Adventures on four wheels
1. Altiplanico Lagoons (Villages of Toconao & Socaire, Miscanti Lagoon) Duration: 6 to 8 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart the hotel in a vehicle to the village of Toconao. Visit the church in Toconao. Visit the village of Socaire and the church there. Visit the lagoons of Miscanti & Miñiques. Box lunch here. Return by vehicle to the the hotel. Description: This adventure includes the discovery of important facts about the atacameñan culture. In the villages of Toconao and Socaire, life as it is today can be observed. On arrival at the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, (4,200 m/13, 860 feet high) there is time to view the large numbers of birds which live here and admire the beautiful scenery.
2. Salar de Tara Duration: 6 to 8 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart the hotel and drive to the Salar de Tara. Visit the “nuns” of Tara Lunch. Return to the hotel in vehicle. Description: Heading east from the hotel, we head towards the border with Argentina, befote turning off to the south at a height of 4 200m/13 860 feet approximately) Formations of igneous volcanic rock have formed the “nuns” of Tara, a marvellous sight in the middle o fan amazing plateau. Lunch here before returning on the same road back to the hotel.
3. El Tatio Geisers Duration: 7 to 8 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart the hotel and drive to El Tatio. Visit to the Geothermal field where the geisers are found. Return to the hotel by vehicle. Description: The El Tatio Geisers are located at a height of 4 300m /14 190 feet. The geothermal field has close links to the volcanic activity in the zone and consists of huge steam columns which reach heights of 12 metres /almost 40 feet. Intense sulphur odors and pools of boiling water and mud make this place seem like the initiation of life. Breakfast is served as dawn breaks. On the way back to the village, there is the opportunity to spot numerous families of vicuñas and if we are lucky, foxes and Andean ostrich. Return to the hotel by vehicle for lunch. ** As this excursion departs early and is 8 hours long, it counts as a full day excursion. Please ensure you have the correct clothing, including gloves and a hat – temperatures can reach -20°C/-4°F in winter.
4. Machuca Duration: 3 - 4 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: By vehicle to the north, passing through Guatin. Visit the village of Machuca. Return to the hotel in vehicle. Description: This journey reaches heights between 3000 and 4000 m. ( 9,845 – 13, 123 feet) and visits typical dwellings, known as “cactaceas”, traditional to the area, they are built of stone and used by the local people today in their tranhumance method of keeping livestock. The village of Machuca has a privileged site surrounded by nature and in its only street we can see the roofs made of cactus and maybe taste barbecued llama, offered by the villagers. The church is of special interest for the cultural significance and many birds can be seen in the area also. Return to the hotel in vehicle
5. Puritama Duration: 3 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart from the hotel in a vehicle heading north. Bathe in the hot springs of Puritama. Return to the hotel in a vehicle. Description: This journey combines a unique pleasure in surroundings where to find water is a complete surprise! Hidden at the bottom of a steep sided gorge, surrounded by vegetation, the River Puritama has 8 natural pools, with water which has an average temperature of 33°C/ 91°F at a height of 3500 m asl. (11, 482 feet) Following a lovely bathe, return to the hotel in a vehicle.
6. Viewpoints in the Salt Mountains Duration: 3 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart from the hotel in a vehicle heading towards the Salt Mountains. Discover different viewpoints of the fascinating geography traveling in a vehicle. Return to the hotel. Description: This journey allows participants to appreciate the beauty of the landscape from the many viewpoints in the Salt Mountains, such as the scenery of Death Valley, Moon Valley and the Andes mountain range. A must for photo buffs!
7. Atacama Salt Flat (Chaxsa Lagoon Flamingo Reserve) Duration: 4 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart the hotel in a vehicle towards Toconao. Visit the Chaxsa Lagoon, a flamingo reserve. Return to the hotel in vehicle. Description: The journey starts with a brief visit to Toconao where the main square and the historic church are the main attractions. Also see the handicrafts produced by the local families. Continue to the National Flamingo Reserve in the Atacama salt flat. There are three types of flamingo to be found here, which live off the microscopic lagoon life. The views of the Andes as the sun sets are truly amazing
Archeology
8. Padre Le Peige Museum/Quitor Fortress/Tulor Village Duration: 3 to 4 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: By vehicle to the Padre Le Peige Museum By vehicle to the Pucara de Quitor. By vehicle to Tulor Village. Return to the hotel. Description: The history of the Atacama is fascinating, and helps to explain the culture and the idiosyncrasies of the desert peoples to the visitor. The museum displays give a broad understanding of events here and the visits to the archeological sites uncover vestiges which still exist today.
9. Petroglyophs Duration: 3 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: By vehicle to the site Visit to the site of the petroglyphs. Return to the hotel. Description: Rupestrian art displays many forms of expression – man has tried to record experiences, common elements, symbols and signs. The description and understanding of these through a science, archeology, gives rise to a greater understanding of the human race. Petroglyph: an inscription or engraving on rock, fundamentally made by hand and with another hard object. This place is incredible and is witness to the travelers, shamans and merchants of the past who converged here and left evidence of their stories.
