3-Day Atacama Desert Tour: Sunsets, Stars & Surreal Landscapes

$2750 per person

3 days

Adventure

Atacama

Chile

Nature

Photography

Short tour

Embark on the Atacama Desert Tour, a photo expedition in the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Known as Earth’s driest place, this tour is not only a unique canvas for adventure but also for photography. From Vallecito Sunset’s moon-like terrain to Tatio Geysers’ towering eruptions, each moment captures the desert’s stark beauty.

Your Atacama Desert Tour will guide you through ancient canyons, vibrant valleys, and mystic hills. As you climb to astonishing viewpoints, you’ll also wander through geological marvels and lose yourself in a celestial night sky free from the constraints of light pollution. Whether observing the graceful dance of flamingos or the intricate patterns of eroded rock formations, Atacama’s natural artistry is yours to explore and immortalize through your lens.

In this three-day adventure, you’ll find more than a journey; it’s a creative exploration and a call to the wild heart within.

Pricing Details

Solo Journey: 4300 USD
Traveling Pair: 2750 USD per person
Group Adventures: ask for group price

Notes:

The price includes hotel accommodation and excursions for 2 persons.
The excursions are thoughtfully arranged from low to high altitudes to favor acclimation.
You can choose between 2 half-day excursions per day or 1 full-day excursion per day.
Water, snacks, and food are thoughtfully included according to the excursion.

Tailor Your Experience with 2-Days Full Alternative Exploration

If a more condensed adventure appeals to you, we can craft two immersive days of exploration in the Atacama Desert. Aligned with your passions and pace, and whether it’s a tranquil sunrise or a vibrant starlit night, our Atacama Desert Tour offers the flexibility to shape your ideal desert experience.

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What to wear

Wear layered clothing with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers, along with sturdy hiking footwear.
Included

Accommodation

Entrance Fees

Extras

Guide

Lunch

Meals

Photo Assistance

Transport
Not Included

Insurance

Local Flights

From our gallery

Step into the visual splendor of the Atacama Desert through our gallery, a curated collection of images that bring to life the diverse and dramatic landscapes awaiting your exploration.

Atacama Desert Tour - Mirador Licanantai

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration of the Moonlike Landscape

Upon your arrival at either Calama Airport or Hito Cajon, you'll be whisked away to San Pedro to begin your Atacama Desert adventure. The day's exploration takes you to a location that uncannily resembles the surface of the moon. Far from the blinding city lights, this location offers an opportunity to indulge in Vallecito Sunset and Astrophotography. You'll find inspiration in geological formations and an abandoned bus, all bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. As the skies darken, the stars emerge, and the desert transforms into a celestial wonderland perfect for astrophotography.

Day 2: Sunrise & Canyons – A Journey Through Geology and Light

The second day welcomes you with a sunrise at Mirador Licanantay, where the salt mountain range offers a stunning backdrop. Following a soft trekking adventure at 2400 meters, you'll explore a small canyon sculpted by water's artistic erosion. Your ascent up a nearby hill rewards you with a panoramic view of the area. As day turns into evening, you'll head to Guatin for a sunset shoot. A short walk at 3,000 meters leads you into a canyon framed by pyroclastic and lava flows, climaxing in a small forest of cacti. The unique landscape promises unforgettable compositions for both sunset and astrophotography.

Day 3: Colors, Geysers, & Farewell

Your final day in Atacama begins in Rainbow Valley, a place where erosion has left a colorful display of minerals. It's a surreal canvas for sunrise photography, full of intriguing formations. The journey then takes you north into the Andes mountains to witness the Tatio Geysers erupting at 4300 meters above sea level. Along the way, a wetland visit offers chances to observe vicunas, flamingos, and migrating birds. Your adventure concludes with a transfer out from San Pedro to Calama Airport or Hito Cajon, but the memories and photographs will remain with you forever.

Tour Location

The Atacama Desert Tour unveils some of the most surreal and breathtaking landscapes in the world. From the moon-like vistas of the Vallecito Sunset Spot to the rich geological tapestry of Quebrada del Diablo Canyon and the vibrant colors of Rainbow Valley, each location offers a unique window into the desert's ethereal beauty. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an avid explorer, these spots promise experiences and views that are truly out of this world.

Places to visit in Atacama Desert Photo Tour:

Vallecito Sunset and Astrophotography Spot: Located far from light pollution, this spot is an unparalleled setting for capturing the desert under the brilliant sun and starlit sky. Resembling the surface of the moon, the geological formations and an abandoned bus provide an eerie backdrop for photography. It's a haven for those seeking to capture the essence of a desert twilight.

Mirador Licanantay: A prominent viewpoint that showcases the salt mountain range's breathtaking formations. The viewpoint provides panoramic vistas that come alive during sunrise, reflecting hues of gold, pink, and orange on the intricate salt patterns. It's a place where Earth's raw beauty meets the soft touch of the morning sun.

Quebrada del Diablo Canyon: Literally translating to "Devil's Gorge," this small canyon is an incredible testament to the power of water erosion. The flowing shapes and structures within the canyon walls narrate a geological story that spans millions of years. A trek through this rugged beauty reveals captivating formations and a panoramic view that few places on Earth can offer.

Guatin: Nestled at 3,000 meters, Guatin is a sublime blend of two worlds where pyroclastic flow meets lava flow. The short climb into the small canyon leads to a cactus forest, providing an extraordinary setting for sunset and astrophotography. Guatin's landscapes are a synthesis of fire and earth, displaying nature's raw artistic power.

Rainbow Valley: As the name suggests, Rainbow Valley is a colorful marvel in the heart of the Domeiko mountain range. The erosion has revealed a kaleidoscope of minerals, each with a different hue, resulting in a landscape that looks like an artist's palette. Whether captured in the soft light of sunrise or simply admired, this valley is a visual feast for all who visit.