Located 2440m above sea level, San Pedro de Atacama is completely surrounded by dramatic landscapes, barren desert, salt flats, geysers and hot springs. Experience the magic of Atacama over 4 adventurous days starting at the Death & Moon valleys with its incredible stone and sand formations. A short drive will take you to the 3000 year old pre-Colombian village of Tulor where much of the archaeological remains are still visible. Before the break of dawn, you will leave to the famous El Tatio Geysers to observe powerful spurts of steam shooting our from various geyser blowholes!
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the mystifying Death and Moon valleys boasting incredible stone and sand formations
- Visit the 3000 year old pre-Columbian village of Tulor
- Stargazing in the Atacama desert
- Spectacular scenery from the El Tatio Geysers
Tailor-made Suggestions
- Cross the border into Bolivia and spend a few nights exploring Salar de Uyuni - the largest salt flat in the world!
- Add a stopover in the spectacular Lakes District of Chile and Argentina.
- Take South America's most iconic trek and hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in Peru.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Atacama: Arrival / Moon Valley
Arrival
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Moon Valley
For this breathtaking excursion you will be picked up at your hotel in the afternoon we will enjoy a spectacular evening exploring the Moon Valley. We head towards the salt mountain range to the Moon Valley. Upon entering, the first stop is at the Great Dune, where we walk along a sandy path until we reach the viewpoint with a panoramic view. Then, the second stop is at the Tres Marías viewpoint, a geological formation sculpted by erosive agents that look like statues of salt. On the way back, we take a short walk next to the Amphitheater, a geological formation with sedimentary folds of clay, salt and plaster. Finally, We visit the Mirador de Cari, located at 2,550 meters above sea level. Known as the "Piedra del Coyote", this viewpoint is one of the most famous postcards of San Pedro de Atacama, from where you can contemplate a majestic view of the Andes Mountains.
Day 2 - Atacama: Full Day: Chaxa, Altiplano Lagoons, Tujactu and Piedras Rojas
Full Day: Chaxa, Altiplano Lagoons, Tujactu and Piedras Rojas
We will depart from San Pedro and we will head to Salar de Atacama where we will first visit the Chaxa Lagoon, an oasis in the middle of a salt desert. Its waters surface show us a rich ecosystem home for many species of flamingos and other altiplanic birds. The Salar of Atacama is formed by an expanse of salt that extends beyond the horizon. The breeze from the sun touches us gently and, in the background, the sky changes its colour every minute. It’s one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes on earth, which will remain forever in our memory. After that, we will continue our tour heading to the next stop, Piedras Rojas. For this, we will have to go up in our vehicle to 3,800 meters of altitude and walk 1h approximately (round trip) to see these copper-colored rocks, as well as the surrounding lagoons and salt flats. They are impressive landscapes due to their differentiated geological formation where we are able to enjoy the quietness gazing at nature, the wind, the lagoons and the color of the stones, that are like this due to the iron that oxidizes. In this majestic landscape, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing on our way to the Altiplanic Lagoons. The Altiplanic Lagoons are the Miscanti and Meñiques, two lagoons with crystalline waters, surrounded by massifs that have a unique landscape. Where we can see the sky's deep blue colour reflected on the lagoons and its contrast with the colours of the mountain range and the yellow of its vegetation. After many photos and dazzled by so many impressive landscapes, we will visit the charming town of Socaire, famous for its crop soil. There we will enjoy an exquisite lunch, and after that move on to the town of Toconao, built with volcanic rock and recognized for the spectacular views it offers of the Salar de Atacama. At the end of the day we will return to San Pedro de Atacama.
Shared service (max 15 pax) with English speaking guide, breakfast, box-lunch, entrance fees. This excursion is not recommended for pregnant women and children younger than 6 years.
*Duration: 10 hours
*Recommended pick-up time: 7:15 am
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3 - Atacama: El Tatio Geysers tour
El Tatio Geysers tour
Before dawn breaks we will depart from San Pedro and head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers. We traveled 62 miles to the highlands towards the Andes until we reach the Geysers del Tatio geothermal field, the highest in the world at an altitude of 14,100 ft. After 90 minutes of travel, approximately, we reach the moment that they are in their maximum manifestation. We walked along a marked path to observe the emanations of boiling water. On the way back, we enjoy the beauty of the landscape, native flora and fauna in stops to observe vicuñas, birds and vegetation. Afterwards we will return to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Shared service (max 15 pax) with English speaking guide, breakfast, entrance fees.
This excursion is not recommended for pregnant women and children younger than 6 years.
Due to logistics and operations the itinerary of shared excursions may be reversed.
*Duration: 7 hours
*Recommended pick-up time: 05:30/06:00 (winter) - 05:00 (summer)
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - Atacama: Depart
Depart
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast included.
Departs daily
| Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Jan 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 | NZD$1978pp | ||
| Comfort | NZD$1978pp | Contact us | |
| Superior | NZD$2245pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe | NZD$4826pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Comfort
Atacama, Chile - La Casa de Don Tomas
Superior
Atacama, Chile - Casa don Tomas - El Refugio
Deluxe
Atacama, Chile - Alto Atacama
Whats included?
- Accommodation*
- Transfers
- Entrance fees
- English-speaking guided tours
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- *Accommodation: Passengers choosing the deluxe option will enjoy an all-inclusive stay consisting of full board meals, transfers, and a choice of excursions.
- Hotel rates are based on double / twin share lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: South America
The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!
Downloadable travel guide
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