Chilean Wonders: Santiago, Atacama, and Uyuni Expedition - 12-Day Journey of Natural and Cultural Marvels
|12 Days, 6 Destinations |Starts from Santiago
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Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration
12 days

Max Group Size
10

Tour Code
RTC-002

Tour Type
Request as group tour

Departure Type
Scheduled

Age Requirement
8 - 80 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In
EnglishSpanish

Physical level
moderate

Tour route map

Santiago

Pickup Time:

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Calama

Dropoff Time:

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Activities

DiscoveryCombined CountryExplorerSightseeingPhotographyWalking TourSee Itinerary

Tour Overview

Welcome to the Chilean Wonders: Santiago, Atacama, and Uyuni Expedition! Embark on a 12-day adventure of a lifetime as we take you on a journey through some of South America's most extraordinary destinations. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Santiago, explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, and witness the surreal beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

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This carefully curated program will introduce you to the diverse beauty and rich cultural heritage of Chile and Bolivia. From the bustling streets of Santiago to the serene silence of the Atacama Desert and the awe-inspiring vastness of the Salar de Uyuni, every moment of this expedition promises to be unforgettable.

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Join us as we delve into the heart of these enchanting regions, unveiling hidden gems and iconic landmarks, all while enjoying the comfort of our expertly planned itinerary and the company of fellow travelers. Let the Chilean Wonders Expedition open your eyes to the natural marvels and cultural splendors that make this part of the world so unique and unforgettable. Are you ready for an experience like no other? Let's embark on this extraordinary journey together!

Highlights

  • Enjoy Atacama and visit the driest desert in the world
  • Unique landscapes in the northern part of Chile
  • Get involved by the Uyuni Salt Flats

Itinerary

When you arrive at Santiago de Chile's airport, you can enjoy the convenience of pre-arranged private transportation to your hotel. A private car or van will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to whisk you away to your accommodation in the city.

The journey from the airport to your hotel in Santiago typically takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the location of your accommodation.

­ Once you arrive at your hotel, take some time to settle in and get acquainted with your surroundings.

­ After you've freshened up, step out and explore the city on your own (remember that tomorrow you will visit the city with us). Santiago offers a wealth of attractions and activities to suit every interest. Take a stroll through the bustling streets, visit iconic landmarks like Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace, or explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods such as Bellavista and Lastarria, known for their trendy cafes, boutique shops, and lively atmosphere.

­ Food enthusiasts can indulge in Chilean cuisine by trying local dishes at recommended restaurants or exploring food markets like Mercado Central, where you can savor fresh seafood and traditional delicacies.

­ For panoramic views of Santiago, consider visiting San Cristobal Hill. Take a cable car or funicular to the top and marvel at the stunning vistas of the city and the surrounding Andes Mountains.

­ If you're interested in art and culture, discover the rich heritage of Chile by visiting museums such as the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art or the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which provide insightful exhibits about the country's history and culture.

­ After a day of exploration, return to your hotel and take advantage of its amenities. Relax in the comfort of your room, dine at the hotel's restaurant for a delicious meal, or simply unwind and recharge for the next day's adventures.

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With transportation already taken care of, you can focus on enjoying your stay in Santiago and making the most of your time in this vibrant and captivating city.

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We will leave your hotel at the agreed time and visit Santiago's center, to visit its most historic places. We will visit the Plaza de Armas, where the Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Municipality of Santiago are located. Later on, we will visit La Moneda Palace, the seat of the Chilean Government, and then walk through the surrounding streets full of stories. We are also visiting Santa Lucia Hill, and we will walk through Barrio Lastarria.

Our tour will continue in the eastern sector of Santiago, where we will learn about modern buildings and how these have transformed the city.


Viña Concha y Toro Winery was founded in 1883 by Don Melchor Concha y Toro, and year after year, the company's wines receive resounding international accolades. Its property in Chile amounts to 12,910 hectares, distributed in the seven main wine valleys, and the company also has long-term lease contracts for 704 hectares. Of this total, the cultivable area corresponds to 7,805 hectares, with 6,853 hectares planted. Already positioned among the ten most important wineries in the world, Concha y Toro took new steps in 2010 that allowed it to continue advancing in the globalization of its brand.

Undoubtedly, Concha y Toro Winery tour is the most popular tour in Santiago. It is one of the most famous Chilean wine brands in national and international tables. In fact, spent years in the world ranking of the five best-selling wine. Surprised? When you see its large and modern facilities will understand how this vineyard has managed to position and carve a reputation.

