Chile · Desert Adventure

3-Day Atacama Desert Tour with Moon Valley, Piedras Rojas and Tatio

3 Days Round trip from San Pedro de Atacama Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the surreal landscapes of Valle de la Luna, with its otherworldly rock formations and salt flats
  • 02 Visit Vallecito and take iconic photos at the Magic Bus, nestled in the Salt Mountain Range
  • 03 Explore the vast Salar de Atacama, home to shimmering salt crusts and flamingo-filled lagoons
  • 04 Ascend to Piedras Rojas, renowned for its vibrant red rock formations and high-altitude Altiplano views
  • 05 Stop at the Trópico del Capricornio monument and stroll through the charming Andean village of Toconao

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama Desert on this comprehensive 3-day itinerary. Discover the surreal landscapes of Valle de la Luna and the iconic Magic Bus in Vallecito, travel across the vast Salar de Atacama with its flamingo-filled lagoons, and ascend to the vibrant red rocks of Piedras Rojas. Witness the dramatic geothermal activity at the Geysers del Tatio, then unwind in the soothing waters of the Puritama Hot Springs.

Discover the surreal landscapes of Valle de la Luna and the iconic Magic Bus in Vallecito, travel across the vast Salar de Atacama with its flamingo-filled lagoons, and ascend to the vibrant red rocks of Piedras Rojas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City San Pedro de Atacama
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Moon Valley, Vallecito, and the Magic Bus

  • Begin the tour at 8:00 AM with departure from San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Explore Valle de la Luna, a surreal and mystical desert landscape shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion.

  • Continue to Vallecito, located in the Salt Mountain Range, where the famous Magic Bus offers a unique photo opportunity amid striking natural scenery.

  • Discover the unique textures, formations, and colors that make this region feel otherworldly.

  • Return to San Pedro at 3:30 PM.

  • Enjoy free time in the afternoon to have lunch at a restaurant of your choice and relax at your hotel.

2
Day 02

Piedras Rojas and Salar de Atacama

  • Start the day at 8:00 AM from San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Travel across the vast Salar de Atacama, home to shimmering salt flats and picturesque lagoons inhabited by flamingos.

  • Take ample time for photography and observation of the stunning wildlife and landscapes.

  • Ascend to Piedras Rojas, located at 4,000 meters above sea level, where red rock formations contrast dramatically with the Altiplano terrain.

  • Enjoy a scenic box lunch at 2:00 PM, surrounded by breathtaking views.

  • On the return journey, stop at the Trópico del Capricornio monument and the traditional Andean village of Toconao, known for its colonial architecture and artisan crafts.

  • Begin the return to San Pedro at 5:00 PM.

3
Day 03

Geysers del Tatio and Puritama Hot Springs

  • Depart at 7:30 AM from San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Visit the awe-inspiring Geysers del Tatio, the highest geothermal field in the southern hemisphere.

  • Witness the impressive steam fumaroles and bubbling geysers in the early morning light.

  • Explore Géiser Blanco, a lesser-known yet equally fascinating geothermal site.

  • Enjoy an outdoor box lunch in a remarkable natural setting at 12:30 PM.

  • In the afternoon, relax in the natural thermal pools of Puritama Hot Springs, surrounded by canyon walls and vegetation.

  • Return to San Pedro between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

Valle de la Luna dunes, Salar de Atacama salt flats, Piedras Rojas red rocks, Geysers del Tatio steam fumaroles

Where this trip takes you

Valle de la Luna dunes, Salar de Atacama salt flats, Piedras Rojas red rocks, Geysers del Tatio steam fumaroles

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from San Pedro de Atacama 1 city · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation throughout the entire journey
  • Specialized local guide
  • Full meals (1 breakfast, 3 lunches, and 1 cocktail)
  • First-aid kit and oxygen
  • Trekking poles

What's Not Included

  • Admission: approximately USD 85 per person
  • Additional snacks and bottles of water
  • Tips (optional)
  • Hotels or accommodation
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Tour start
San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in San Pedro de Atacama.

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Starting from

USD 1,450 /person
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