6-Days Discovering 2 of the World's Largest Salt Flats, Atacama & Uyuni

6-Days Discovering 2 of the World's Largest Salt Flats, Atacama & Uyuni

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6 Days From

$2869

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Tour Overview

Embark on a 6-day adventure through two of the world's largest salt flats, Atacama and Uyuni, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes of northern Chile and Bolivia. Begin your journey in San Pedro de Atacama, exploring the Moon Valley and the vibrant Rainbow Valley. Witness the breathtaking Atacama Salt Flat, home to a variety of flamingos and other bird species. Cross into Bolivia to marvel at the emerald Green Lagoon, the geysers, and the striking Red Lagoon. Discover the unique Incahuasi Island and the salt processing village of Colchani. This tour offers an unforgettable experience of awe-inspiring scenery and cultural richness. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Atacama Salt Flat is one of the main attractions of the Los Flamencos National Reserve

  • Spot the differences between the Andean, Chilean, and James flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon

  • Visit the Moon Valley, a Nature Sanctuary with unique geological formations

  • Explore the Rainbow Valley, known for its colorful mineral-rich mountains

  • See the impressive emerald color of the Green Lagoon and the Licancabur Volcano

  • Experience the Red Lagoon, where the water's color changes with temperature

  • Visit Incahuasi Island in the middle of the salt flat, home to giant cactuses

  • Observe the salt processing in the village of Colchani and purchase salt handicrafts

Itinerary

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Day 1 : San Pedro De Atacama

Location: San Pedro de Atacama

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de Don Tomas

Meals Included: Breakfast

Calama, Arrival - San Pedro de Atacama - Moon Valley
Reception at Calama Airport and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

In the afternoon, departure from the hotel to the Moon Valley., declared a Nature Sanctuary and Monument and protected by the uniqueness of its beauty. It consists of a depression surrounded by small hills with impressively sharp peaks. We will see the Dinosaur Valley and Death Valley, where there is a spectacular panoramic view of the area. We continue to the Moon Valley, where we will find geological formations that are the result of successive foldings of the earth's crust. In the valley is possible to appreciate the salt sculptures known as Las Tres Marias, formed by wind erosion. Continuing with the tour we will walk through the interior of the caves that remain from the old deposits, to get closer to valley where is the Big Dune. After a break, we will climb this dune, which impresses with its size and is used for extreme sports as snowboarding At sunset, a bold palette of golds and reds appear, touching the soul and sensibilities of the visitor. Return to hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Casa de Don Tomas (breakfast and taxes included)
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Day 2 : San Pedro De Atacama

Location: San Pedro de Atacama

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de Don Tomas

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning excursion to Rainbow Valley + Afternoon Atacama Salt Flat
After breakfast, we depart from San Pedro de Atacama and travel westward to find the Domeyko mountain range and reach Yerbas Buenas. This sector is of great historical and archaeological importance, since we will see one of the most significant rock art expressions of the region, depicted in several panels of petroglyphs. It is believed that in this sector used to be a lagoon that was used as a resting place by ancient caravans of native peoples and camelids. This place will take us back to the Atacameño indigenous past. Next, after crossing the Matancilla Valley, we will reach the Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley), which is named after the different colors that minerals give to the mountains. Green, purple, white and red colors will catch the attention of visitors. There are very few sites such as this in the world. We will walk around to take it all in, recording it in our memory and photographs. Afterwards, we will take the highway to return to San Pedro de Atacama.

Late afternoon, we depart from San Pedro de Atacama. During our journey we will be accompanied at all times by the beauty of the Andes Mountain Range and its volcanoes, as well as trees such as carobs, chañares and tamarugos. We will reach Toconao, a town built with pumice stone: visit its square full of history and its bell tower built in 1750 with adobe and cactus wood. .
Finally, heading south we find the Soncor sector of the large Atacama Salt Flat, one of the seven sites that make up Los Flamencos National Reserve. At Chaxa Lagoon, we will be able to enjoy watching a variety of bird species, including the three types of flamingos that inhabit Chile -Andean, Chilean and James’- and the pink color of their feathers. The deep blue of the Atacama sky, the altitudes of the Andean volcanoes and the red sunset will bid us farewell before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

Overnight at Hotel Casa de Don Tomas (breakfast and taxes included)

Day 3 : Laguna Colorada

Location: San Pedro de Atacama

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

San Pedro de Atacama - Hito Cajon - Laguna Colorada - Desert
Pick up from San Pedro de Atacama hotel and transfer to Hito Cajon (border line Chile-Bolivia), transfer to start our tour: visit the Green Lagoon where we can see its impressive emerald color and the Licancabur Volcano, Hot Springs of Polques where we can enjoy nature and a refreshing and energetic bath in the middle of the desert, lunch on route, the Geysers (lava boiling intensely and steam which reaches up to 50 meters high), the Red Lagoon where the red of its waters is due to sediments from algae as well as zooplankton and phytoplankton which have the peculiarity of changing with the temperature, the Stone Tree (geomorphological formation from the mushroom rock type, due to the erosion caused by the wind. It outstands from a set of volcanic rocks).
Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Breakfast and taxes included)

