3-Days Private Guided Hiking Tour in Atacama

Exploring the Atacama Desert is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This private guided hiking tour promises breathtaking vistas, unique wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Over three days, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, discover vibrant lagoons, and witness geothermal wonders. With personalized guidance and a moderate fitness requirement, you’ll explore the desert’s geological formations and ancient ruins. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking an adventure, this tour offers a chance to learn about one of the world’s most remarkable destinations. The question is, are you ready to embark on this exceptional journey?

About Your Stay

• A 3-day private guided hiking tour in the Atacama Desert of Chile, exploring diverse landscapes and geological formations.
• Includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, and knowledgeable guides for an immersive experience.
• Moderate fitness level required, with no serious medical conditions permitted.
• Free cancellation up to 3 days before the tour and exclusive to the booking party.
• Highlights include hiking in the Valley of the Moon, visiting Laguna Cejar, and engaging in activities like sandboarding and rafting.

Tour Overview

This 3-day private guided hiking tour in Atacama, Chile is operated by Ecotours Chile Private Tours.

The tour takes place in the stunning Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile. Priced from $1,500 per group, the tour includes private transportation, entrance fees to national parks and reserves, 2 breakfasts, and tips for the driver and guides.

Participants must have a moderate fitness level and be free of serious medical conditions. Pickup details are provided upon booking, and the tour is exclusive to your group.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 3 days in advance.

Included Experiences

Hiking through the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert, guests explore a variety of natural wonders during this private tour.

The tour includes entry to national parks and reserves, providing access to stunning geological formations, including:

• Towering volcanoes and rugged mountains
• Shimmering salt flats and lunar-like landscapes
• Vibrant lagoons and geothermal springs
• Ancient rock art and indigenous cultural sites
• Diverse wildlife, from flamingos to vicuñas

With private transportation and knowledgeable guides, travelers can enjoy the Atacama’s breathtaking scenery and learn about its unique ecosystem and history.

A well-rounded experience, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to one of Chile’s most captivating natural wonders.

Pickup and Requirements

Guests can select a pickup point for the tour, which is typically from their hotel or accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama. Pickup details and meeting information will be provided upon booking confirmation. Requirements for the tour include:

Requirements	Details
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Medical Conditions	No serious medical conditions (e.g., heart problems)
Fitness Level	Moderate physical fitness level required

The tour is open only to the booking party, ensuring a private and personalized experience. Guests must provide their name, hotel, and email address when booking to coordinate the pickup and logistics.

Exploring the Atacama

The vastness of the Atacama Desert unfolds before adventurous hikers, a stark landscape where time seems to stand still.

This 3-day private guided tour immerses participants in the region’s natural wonders, from the towering volcanoes and otherworldly rock formations to the shimmering salt flats and hidden oases.

Explorers can look forward to:

• Trekking through the Valley of the Moon, with its lunar-like terrain and dramatic vistas
• Discovering the ancient ruins and petroglyphs of Pukarā de Quitor
• Marveling at the geothermal activity and hot springs of El Tatio Geysers
• Hiking to the stunning Laguna Cejar, a turquoise oasis nestled in the desert
• Witnessing the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that paint the Atacama in vibrant hues.

Day 1: Hike and Sights

Participants kick off their Atacama adventure with a morning pickup from their accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

They’ll embark on a scenic drive towards the Andes, where they’ll start their first hike through the breathtaking Moon Valley. Surrounded by striking lunar landscapes, they’ll explore the region’s unique geological formations and learn about the area’s history and ecology from their knowledgeable guide.

After the hike, they’ll visit the Atacama Salt Flats, marveling at the vast, otherworldly expanse.

The day concludes with a stop at the picturesque Laguna Cejar, where they can take a refreshing dip in the saline waters.

With stunning vistas and immersive experiences, day one sets the tone for an unforgettable Atacama exploration.

Day 2: Adventure Activities

On day two, the group embarks on a thrilling array of adventure activities in the Atacama region.

They explore the otherworldly landscape through exciting excursions, including:

• Sandboarding on the vast dunes, gliding down the slopes at exhilarating speeds
• Soaring over the desert in a hot air balloon, taking in the breathtaking views from above
• Trekking through the Mars-like terrain of the Moon Valley, marveling at the unique geological formations
• Navigating the rushing waters of the Vilama River on a thrilling rafting adventure
• Discovering the hidden gems of the Atacama Salt Flats, capturing stunning photographs of the surreal scenery.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking for the Private Guided Hiking Tour in Atacama can be done directly through the tour operator, Ecotours Chile Private Tours.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is exclusively for your group – no other you will join. A deposit is required, and full payment must be made prior to the tour.

Cancellations are permitted up to 3 days in advance, with a full refund.

Pickup details, including the name and address of your hotel, as well as your email, are required at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness without any serious medical conditions.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Customize the Hiking Routes or Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Clients can work with the tour operator to adjust hiking routes and activities to fit their interests and fitness levels. The private nature of the tour allows for a personalized experience.

What Types of Hiking Gear Are Provided, if Any?

The 3-day Atacama tour provides basic hiking gear like hiking boots, poles, and daypacks. However, hikers are responsible for bringing their own personal gear like water bottles, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Specialty equipment like trekking poles may be available upon request.

Are There Options for Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The tour operator can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences with advance notice. Guests should inform the operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum group size of 2 and a maximum of 6 participants. The price varies based on the group size, with a lower per-person cost for larger groups.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Days?

Customers can extend the tour duration or add extra days, but this would incur additional costs. The standard 3-day tour is the only option offered, and extending the trip requires coordination with the tour operator.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This guided hiking tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Travelers can expect personalized attention, diverse activities, and breathtaking natural wonders throughout the 3-day adventure. With moderate fitness requirements, this tour provides an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most remarkable desert destinations.