Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

Secrets of the Atacama Desert (Pre)

Pre-program

Price from

$3,720

Duration
5
Season

Spring (Apr - May)

Min. number
6 travellers
Booking code
VAPATAPRE23, VAPATAPRE24

Join a five-day discovery tour as you experience the incredible highlights of the Atacama Desert.
  • Enjoy three nights at the luxurious Hotel Cumbres in San Pedro de Atacama

  • Experience a cultural oasis and learn about constellations in the beautiful Atacama Desert

  • Join incredible excursions visiting salt flats, geysers, and archaeological sites


Planned Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago de Chile

You’ll enjoy a relaxing night in a comfortable hotel in Chile’s fascinating capital.

Day 2: Travel to San Pedro de Atacama

Begin the day with a flight to Calama, where you’ll get your first close look at the dramatic Atacama Desert on the way to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile’s archeological capital. Then, we’ll head to Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama, or a similar hotel, built in the indigenous Ayllus architectural style. During the next three nights here, you’ll enjoy relaxation, luxury, and exploration. Before dinner, you can join a guided astronomy tour in the desert and learn how to recognize the main constellations.

Days 3–4: Exploring San Pedro de Atacama

Enjoy two full days exploring the desert’s geological and archaeological wonders, from geysers and salt pans to high Andean lagoons. You can relax in the pool, explore at your leisure, or choose from an exciting range of full- and half-day excursions offered by your hotel.

Climb the Duna Mayor in Moon Valley and watch the sun set over the Cordillera de la Sal. Explore the Tatio Geysers and geothermal fields. Spot vicuñas and flamingos in Machuca or take a trip to the archeological sites in Tulor, the oldest settlement on the salt flats.

After a day filled with wonderful experiences, you can relax back at the hotel.

Day 5: Embark in Valparaíso

After breakfast, it’s time to fly back to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival, we’ll take you from the airport directly to the pier in Valparaíso, where you’ll join your expedition cruise.

Please note that the order of sites we visit may vary.

Practical information

Included

  • One-night stay at a hotel in Santiago de Chile with breakfast

  • Three-night stay at Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (or similar) with full board and an open bar with house beverages from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

  • Use of the spa, heated swimming pool, and hot tubs

  • Return flight from Santiago de Chile to Calama, including taxes

  • Airport transfers in Santiago and Calama/San Pedro

  • One full-day and two half-day excursions with an English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Meals on Day 1 in Santiago de Chile and gratuities

Remarks and requirements

  • This tour is available as a Pre-Program in combination with expedition cruises starting in Valparaíso.

  • This tour requires good physical fitness and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. The tour takes place at high altitude.

  • The excursions included in this tour are operated by the hotel and might not be exclusive to Hurtigruten Expedition guests.

  • All excursions are subject to weather conditions.

  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the trip up to six weeks before departure.

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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