Atacama Desert Tours
From day tours to full itineraries: your Atacama trip, handled by local experts.
Designed by people who’ve done the research so you don’t have to…
We plan Atacama trips the way we’d want to experience them ourselves:
Private, carefully curated, and built around what you actually want to see.
Tell us what you’re looking for.
We’ll handle the rest.
Day tours in San Pedro de Atacama
What makes our trips different
One point of contact from start to finish
The person who plans your trip is the same one who solves problems…
if anything shifts on the ground.
Handpicked local guides.
They know this desert’s routes, wildlife, and stories.
The kind of guide who knows which salt flat to visit at sunrise…
where the flamingos gather,
and the best spot for lunch.
Boutique by design.
Most of our Atacama excursions run private.
When shared, we keep it small, always.
A real operator, not a reseller.
We design, we operate, and we adapt.
Whatever your trip needs, we’re here.
1% for the Planet member.
A portion of every booking funds conservation work in Chile…
including in the Atacama region.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Atacama?
Three full days is the minimum to see the essentials without rushing.
Five is where most travelers find a comfortable pace.
Anything beyond seven works best if you’re combining Atacama with other regions, the Bolivian salt flats, Patagonia, the Chilean Lake District, or Santiago.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
San Pedro de Atacama sits at 2,450 meters.
Most travelers acclimatize within 24 hours.
Higher excursions (Tatio Geysers at 4,300 m, Cerro Toco at 5,600 m) require at least one full day in San Pedro first.
We plan itineraries with acclimatization built in.
When is the best time to visit?
There’s no bad time, but September–November and March–May are our favorites: clear weather, fewer travelers, and a wide range of excursions open.
Stargazing is best from June to August.
Can I combine Atacama with Patagonia or other regions?
Yes, and most of our travelers do.
The two regions sit at opposite ends of Chile and require domestic flights via Santiago.
We plan combined itineraries regularly. Chile in 10 Days is a good starting point.
Are tours private or shared?
Most of what we run is private by default.
Some excursions can be joined as small shared groups when that suits you better.
Either way, we’ll be clear about it before you book.
Do I need to book in advance?
For high season (December–February and July), we recommend reserving at least two months ahead, especially for the better hotels.
For shoulder season, four to six weeks is usually enough.
Tailor-made Atacama Itineraries
For most travelers, three to five full days is the sweet spot.
Every itinerary we build is shaped around your dates, pace, and what matters most to you.
The essentials, done well. Tatio Geysers at sunrise, Moon Valley at sunset, and a third day shaped by what caught your attention.
Good for travelers combining Atacama with Patagonia or Santiago on a tight schedule.
3 DAYS IN ATACAMA
Room to slow down.
Add the Altiplanic Lagoons, the Salt Mountain Range, a hike like Cerro Toco or the Water Route, and time to revisit a favorite spot at a different hour.
Where most travelers find their rhythm.
5 DAYS IN ATACAMA
Deeper territory.
Time for less-visited routes, a Bolivian salt flats extension, longer hikes, and a quieter pace overall.
Best for travelers who want one region to settle into rather than a checklist.
7+ DAYS IN ATACAMA
Where to Stay
We work with hotels across the range, from family-run guesthouses to design-led desert lodges.
We’ll match you with the right one for your trip.
Designed for those who want to enjoy the desert peacefully, without giving up rest or comfort.
Adobe rooms with clean design and a focus on wellness and community.
OUR HABITAS
All-inclusive model with its own guide team and a clean architectural feel.
Ideal if you want everything pre-arranged.
EXPLORA
Luxury and culture in the heart of Atacama: ancestral-inspired spa, local gastronomy, six pools under the Altiplano sun, and more than 35 guided excursions.
NAYARA
When to Visit & How to Get There
When
Atacama works year-round.
Days are dry and sunny across all seasons, but the differences matter: September to November and March to May are our favorite months, comfortable temperatures, fewer travelers, and clear nights.
December to February is summer and brings occasional high-altitude rain (the Altiplanic winter), which can briefly close some excursions.
June to August is cold in the early mornings but offers the clearest skies of the year for stargazing.
Getting there
Fly from Santiago to Calama (CJC), roughly two hours.
From Calama, San Pedro de Atacama is a 1.5-hour transfer by shuttle or private car.
We arrange the transfer for travelers booking with us.
Travelers who trusted us
Inspiration across Chile
From short escapes to multi-region journeys, we design around your time, pace, and interests.
CHILEAN ALTIPLANO IN 4 DAYS
ATACAMA + SANTIAGO + PATAGONIA
ANTARCTICA CLASSIC
CENTRAL CHILE IN 5 DAYS