Upon your arrival at San Pedro de Atacama, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and relax for some time. We will be waiting for you with your name in the arrival area.

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In the afternoon discover the enchantment of the Moon Valley "Valle de la Luna".

Enjoy a sunset of another planet with our tour to the Moon Valley, visiting the Tres Marías, the Cañón, the Amphitheater, and the Licarantay Lookout Point.

Today you will head to "El Valle de la Luna" Surprise yourself with the enormous figures of salt and clay constructed with the passing of the years and the wind. There is no life in this valley, nor humidity, turning it the most inhospitable place on the planet.

When the sun sinks, it is painting pie tones on the edges of hills and defiles, while the wind blows among the rocks and the sky passes from pink to purple and finally black.

As we venture into the valley, you'll witness a unique combination of geological formations, undulating sand dunes, and eroded rocks, creating a landscape that seems otherworldly. The sunlight paints the horizon with warm, subtle hues, providing an unforgettable visual spectacle.

Throughout the journey, our guide will share fascinating stories about the geological formation and cultural history of the region. You'll learn about the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to this extreme environment.

This private tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serenity and grandeur of the Moon Valley.

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon exploring the magical Moon Valley in San Pedro de Atacama!

On this tour, we will visit a series of lagoons inside the Atacama salt flat, Chile's largest salt flat. First, we will visit the famous Cejar Lagoon and Piedra Lagoon, surrounded by green and yellow grass, which highlights the color of the water, while we see a unique landscape of turquoise waters and volcanoes. In the Piedra Lagoon, we will enjoy swimming with a flotation effect similar to the one in the Dead Sea. In addition, there are dressing rooms and showers, so you can change clothes and remove the salt from your body.

After that, we will visit the Ojos del Salar, two deep freshwater wells in the middle of the desert. Then, we will visit the Tebinquinche Lagoon, where we will walk by its track to see the incredible views where the sky merges with the desert and the salt whiteness.

Must-see tour to El Tatio Geysers, a one-of-a-kind sight in the world. Breakfast and a visit to the Putana River are included.

On the El Tatio Geysers tour, we will leave San Pedro de Atacama early in the morning and set off towards the Altiplano, going up the hills and mountains of the Andes. We will arrive at El Tatio Geysers after an hour and a half to find a one-of-a-kind natural sight in the world, with 80 steaming geysers at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 ft.). With this natural scenery as our backdrop, we will enjoy a replenishing breakfast and then go explore the geothermal camp, where we will be surrounded by countless plumes of steam. We will stop at the Putana River on the way back to San Pedro de Atacama to observe the native flora and fauna of the area.

Tour through the Salt Flats Route to visit the Monjes de la Pacana and Quisquiro. Includes transportation, breakfast, and a guide.

This tour will take us to the east of San Pedro de Atacama, towards the Andes Mountain Range. Our first stop will be the Licancabur lookout, where we will enjoy our breakfast, depending on the wind conditions. Anyway, breakfast can be in the next tourist attraction: the wetland of the Quepiaco River, where we will appreciate the contrast between vegetation and the mountain range.

After that, we will go to the Pacana lookout, so then we go visit the monjes de la Pacana (Pacana Monks), bigs tone pillars that rise up lonely in the middle of the desert. Then, we will visit the Quisquiro Salt Flat, which is at more than 4,000 m (13,123 ft.) of altitude. Here we will have time to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Finally, on our way back to San Pedro de Atacama, we will pass by the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat, known for its colored waters.

Join a 4-day group tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat, beginning and ending in San Pedro de Atacama. It includes transportation, basic accommodations, and meals.

­ When traveling from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni in Bolivia, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of pre-booked private 4x4 SUV or minibus transportation. Your private vehicle will be ready and waiting to take you on an exciting journey through the stunning landscapes of the Atacama Desert and across the border into Bolivia.

The drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking views of the vast salt flats, colorful lagoons, and unique geological formations along the way. With a private 4x4 SUV, you'll have the flexibility to make stops at various points of interest and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the region.

The duration of the journey can vary depending on the specific route and stops you choose to make, but typically it takes around 7 to 9 hours to reach Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama. The exact timing may be influenced by weather conditions and road conditions, so it's important to plan accordingly.

­ Once we reach the border, we will switch to a 4x4 vehicle for 6 people. On this first day, we will visit places in the Bolivian Altiplano such as the Blanca Lagoon and Verde Lagoon located near the Licancabur Volcano. Next, we will visit the Salvador Dalí Desert, the Polques Hot Springs to take a nice dip, and the Sol de Mañana Geysers, intermittent sources of water that flow at a temperature of 90 °C (194 °F). We will end the day at the Colorada Lagoon, a major nesting site for more than 30,000 flamingos.