Walks & Hikes
10. Cornices Duration: 21/2 hours to 3 ½ hours Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart the hotel in a vehicle on the old road to Calama and get out when the tunnel is reached. Walk along the cornices. Descent via the main dune to Death Valley. Return to the hotel in a vehicle. Description: A fun excursion for the morning or afternoon. On arrival at the old road to Calama, the walk starts with a visit to some archeological sites and wonderful views of the volcanoes of the region. At a height of around 2 600m/8580 feet, descend via the huge dune to Death Valley – an unforgettable experience which takes everyone back to their childhood!
11. Kari Gorge Duration: 1½ hours to 2½ hours. Level of difficulty: Easy, but following a narrow path at first. Itinerary: Travel to the Kari Lookout point in a vehicle. Walk along the Kari Gorge. Return to the hotel in a vehicle. Description: An amazing morning or afternoon hike through incredible scenery. At a height of 2550m (8000 feet) enjoy an incredible phenomenom. The water, wind and temperature extremes have joined forces to produce this unique gorge in the Salt Mountain Range. We walk between dried up clay riverbeds, where crystals of salt and lime can be seen. There is a sense of the mountains growing around us. Return to the hotel in a vehicle.
12. Devils Canyon & Vilama Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours. Level of difficulty: Medium. Itinerary: Depart the hotel in a vehicle heading towards the Catarpe Valley. Walk through the Devils Gorge and to the area of Vilama. Return to the hotel by vehicle. Description: A morning or afternoon excursion. Depart the hotel in a vehicle and head to Devil’s Canyon to start the walk. The altitude here is approximately 2450 m.(8038 feet) We walk on flattish ground for about an hour, on the dry river bed through formations of lime which are part of the Salt Mountain Range. The trail then rises to take in amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes, Following an ancient caravan route we pass petroglyphs showing the former commercial activity in the area and finally finish at the old settlement known as Vilama. Return to the hotel in a vehicle.
13. Guatin/Gatchi Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Level of difficulty: Medium. Itinerary: Travel by vehicle to the Guatin Valley. Walk through the valley of the Vilama River. Return to the hotel by vehicle. Description: Depart the hotel in a vehicle heading northeast of San Pedro de Atacama to the Guatin Valley. At a height of 2800m (9 186 feet) The confluence of two rivers takes place here – one coming from the warm thermal springs of Puritama, and the other is the Purifica river, whose waters are from the Andes mountains – this unique mix of warm thermal spring water and cold clear mountain snowmelt gives rise to the new river which supports the unique ecosystem of the Guatin Canyon. We walk here, alongside waterfalls and rocky climbs whilst marvelling at the amazing Candelaria cactus.
14. Guatin/Puritama Duration: 2,5 to 3,5 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: By vehicle to the Guatin Valley. Walk along the northern Guatin valley floor. Bathe at the Puritama thermal springs. Return to the hotel in a vehicle. Description: This excursion is better done in the morning because of the temperature changes. The walk starts at an altitude of 2 800m /9 186 feet to the northeast of San Pedro de Atacama. The walk is a steady uphill climb, through the valley which is scattered with igneous rocks from the volcanic explosions of the past. Passing between the native pampas grass which grows alongside the rivers of the area, we can view typical birds of the area. Accompanied by the gurgle of the water, we eventually arrive at the the Puritama Thermal Springs, 8 pools of limpid warm water where there is a chance to bathe and relax before returning to the hotel in vehicle.
15. Machuca/Rio Grande Duration: 7 to 9 hours. Level of difficulty: Medium. Itinerary: Travel by vehicle to the village of Machuca. Walk from the village of Machuca to the area of Peñaliri. Lunch in Peñaliri. Walk from Peñaliri, to the village of Río Grande. Return to the hotel in a vehicle. Description: This walk takes place at a height of around 4000m / 13 200 feet and is a great way to acclimatize to the altitudes for people who want to climb a volcano during their stay. The walk follows the river bed and on the way we can see llamas, alpacas and birds which are found in this habitat. Stop for lunch in the abandoned mountain village of Peñaliri. Following this well deserved break, discover the abandoned terraces of the gully and continue on to the village of Río Grande, the last in this odyssey of discovery, where typical highland corn and vegetables are grown. Return to the hotel in a vehicle.
Bicicyle Rides
16. Devils Canyon / Catarpe Duration: 2 ½ hours to 3,5 hours. Level of difficulty: Medium Itinerary: ½ hour approx. by bicycle to Catarpe. 1 hour aprox. by bicycle in the Quebrada del Diablo. ½ hour approx. to cycle back to the hotel from Catarpe. Description: Depart from the hotel on bicycles heading towards the amazing Salt Mountain range, and the beautiful Devil’s Canyon. The ride takes place at an average height of 2400m / 8000 feet) approximately. To the north of the San Pedro river the surrounding countryside is a mix of the stark landscapes of the Salt Mountains and the Oasis of San Pedro. The trail through the Devil’s Canyon is flanked by clay cliffs and is sometimes sandy, with a constant gentle climb until the final labyrinth. The return journey follows the natural course of the San Pedro River until we reach the village and the hotel.
