Calama: to the Secrets of San Pedro de Atacama

Itinerary: 5 Days / 4 Nights

DAY 1: CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / VALLE DE LA LUNA (MOON VALLEY) / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Reception at airport in Calama, and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. On route it is possible to see Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) and Licancabur Volcano in the background. Arrive to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. An afternoon excursion to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), famous world wide for its salt caves, the rock formations known as Tres Marias (Three Marys), and sand dunes where you can witness a spectacular sunset. Return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TULOR / QUITOR / LAGUNA CEJAR (LAGOON) / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

(Breakfast)
Departure towards the village of Tulor, an ancient Atacamenian settlement dating back to 2,000 years ago. Visit the Pukara de Quitor, an important remnant from the 12th Century. In the afternoon, visit Laguna Cejar (lagoon), with beautiful crystallized salt and turquoise water, where you can see flamingos and taguas. These salty waters create an effect which makes it v ery easy to float without effort. Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TERMAS DE PURITAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

(Breakfast)
An early departure to Termas de Puritama (Hot Springs), located in a hidden mountain canyon (30 km from San Pedro de Atacama). In the afternoon enjoy a lecture about the surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, where an expert will give a geographic explanation about the sky and its constellations, and proceed observing the moons craters, rings of Saturn, star clusters, and other cosmic wonders. Return to San Pedro de Atacama. Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TOCONAO / ATACAMA SALT FLAT / ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

(Breakfast - Box Lunch)
A full day excursion visiting the village of Toconao, with its interesting liparite stone buildings, then on to the Atacama Salt Flats, where you will find the Flamingo National Reserve, with its three of the most beautiful flamingo species. Then to the altiplanic lagoons of Miscante and Miñiques located more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Return to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

DAY 5: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / TATIO GEYSERS / ALTIPLANIC VILLAGES / CALAMA

(Box Breakfast - Box Lunch)
A very early morning departure for Tatio Geysers to experience a spectacular geothermal display. Visit Caspana Village, with its fertile terraces, architecture in liparite stone, and characteristic mud-roofs. Then continue on to Pukara de Lasana, a testimony of the native culture, while passing through Chiu Chiu, with its important historical legacies, including one of the oldest, and most beautiful churches in Chile. Arrive to Calama in the afternoon. Transfer to the airport for your flight.

NOTES:

Season: All year
All meals, services, entrance fees as indicated, as well as tips to porters, are included
Bilingual (Spanish - English) guide
Expert guide (Constellations)
Services: S.I.B. (Shared services)
Minimum 1 passenger
El Tatio and the Altiplanic lagoons are not recommended for pregnant women, small children, and people with heart problems (altitude: 4,500 mt / 13,500 ft)
All foreigner non residents in Chile are vat exempt (19%). In case of no-shows the hotels collect this tax.

Prices are per person, in USD dollars:

(Expires: Dec 15, 2009)

KIMAL HOTEL (3*): $ 791 (DOUBLE); $ 1058 (SINGLE)
LA CASA DE DON TOMAS HOTEL (3*): $ 769 (DOUBLE); $ 969 (SINGLE)
IONORA TOLACHE HOTEL (3*): $ 645 (DOUBLE); $ 816 (SINGLE)

Important:

Prices are subject to change based on availability at the time of reservation. All routes are subject to change without notice, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions. Please refer to the 'Terms & Conditions' section of our website www.chilepros.com