Atacama Desert Explorer |

Another day to experience the dramatic vistas and surprising biodiversity of the world’s driest desert. Shortly after sunrise we will be at location to see the Atacama Desert and its culture from another interesting angle, as we admire the ancient petroglyphs left in the walls of a rocky outcrop by the ancestral caravans as they traversed through the desert from one oasis to the next. Tens of zoomorphic, anthropomorphic and abstract petroglyphs are discovered along the dedicated trail. Valle del Arcoiris or Rainbow Valley offers numerous view points from where it is possible  and we’ll spend the morning hours exploring canyons, gorges and gullies to appreciate the colossal folds modeled by the erosive action of the wind and water through millennia, with views revealing the plethora of contrasting mineral colors of the hills that give this valley its name. Later we shall visit Salar de Atacama, one of the largest salt flats in the world. The water in the saltpans has its origins in the geyser fields and from the melting snow and ice in the highlands. It accumulates temporarily in these huge depressions where it evaporates very rapidly. Salts are concentrated and precipitate, and the water becomes pink, blue or white, through colonization by saline-tolerant bacteria and diatoms. Some invertebrates (including shrimp-like crustaceans) are also able to survive in this extremely caustic environment. On our way to the heart of this huge salt lake, we’ll stop at one of the last stands of the endemic Tamarugo tree, home to the restricted Tamarugo Conebill. We will then drive to Laguna Chaxa in the Atacama salt flat before sunset to enjoy another photo session. The lake and its brine shrimps are literally a magnet for the flamingos, this being one of the few places where you can observe up to three species; Andean, Chilean and Puna flamingos, the latter being the rarest in the world. Other birds we may see here are Andean Avocet, Andean Gull, Puna Plover and the migrant shorebirds, Baird’s Sandpiper and Wilson’s Phalarope. The vision of the Andes in hundreds of shades of red reflected in the vast white Atacama salt flat at sunset and the silhouettes of passing formations of flamingos is truly exulting.

Overnight at San Pedro de Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide).

This morning we will head south of San Pedro to explore the Lagunas Altiplanicas, high Andean lakes. We will pass through the interesting agricultural villages of Toconao and Socaire. Toconao in particular is characterized by its stone houses, beautiful orchards and quite complex irrigation system. From here we will gain height and we will visit the impressive Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques. This is a protected reserve and we must keep on the well-defined trails at all times. The birdlife is quite rich at this typical lake of the Altiplano region and we will see a great array of waterbirds and songbirds. These lakes hold one of the few breeding populations of the scarce Horned Coot, largest and most threatened coot in the world. We might also see herds of Vicuña around these lakes, against the magnificent mountain backdrop formed by the homonymous volcanos. Later we will continue south to enjoy one of the most splendid vistas of the day as we reach Salar de Talar. There are great panoramic photo opportunities of the turquoise-colored lake and the soft textures of the surrounding mountains and volcanos. Altitude: 4.200 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level) | 13.800 ft.

Overnight at San Pedro de Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide).

Today we will start very early in the morning to explore the impressive El Tatio Geysers, located at an altitude of 13,800 feet. This is one of the highest geyser fields and the third largest in the world. During the first hours of the morning we´ll witness how this bizarre landscape, filled by columns of steam, covered by cones of crystallized silica and other salts, and containing ponds of boiling pastel-colored mud, slowly unveils before our eyes as the sun comes up. Surprisingly, some plants and animals are adapted to live in these extreme environments at the very limit of where life is possible. Later we will descend and explore the Putana River and its rich wildlife including Giant & Andean coots, Puna & Yellow-billed teals and other birdlife. We will have also the time to explore the flora, adapted to the extreme altitude and harsh conditions. One of the most conspicuous plants to see will be the tall columnar Atacama Cactus (Echinopsis atacamensis) which grows in the Guatin gorge and hillsides along Puritama river. Back in San Pedro, you will have a few hours on your own, to explore the town and visit the market and the interesting Father Le Paige Anthropological Museum. Altitude: 4.200 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level) | 13.800 ft.

Overnight at San Pedro de Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide).

Today we will enjoy of a full day of exploration at one of the most remote and least-visited regions of the Atacama Desert. We will drive east of San Pedro, following the international road, very close to the limit with Argentina, enjoying of the sunrise views of Licancabur Volcano and Laguna Blanca in Bolivia. At some point we will reach the remarkable rock columns called Monjes de Pakana – the Pakana Monks. From here, we will literally leave the road and in the hands of our capable driver we will head to the remote Salar de Tara. Dramatic and desolate valleys and ridges characterize the way to this incredible spot; one of the highlights of the day will be the Cathedrals of Tara, a truly remarkable geological spectacle. Once we reach the lake, we will see Andean and James’s flamingos, plus several high-altitude birds including Puna Tinamou, Lesser Rhea, Golden-spotted Ground-Dove, Mountain Parakeet, Red-backed Sierra-Finch among several others. Here we can also find the bizarre Mountain Vizcacha , a large rock-dwelling rodent, and Vicuña herds. On the way back to San Pedro, we will stop at Salar de Pujsa, where there are large concentrations of flamingos, feeding on the alkaline waters. Altitude: 4.300 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level) | 14.130 ft.

Overnight at San Pedro de Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide).

Early in the morning we will visit the pre-Hispanic fortress called Pukara de Quitor, located just a short distance from San Pedro. This ancient complex of rock buildings, dates from the Inca occupation period more than 700 years ago, and its purpose was to protect the locals against other tribal groups. It lies in the hillsides of the homonymous range. At noon you will be transferred to Calama, where our trip ends. (Breakfast) (Guide). Atacama photo trips and wildlife safaris Atacama Photo trips and Wildlife Safaris