The Most Unique Atacama ExperiencesFrom horseback riding through otherworldly landscapes to renting bikes to ride in the "Devil's Throat," floating in salty lagoons, and seeing desert flamingos, the Chilean Atacama Desert is a hub for surprise and adventure. Check out my favorite experiences to book for your next trip there!Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsSan Pedro de AtacamaItinerary

Tours I LOVED

Uyuni Salt Flats 4-days tour from Atacama> private room available
If you're looking to explore beyond Chile, this 4-day tour is for you! Head over to the largest salt flat in the world, located in Bolivia, at Uyuni! You'll stop by pink lakes, small mountain towns and unreal landscapes.
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The Roofless Experience San Pedro de Atacama Stargazing Tour
After a long desert day, it can be hard to stay awake and enjoy the night sky, but the Atacama puts on a spectacular show, worth waiting up for! As the highest and driest desert in the world, with minimal light pollution, it is a popular spot for astronomers and stargazers admiring the constellations and Milky Way of the Southern Hemisphere. A guide will take you through the science of it all as you enjoy dinner and tea!
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Private Tour of Geyser del Tatio breakfast in Geyser Blanco
One of my favorite tours we did was a sunrise experience at Geysers El Tatio. 10000% worth the early wake-up call. The geysers appear golden as the sun cuts through mountain peaks, and our guides put together a delicious breakfast for us to enjoy after exploring the geysers. A MUST!
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Full Day Tour to Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa
Start bright and early on this tour of three iconic Atacama sights: Piedras Rojas, Laguna Miscanti and Miñiques, and Laguna Chaxa. You'll spot flamingos in the wild of the desert and hang out at high altitudes, all complete with a delicious breakfast, snacks, and lunch along the way.
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Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache Tour
Who would've thought that in the highest and driest desert in the world you could float in salinated pools!? Jump on in at this tour that gives you time to enjoy the sunshine and float around in turquoise salt pools, but beware, the water is freezing! Note: you cannot wear sunscreen due to the fragile nature of the ecosystem, so make sure to pack a hat and sun shirt (the UV can be higher than 14 here!!).
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Tour to Vallecito and Magic Bus
We had originally wanted to go to Valle de la Luna, but the park was closed unexpectedly, so our tour guide took us here! Home to the magic Atacama Bus and beautiful red rocks, it did NOT disappoint (and truly I still felt like I was on the moon).
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Tours I want to go BACK for!

Rainbow Valley Tour from San Pedro de Atacama
Not the Rainbow Mountain of Peru, but the Rainbow Valley of Chile! Head out on a guided trek and exploration of the multi-colored and striped rock that makes up this vibrant valley. You'll visit more than just the canyon too, so wait and see for a real desert surprise!
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Private adventure 3 days in San Pedro de Atacama
You'll stand at the edge of a massive impact site over 400,000 years old on this tour—how impressive! This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers striking desert scenery, fascinating geology, and panoramic views of the Atacama Salt Flats and surrounding volcanoes.
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Atacama Balloons
Take a sunrise or sunset ride over the otherworldly desert landscape, under the clear skies with this tour company. Atacama Balloons is a totally unique way to see the landscape!
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Atacama Horse Adventure
Feel like you're in a Western—but the "Gaucho" edition—with Atacama Horse Adventure. You'll explore iconic landmarks and the beautiful desert landscape on horseback with them.
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Half-Day Tour to Laguna Cejar
Head out in the morning or afternoon to the famed Laguna Cejar, a chilling body of water amidst the dry desert. Soak, float, and take it all in before returning to the hot sun!
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Bike Tour in San Pedro de Atacama - Devil's Throat
Visit the Pukará de Quitor, Devil's Throat, and even head out on a little hike to take in all of the views on this top-rated bike tour. The guide is known to be super friendly and knowledgeable, paired with views that cannot be beat!
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Half Day Private Tour of the Salar de Atacama and Toconao
explore the lickanantai of toconao, proving there was human life here over 12,000 years ago, admire the flamingos of the salar de atacama, and enjoy the scenic ride in an AC vehicle on this tour through the desert, leaving from san pedro de atacama.
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Puritama Hot Springs Experience with Transfer and Entrance
Explore the Lickanantai of Toconao, proving there was human life here over 12,000 years ago, admire the flamingos of the Salar de Atacama, and enjoy the scenic ride in an AC vehicle on this tour through the desert, leaving from San Pedro de Atacama.
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Hiking Cerro Toco
Known for being one of the "easiest summits" near the Atacama Desert, this 3-mile guided hike to 18,385 ft. comes with uphill climbs and thin air. Make sure to pack layers, drink lots of water, and stay fueled—which your guide will help with too! The views from the top, overlooking the landscape below, won't help you catch your breath!! They're too beautiful.
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Valley of the Moon | Stunning sunset tour in Atacama
Originally what we had planned to do, this sunset tour explores the iconic Valle de la Luna as it lights up in the golden sunlight. The views here are incredible, showing off towering sandstone rock, the neighboring volcanoes, and steep ridgelines of all hues.
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