Chiloe's draw for travelers is quite different from that of other parts of Patagonia. Although the Coast Range and Pacific Coast remain in a state of raw, entangled wilderness, what brings most visitors to Chiloé is the island's rural culture, gastronomy, handicrafts and architecture. In Short, the people of the island and the manifestations of their long history of isolation and rugged subsistence. Set in a pleasant oasis at the north end of the Salar de Atacama, San Pedro is the center of Atacameño Culture and a pivotal landmark in regional history and prehistory. No other destination in the north can compete with San Pedro for the number and variety of nearby attractions, relaxed atmosphere, spellbinding light and unforgettable sunsets.
Day 1
Transfer from Airport El Loa, Calama to the Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Lunch in restaurant of San Pedro de Atacama. Archaeological Tour. San Pedro de Atacama is considerate the Archaeological capital of Chile due to the human settlement 12 thousand years ago in these zones. Excavations realized by father Le Paige, allowed him to collect important pieces of pottery and mummies that contributed to the creation of the Archaeological Museum. That place let us know different evolution stages of the Atacameños’s culture. During century XII the indigenous built the Quitor fortress to defend themselves from enemies attacks of foreign invaders or border natives. "Aldea de Tulor” it is the most ancient archaeological housing building of the region, it was occupied between years 300 BC and 500 AD. Dinner at restaurant of San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight San Pedro de Atacama
Day 2
Today we visit the Salar de Atacama, Laguna Chaxa, Toconao and Laguna Sejar. We cross the altiplano to the Gran Salar of Atacama, a soft and rough surface where little lakes shelter an important quantity of flamingoes that choose this water for their nesting place. Geological studies consider this Salar the most important planet’s reserve of Lithium. Next we visit the picturesque town of Toconao, where you can appreciate original architecture in Liparita stone, emphasizing its old church. This village invites us to tour all the streets and know the people who make handicrafts in fine wools. Lunch near Sejar’s Lake. Dinner at a typical restaurant. Overnight San Pedro de Atacama
Day 3
Today we visit the Géisers of Tatio and Puritama’ Hot Springs. Our exploration of the high Geothermic zone, located at 4300 meters above sea level, in the Andean Range includes the steam Geysers which reach 50 meters of height and blend with the beauty of the Andes. Here we find the “Vicuñas”, the American camel adapted to the adverse climatic and geographical conditions. On the return, nature gives us a powreful landscape of mountains and volcanoes, over 5500 meters over sea level. Visit to Puritama Hot Springs. Are a deserved rest after a hard exploration’s day. The deep pools with water up to 35ºC and rich minerals of the Purigama hot springs help us relax. Dressing gowns and towels are as well as cocktails served at the pools are included. Lunch at restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama. The Sunset in Moon Valley is one of the most anticipated moments. The best place to appreciate it is at the “Cordillera de la Sal”. These are salt and clay formations produced by mineral folds hundreds of millions of years ago and at sunset looks like the surface of the moon.. Dinner at restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama.
Overnight San Pedro de Atacama
Day 4
Transfer to the airport El Loa of Calama to continue their trip to La Serena. Overnight Vicuña.
Day 5
Breakfast and departure to Elqui Valley. The tour of this vibrant valley lasts all day but leaves us feeling more energized that when he left in the morning. The valley is tinged with an esoteric air and many insist that it is the "energy centre" of the world .This place is a geographic configuration which is unique in the world. It is a narrow, but fertile strip of land where vegetables, papayas, lucuma, chirimoya trees (custard apple), and grapes grow alongside the hillsides, covered with cacti, of the semi arid desert. Pick-Nick . Overnight Vicuna.