Day 4 : Colchani

Location: Colchani

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Desert - Uyuni - Colchani
Breakfast at hotel.
07:30 Visit Hedionda and Kañapa lagoons, the Ollague volcano viewpoint and the Incahuasi Island (a rocky island in the middle of the salt flat where we can observe giant cactuses, some of them are more than 100 years old, from the top you can see the salt flats in its entirety). Lunch on route.

Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Breakfast and taxes included)

Day 5 : Uyuni

Location: Uyuni

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Colchani - Desert
Breakfast at hotel.
09:30 Visit the village of Colchani, where the processing of salt can be observed (drying, grinding and packaging of salt) you will also have the opportunity purchase handicrafts made of salt, San Cristobal Church, Rocks valley, Mysterious lagoon, the lost city of Italy, Camel Stone.

Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Breakfast and taxes included)

Day 6 : San Pedro De Atacama

Location: San Pedro de Atacama

Meals Included: Breakfast

Desert – Hito Cajon – San Pedro de Atacama - Calama Airport
Breakfast at hotel
.06:00 visit Red Lagoon, Geyser, Hot springs of Polques and Green Lagoon. Transfer to Hito Cajon (border line Chile-Bolivia) and then, transfer to Calama Airport passing by San Pedro de Atacama.
(we recommend to book flight after 8:00pm. Also you have the option of extending your trip to one or two days in San Pedro de Atacama).

What's Included

  • Meals and Accommodation

    Lunch, 2-Nights Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, 2-Nights Accommodation in Desert Hotel, 1-Night Accommodation in Colchani

  • Guided Tours

    Bilingual Guide in all tours in San Pedro de Atacama

  • Transfers

    Transfers Calama - San Pedro - Calama by shared services

  • Transportation

    Transportation (4x4 truck) Bolivia portion

  • Admission Fees

    Admission fee to Archaeological sites in San Pedro de Atacama

What's Not Included

  • Air Travel

    Domestic Air tickets and Airport taxes

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance

Know Before You Go

  • Public Transportation Nearby
  • Passport Required

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable

Mode of Transport

Transfers include shared services from Calama to San Pedro and back, and a 4x4 truck for the Bolivia portion of the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy 2 nights at Hotel Casa de Don Tomas in San Pedro de Atacama, 2 nights in a Desert Hotel, and 1 night in Colchani, all with breakfast and taxes included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 2 nights of accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, 2 nights in a Desert Hotel, and 1 night in Colchani. All accommodations are 3-star hotels with breakfast and taxes included.

  • Are there any specific items I should bring for the tour?

    While the tour does not specify a packing list, it is advisable to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. Additionally, since the tour includes visits to high-altitude areas and hot springs, bringing layers of clothing and swimwear would be beneficial. ...more ...less

  • Is the tour suitable for children or infants?

    The tour is not suitable for infants as it mentions that infants must not sit on laps and infant seats are unavailable. It is also not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes transfers from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama and back by shared services. For the Bolivia portion of the tour, transportation is provided by a 4x4 truck.

  • Are there any meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, lunch is included as part of the tour package. Additionally, breakfast is included at the hotels where you will be staying.

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as visiting the Moon Valley, Rainbow Valley, Atacama Salt Flat, Green Lagoon, Hot Springs of Polques, Geysers, Red Lagoon, and the Stone Tree. You will also visit Hedionda and Kaňapa lagoons, the Ollague volcano viewpoint, Incahuasi Island, and the village of Colchani where you can observe salt processing.

  • Is there a recommended time to book flights after the tour ends?

    It is recommended to book your flight after 8:00 pm on the last day of the tour to ensure you have enough time to complete the activities and transfer to Calama Airport.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

    Yes, domestic air tickets and airport taxes, as well as travel insurance, are not included in the tour package.

  • Is there an option to extend the trip in San Pedro de Atacama?

    Yes, you have the option to extend your trip by one or two days in San Pedro de Atacama.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The tours are in small groups with the same interests. But it also depends on the operators at the destination.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 15 years we have been taking travelers to visit South America, we have always been committed to being there for our travellers.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, We do not operate this option.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, the accommodation will include meet local health and safety regulations.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    No, You don't contributing to any charity by booking the tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Services and hotels can be changed up to 15 days before your trip., except for services and hotels with prepaid. Changes in flights are subject to a penalty fee.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Before your trip, you will receive the voucher with the booked services.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It all depends de the tour and the operator. Usually, you can not join the tour once it has departed.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Biosecurity protocols all along the journey according to the local Sanitary Authorities The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test

Reviews of this operator

Hope Wu (Google Reviewer)  

One of the best travel...