17. Sejas Lagoons Duration: 4 hours approx. Level of difficulty: Medium Itinerary: Cycle from the hotel across the Atacama Salt Flat to the lagoon. About an hour for a bathe and a rest in the heavily salted water of the lagoon. Return by vehicle to the hotel. Description: This is a morning excursion to make the most of the temperature at this time of day. Depart the hotel heading south by bike to the Salt Flat to the lagoons of Sejas. The terrain is mainly flat and slightly uneven in places. On arrival at the lagoon, the view of the thick salt crust which has formed around the water hole is amazing. The salt concentration is incredibly high here and one floats in the spectacularly clear waters. Following time for a swim and a rest, return to the hotel by vehicle.
18. Windy Lookout Point (Death Valley, the Dune) Duration: 2 to 3 ½ hours. Level of difficulty: Medium with some technically more challenging parts Itinerary: Depart the hotel towards the Salt Mountain Range. Ride for 30 minutes to an hour along the cornices. 20 minutes to descend in to Death Valley. 20 minute ride through Death Valley. Return to the Hotel via the paved highway. Description: A morning or afternoon excursion. Depart from the hotel heading northeast then head north towards the Salt Mountain Range enjoying marvellous views of the Andes and the volcanoes. Continue along the cornices viewing the formations of Death Valley from above, before descending via the old trails into the valley itself. Once at the bottom, continue on to Death Valley and cycle through the amazing scenery before returning to the hotel.
19. Bike Ride through the Ayllus (Atacmeñan Communities) Duration: 1,5 to 2,5 hours. Level of difficulty: Easy. Itinerary: Depart the Hotel on bicycles. Visit the local villages and communities “ayllus” of Sequitor and Solor. Return to the hotel. Description: Depart the hotel in the morning or early afternoon. The nearby oases villages are typical of the local culture and in many ways their inhabitants still follow the same way of life as their distant ancestors. View the local agriculture and the unique irrigation system. This is a great way to be introduced to the village and the climate of San Pedro.
Volcanoes
20. Toco Duration: 5/7 hours. Level of difficulty: Medium. Itinerary: 1 hour 30' approx. by vehicle to the foot of the volcano. Hike of 2 hours to 4 hours uphill to the summit. Half an hour on the peak. Descent of 1 to 1 ½ hours. Return to the hotel in vehicle, a journey of 1 hour. Description: The journey starts from the hotel, traveling in a vehicle for 1 hour 30 minutes to the starting point of the walk at a height of 4800m approx (16,500 feet) The peak of the volcano is at 5650 m. /18,645 feet and from the top there are great views of the Bolivian altiplano and the Atacama Salt Flat to the west. After time for a break and a rest, the descent is taken slowly and safely down the same route until the vehicle is reached. Return to the hotel by vehicle. This excursion requires previous acclimatization to the altitude and the appropriate clothing (gloves, hat, windbreaker, good hiking boots and warm clothing. NOT appropriate for people under the age of 18 years. Guests who wish to participate in this excursion should allow a minimum of 5 days in the area with previous hikes of a strenuous nature to get used to the altitude. If their time and the weather permits we can arrange more challenging volcano walks once Toco has been successfully conquered!
Bird Watching
21. Altiplano and gullies of the Atacama Description: Places such as the Nacimiento and Guatin canyons, the Atacama Salt flat and the northern Chilean Altiplano are habitats which house a wide variety of differing species of birds. For example, the Salt Flats are home to the Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, Andean avocet and Puna Plover. The open altiplano wetlands houses Andean geese, Rufous bellied seedsnipes, Golden Spotted Ground Doves and Ochre Naped Ground Tyrants amongst others. Other species to be found in the area include the Chiguanco Thrush, cordilleran canastero, Scale Throated Earthcreeper, Andean Negrito and Horned Coot amongst many others. The time of year, migratory cycles, availability of food, temperature, altitude, etc., are all determining factors when birdwatching.
Flora & Fauna
22. Altiplano and gullies of the Atacama Description: The altiplano is a huge plateau at an altitude of 4000m/13 200 feet. It is an area of vast expanses of land cut into by deep channels and valleys, spotted with high salt lakes and where dark masses of lava from volcanic eruptions change the terrain. Rain is rare, temperatures vacillate wildly and the atmosphere at this altitude is transparent and luminous. Although the conditions are harsh, many plant and vegetable species exist here and have adapted to the demands of the climate and terrain – this voyage of discovery of the local flora and fauna is fascinating.
Horse rides
23. Atacama on horseback Descriptión: We can arrange a selection of rides with Atacameñan horses. Our saddles are Chilean (Western) style. The horses are mounted at the entrance to the hotel and we travel with our guide to discover the desert scenery. Depending on experience and wishes of the participants, the rides can take between 2 and 5 hours.
Accommodation: Tierra Atacama