We will stay overnight at the refugio in Villamar.


After breakfast, we will take the route to Tomas Lakha, where you will be able to see the cave paintings from before the Incas. After that, we will visit Italia Perdida, a place where the volcanic rock is shaped by what happens to be an abandoned city. Then, we will go to Vinto Lagoon and Catal Lagoon, where you will be able to walk and see the typical fauna of the Bolivian Altiplano. Later, we will visit the Anaconda Canyon and the Sora Canyon, before going to the Chiguana Salt Flat and getting to Colcha K where you will stay the second night.

We will begin our last day of the tour very early in the morning with a view of the sunrise in the Uyuni Salt Flat. After this, we will go to Incahuasi Island, a limestone formation located in the middle of the salt flat, where we will be able to explore and get another perspective on the Salt Flat. We will then continue on to the Salt Museum and the town of Colchani, which are outside of the salt flat. From here, we will go to Uyuni, passing by the train cemetery, where we will make a short stop to take pictures. In Uyuni, we will say goodbye to our driver/guide who accompanied us during the previous three days, and then we will have some free time to eat lunch and tour part of the city. Then, we will meet up with the driver who will take us on the return trip, with a stop-over in Villamar to eat dinner and sleep.

We will get up very early to continue our return trip and get to the border between Chile and Bolivia. Once here, and after the corresponding procedures, we will switch vehicles to a minibus to go back to San Pedro de Atacama.


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On your departure day from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, you'll bid farewell to the enchanting desert landscapes and embark on your journey to your next destination.

­ In the morning, take some time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and savor the last moments in this unique town. As you prepare for your departure, make sure to check that you have all your belongings and travel documents in order.

­ Your private transportation will pick you up from your hotel at the designated time to Calama Airport. Sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning scenery one last time as you leave San Pedro de Atacama behind.

­ During the journey, you can reminisce about the incredible experiences you had in San Pedro de Atacama. From exploring the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert to stargazing under the clear night sky, you'll cherish the memories you made in this remarkable destination.

­ Safe travels, and may your departure from San Pedro de Atacama be the start of another incredible chapter in your journey.

Trip includes

Included

  •  3-star hotel in Santiago. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer a private bathroom. 
  •  3-star hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer a private bathroom. 
  • Hostel Villamar in the Uyuni area. In a shared double, triple, or quadruple room, subject to availability, with a shared bathroom.


HotelHostel
  • English and Spanish-speaking national guides


Guiding Method
Fully guided

English Spanish
  • All transfers are according to the program.
  • Shared transport (minibus in Chile and 4x4 for six people in Bolivia).


Coach / BusPrivate Vehicle
  • Assistance in all activities
  • Pickup at your accommodation (in an urban area) 
  • Entrance fee to the vineyards, wine tasting, and shared guided tour in the vineyard (Day 3)
  • Entrance fee to Cejar Lagoon.
  • Pick up/ drop off at the airport (Santiago and Calama)

In Uyuni 


  • Hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Drop off at bus station or downtown San Pedro de Atacama for your return 
  • Spanish /english speaking driver.
  • Basic accommodation. with a shared bathroom (showers with cold water, you may pay an additional Bs. 10 if you would like hot have hot water).


Excluded

  • International flights are not included in the price. 
  • Local flights are not included.

Please book your arrival and departure according to the itinerary. 

  • Meals as mentioned on the itinerary.
  • Breakfast every day


  • Entrance fee to Moon Valley: (CLP$ 10.800 for adults and  CLP$ 5.400 for elderly people).
  • Food and entrance fee to Tebenquinche Lagoon (CLP$ 5.000 per person).
  • Entrance fee to El Tatio Geysers: (CLP$ 15.000 per person).

in Uyuni :


  • Drop off at the hotel.
  • round-trip shuttle between the Calama airport and San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Border tax (Bs. 17 per person).
  • Entrance fees (Bs. 186 per person).
  • Entrance fee to the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve (Bs. 150 per person).
  • Entrance fee to the Polques Hot Springs (Bs. 6 per person).
  • Entrance fee to Incahuasi Island (Bs. 30 per person).
  • Access to bathrooms along the way (approximately Bs. 6 each time).
  • Rain boots (needed the event of rain; rental for Bs. 20 per person).
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Water.
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport taxes
  • International flights
  • Drinks
  • Souvenirs and personal expenses
  • Gratuities


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