10-Dec-2024

One of the best travel companies to work with. I booked a trip to San Pedro de Atacama, Easter Island, and Puerto Natales with them. Marilda was extremely easy to work with and was constantly checking in with me to make sure everything was going okay. The hotels we stayed at were amazing and conveniently located. Would highly recommend this tour company for trips to Chile. ...more ...less

Zoe S. (Google Reviewer)  

I had a fabulous time...

16-May-2024

I had a fabulous time with this organization, specifically Caro! Her warmth, knowledge, and Argentinian flair made my time SO wonderful. 10/10 would recommend—you will have a great time!

stan s (Google Reviewer)  

I must say I think...

14-May-2024

I must say I think I had the most amazing time in years. I’ve been to Argentina before, but I never enjoyed my time this much. I get anxious when traveling sometimes, but all went as planned. Kudos.

Sage Behr (Google Reviewer)  

I had a marvelous experience...

14-May-2024

I had a marvelous experience visiting Argentina, and Signature DMC was a huge part of that! The whole team at this company is exceptional. They offer tailored experiences, so I felt super catered to! Overall just had such a great experience. Thank you Signature DMC! Super recommend! ...more ...less

Antonis (Google Reviewer)  

Very Reliable touristic office: they...

09-Dec-2024

Very Reliable touristic office: they are professionals. They organised my trip very well. In addition, i would like to highlight that when everything is fixed and the trip starts, they are still “here” via WhatsApp to advise and solve any unpredictable problem that may occur. They “follow” you during the whole trip and thus, you feel safe and this is the best part of all. Many thanks to Agustin who organized my trip with professionalism and was “with me” when I needed him. Highly recommended ...more ...less

Sebastián Fernández Aebert (Google Reviewer)  

I had an incredible experience...

13-May-2024

I had an incredible experience in Argentina. Most of it thanks to the excellent service provided by this company. Everything went as planned and the service was amazing. I would definitely recommend it. Thanks again for everything.

Robert Bixby (Google Reviewer)  

We traveled through Argentina for...

31-Jan-2025

We traveled through Argentina for a month in late December 2024 and January 2025. I have used tour operators/travel agents in the past for longer customized trips with just fair results. Where they usually fall apart is with support during the trip. This trip was the polar opposite. We worked closely with Carolina in the Buenos Aires office to develop this trip and where she really shined was with the support during the trip. She met us at our hotel when we arrived in Buenos Aires. She was available during the trip for questions and issues, even during her days off. She did her best to modify things when we wanted to make a change. She met us at the airport when we were departing. She obtained a refund for us for several activities we did not participate in. She was truly a customer advocate and I honestly cannot say enough about her support during the trip. I think she is very unusual in this industry and she is now my go to person for South America, where we love to travel. ...more ...less

Delos Aumock (Google Reviewer)  

Many thanks to Signature Tours...

06-Dec-2024

Many thanks to Signature Tours and especially Agustín López. He was great- a pleasure working with him. He stayed in touch the entire trip and made sure airport pickups and transfers were timely and professional. As I usually arrange these things myself, it was a pleasure and eliminated a lot of stress especially with the language barrier. Also, great guides on all of our private excursions. ...more ...less

Lisa Lee (Google Reviewer)  

I just finished my 9...

25-Dec-2024

I just finished my 9 day tour with Signature DMC. My tour focused on Atacama (the desert) and Easter island. The itinerary is very well organized with diversity and all highlights. In Atacama, I saw the beautiful moon valley, Tatio, Flamingos, experienced the driest desert of the world and star gazing and more. In Easter Island, the tour covers all the main Moai sightseeings and the history. I especially like the hotels the agency chose. It is clean, comfortable, and has the best kitchen on Easter Island. Maltida from the agency offered me great support. She is always available for all questions and checked immediately if anything needs to be confirmed. I would further recommend Signature DMC! ...more ...less

Andresa Cardoso (Andy) (Google Reviewer)  

Very nice experience! Carol was...

13-May-2024

Very nice experience! Carol was very friendly, explaining with details about everything me and my group of friends needed to know. We had good times and good memories from this trip!

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Saturday - Thursday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025
$2869 (USD)

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Wednesday - Monday

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Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Signature DMC requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 50 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of signature dmc charges.

    Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 49 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

6-Days Discovering 2 of the World's Largest Salt Flats, Atacama & Uyuni

6 Days Starting in Calama, Chile and ending in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Visiting: San Pedro de Atacama, Colchani, Uyuni

Tour operator:

Signature DMC

Tour code:

442878

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2869 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 12-Feb-2025 but subject to change.