rugged crust measuring 3,000 square km (1,158 square miles) formed when salty water flowing down from the Andes evaporated in the stifling heat of the desert. Unlike other salt flats, which are smooth surfaces of crystalline salt, the Salar de Atacama is a jumble of jagged rocks that look rather like coral. Laguna Chaxa, in the middle of Salar de Atacama, is a very salty lagoon that is home to three of the New World's four species of flamingos.
Return to San Pedro after the visit.
Join your guide and Head 10 miles from the heart of San Pedro, in the Salt Mountain Range, the Moon Valley is a protected nature sanctuary. It consists of a depression surrounded by small hills with impressively sharp peaks. The valley gets its name from its similarity to landscapes of the moon. Its geological origin comes from a lake where the old horizontal layers of sediment and rock (that date back around 23 million years) were pushed and folded by the movement of the Earth’s crust, lifting the Andes Mountain Range, and leaving some layers in a vertical position. The Atacama Salt Plains have been shaped throughout time by the rain and the wind, giving rise to enormous shapes and mineral brilliance made up of salt hills, gypsum and clay. This Valley contains dry lakes where the composition of salt creates a beautiful white blanket; its slopes of green, blue, red and yellow shades and its diverse forms change thousand times throughout the day according to the sun and touching the soul and sensibilities of the visitor.
Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Dinner at your leisure this evening
Your visit to the Salar de Atacama (Salt Lake) begins promptly in the morning.
The Miscanti and Miñique lagoons of crystalline water and intense blue color. Surrounded by numerous volcanoes and mountains, they are a habitat for a variety of species, such as the Chilean flamingo, the small parina, the playero and the horned crane, among others. On the way back, we will pass through the small town of Toconao, whose inhabitants make their living through agriculture and handcrafts. We will look at typical handcrafts made of llama wool, cactus wood, volcanic rock and alpaca wool, as well as visit the Tower of San Lucas, which is a National Monument and symbol of the town.
At over 4000 m altitude, these lakes are in a completely different climate which means are likely to experience rain and snow in certain seasons. The pastel-colored backdrop is picture perfect with the large blue lagoons and volcanoes in the distance. The largest of the lagoons is Miscanti, at 4,350-meter-high (14,270-foot-high), is one of the prettiest spots in Atacama. Miñeques is home to many birds, occasionally flamingos, and is perfect for some wildlife spotting.
Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Dinner at your leisure this evening
Early this morning, join your guide in the lobby of the hotel. Set out with the other participants to explore the incredible region that surrounds you.
Our trip to the altiplano begins at dawn to reach one of the most important geothermal fields in the world, the Geysers del Tatio, surrounded by emanations of water and steam. We will enjoy the beauty of the Andes, along with breakfast, in this natural setting. Continue with a visit of the Rustic Pozón for further discovery of the thermal waters. Taking the road back to San Pedro de Atacama you are treated to incredible views of the beautiful landscape, native flora and fauna, before finally stopping at the village of Machuca, place of llama shepherds.
Today, this town of adobe house, straw and wood Cactus is dedicated to tourism offering local products such as Andean crafts, llama meat, sopaipillas and empanadas. As a historical and architectural attraction, we will visit the Church of San Santiago, patron of the town.
Return to San Pedro after the tour.
Dinner at your leisure this evening
After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the Calama airport for your departing flight.
Nestled in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, on the fringes of the world’s driest desert, NOI Casa Atacama presents a welcoming and serene sanctuary amidst the awe-inspiring vistas of Northern Chile. This boutique hotel seamlessly blends the comforts of home with sustainable design, providing a luxurious haven for those seeking respite. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes, where mystical salt flats embrace majestic volcanoes, bubbling geysers captivate your senses, and otherworldly rock formations ignite your imagination.
Unwind in the spacious and luminous guest rooms and suites, adorned with native artwork, lavish 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, sumptuous down bedding, and private terraces offering moments of tranquility for quiet contemplation. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the region at the onsite restaurant, rejuvenate with traditional altiplanico therapies at El Chañar Spa, or relish in relaxation on a designer sun lounger by the outdoor pool.
Bespoke organization of the trip
Bilingual guide with expert regional knowledge
Regional restaurant recommendations
Accommodation as per the daily summary
Meals as per the daily summary
All transfers on private basis as per the daily summary
All tours on private basis as per the daily summary (unless otherwise stated)
International and domestic airfares
Any entrance tickets not mentioned in the itinerary
All meals and beverages not included in the daily summary
Dinner restaurant reservations (available for a supplement)
Gratuity (at your discretion)
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Rental vehicle hire (if applicable)
