5 Fantastic Tours in the Atacama Desert in 3 Days
Cordillera Domeyko, Chile
Get to know the Atacama Desert with these 5 tours, a 3-day experience allowing you to discover the immensity of the Atacama Desert and its unique landscapes that combine lagoons and salt flats.
Overview
This three-day guided tour in San Pedro de Atacama is ideal for small groups interested in exploring nearby geological and cultural landmarks with comprehensive sightseeing plans.
Highlights
- Groups limited to 15 people
- Comprehensive guided tours of key sites
- Efficient itineraries to maximize your time
- Main attractions around San Pedro de Atacama included
Day 1: Rainbow Valley and Moon Valley Tours
The first day begins between 8:00 and 8:30 AM with a tour of Rainbow Valley, located west of San Pedro de Atacama along the Cordillera de Domeyko. The tour includes a visit to Yerbas Buenas, known for significant petroglyphs linked to indigenous caravan routes. After passing through Matancilla, an area rich in flora and fauna, you will reach Rainbow Valley, named for the diverse colors of its hills and salt flats. The tour continues to a viewpoint overlooking Rainbow Canyon and surrounding desert landscapes.
In the afternoon, between 3:00 and 3:30 PM, the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) tour departs. This area features eroded rock formations, salt flats, and dunes that create an otherworldly landscape. Key stops include Las Tres Marias, the Canyon, and the Amphitheater. The day ends with sunset views from the Licarantay vantage point, observing changing desert colors and distant volcanoes.
Day 2: Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, and Tebenquinche Lagoons
On the second day, you will explore several lagoons within the Atacama Salt Flat, the largest in Chile. The tour visits Ojos del Salar, where you can swim in deep freshwater pools, followed by Laguna Tebenquinche, with a walking trail offering panoramic views of the merging sky, desert, and salt flats.
The itinerary continues to Cejar Lagoon and Piedra Lagoon, distinguished by their turquoise waters surrounded by grass. Here, swimming is possible, with a floating experience similar to the Dead Sea. The day concludes with an appetizer while watching the sunset overlooking the lagoons.
Day 3: El Tatio Geyser Tour
The final day starts early, with hotel pickup between 5:00 and 5:30 AM. After a 1.5-hour drive into the Andes at an altitude of 4,200 meters, you will arrive at the El Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field with about 80 active geysers. Following an energizing breakfast on site, the tour explores the various steam columns and geothermal features.
Included
- Rainbow Valley sightseeing tour with breakfast
- Moon Valley sightseeing tour with cocktail and snack
- Cejar Lagoon sightseeing tour with snack
- El Tatio Geyser sightseeing tour with breakfast
Not Included
- Rainbow Valley entrance fee: 10,000 CLP per person
- Moon Valley entrance fee: 10,900 CLP per person
- Cejar Lagoon entrance fee: 21,000 CLP per person
- El Tatio Geyser entrance fee: 15,000 CLP per person
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection, water, and swimwear for lagoon visits. The best times for tours are early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and to enjoy optimal lighting at scenic viewpoints.
