Discover the rugged Martian-like landscapes of northern Chile’s Atacama Desert with Surtrek South American Travel. The driest desert on the planet, Atacama is replete with bizarre rock formations, giant sand dunes, jagged canyons, and a surprising cultural heritage that simply must be explored during any custom-designed experience in Chile.
After touching down in Chile, head out — with a guide — for up to a week of luxury desert exploration and pampering at the Awasi Atacama Lodge, Explora Atacama, or Tierra Atacama.
For the sense wonder and magic that fills the air while in these high-Andean plains, contact us a Surtrek to begin planning an unforgettable Atacama Desert Tour!
With flamingo-filled lakes and rainbow-colored rock formations spread out over thousands of square miles, a luxury stays in the Atacama Desert is filled with both rugged adventure and all the creature comforts.
Head off on an excursion to witness the beguiling geology of Moon Valley, where the light transforms rugged rocks into a rainbow of color.
Set out on horseback along a narrow dirt road to Death Valley, back-dropped by surreal clay formations and imposing dunes.
Spend a day with your private guide on a 4x4 excursion to the Aguas Calientes salt flats, whose turquoise-colored ponds are inhabited by wild ducks and pink flamingoes.
Experience these and so many more otherworld outdoor excursions while indulging yourself in all the pleasures of Atacama’s atmospheric lodges. The possibilities are unlimited.
The quaint desert village San Pedro de Atacama serves as the gateway to the desert’s main attractions. Fortunately, this laid-back little tourist town is known for having virtually no violent crime, though an occasional bicycle theft occurs every now and then. While the desert itself harbors no major endemic hazards such as lethal diseases or poisonous animals, care should be taken when hiking, cycling, visiting volcanic geysers, or participating in any other outdoor activities; keep in mind that the Atacama is somewhat remote and possesses only a single small medical facility. This points to the fact that the most significant safety concerns in the Atacama are those related to staying healthy, particularly with regard to AMS (acute mountain sickness), alleviated with locally available infusions. In addition, the desert poses the threat of potentially dangerous levels of UV rays, easily addressed with sunblock, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves.
To enjoy the most pleasant temperatures and the fewest tourists during your Atacama Desert adventure, we recommend the off-peak shoulder-season months of March to May (considered “fall” in South America)) and mid-September to November (“springtime”). With fewer visitors during this period, you’ll feel like you have the desert all to yourself.
The December to February “summer” high season also has pleasant daytime temperatures and warmer nights, though you’ll have to deal with the crowds.
The June to early September low season (the South American “winter”) is less ideal, as the temperatures plummet to close to freezing at night and there’s a greater possibility for storms.
Keep in mind at least a couple of points when packing for the Atacama Desert:
In addition, we have compiled the following basic list of recommended items to take on your trip to the Atacama Desert.
[NOTE: These are the essential items to bring along from home specifically for Atacama. Once you’ve decided on your trip, including all of the other destinations you plan to visit, Surtrek will provide you a more detailed packing list.]
CLOTHING:
PERSONAL CARE
GEAR:
To reach the Atacama Desert, most travelers land first in the Chilean capital of Santiago de Chile, where you will be welcomed by a Surtrek representative as soon as you touch down at the city’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. (Keep in mind that you will be accompanied and assisted by Surtrek staff or partners throughout your Atacama vacation).
Given the relatively long flight times for reaching Chile, we recommend you take a tour that includes at least one day in historic Santiago de Chile, where you can rest up for your upcoming desert adventures.
From Santiago, you will be assisted in taking a one-hour flight to the northern Chilean city of Calama, where you will be met and accompanied on a scenic ground transfer to your luxury Atacama lodge in the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, in the heart of the Atacama Desert.
With over 25 years of introducing adventurous travelers to authentic, tailor-made luxury travel experiences across South America, Surtrek is adept at offering some of the best and most complete tour services in Chile’s the Atacama Desert.
With our experienced travel team of 25 members strong — including native speakers of five different languages — we will work one-on-one with you to custom-design an Atacama tour that perfectly suits your particular interests and needs.
Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?
Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!
“I found Surtrek online as it proved to be an excellent, efficient company. Our 4 days in the Galapagos were expertly planned and we were never left without a guide - we were even walked to dinner each night and assisted with ordering!”