Experience the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert with authentic adventures across Chile’s most stunning landscape. Book tours at AtacamaChileTours and explore salt flats, geysers, and otherworldly valleys under some of the clearest skies on Earth. From unforgettable stargazing sessions to sunrise at high-altitude lagoons, our local guides create moments you’ll remember forever.
Our most popular Atacama adventures, loved by travelers from all over the world
Experience the wonders of San Pedro de Atacama on this 4-day adventure exploring Moon Valley's stunning rock formations and sunsets, stargazing under the world's clearest skies at a renowned observatory, hiking the colorful Rainbow Valley with its vibrant mineral hills, floating in the salt-rich Laguna Cejar, witnessing the dramatic Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons at 4,200 meters elevation, and visiting the geothermal El Tatio Geysers at dawn with 80 smoking fumaroles, all with daily hotel pickup, meals, and expert guides included.
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day Atacama adventure showcasing Moon Valley's golden sunsets over alien landscapes, the high-altitude El Tatio Geysers with their dramatic steam plumes and nearby Machuca village offering authentic highland culture, plus a serene float in Baltinache's secret turquoise lagoons, all seamlessly organized with airport transfers, three nights' comfortable lodging with daily breakfast, and knowledgeable bilingual guides revealing the desert's captivating stories throughout your journey.
This action-packed 3-day tour showcases Atacama's most iconic landscapes, from the steaming fumaroles and flamingo colonies at El Tatio Geysers—the world's third-largest geothermal field—to the vivid Piedras Rojas and serene Altiplanic Lagoons nestled in the high Andes, the moon-like terrain of Valle de la Luna perfect for sunset photography, and the hidden Baltinache Lagoons where crystal-clear salt waters allow you to float effortlessly, all thoughtfully arranged with hotel pickup, knowledgeable bilingual guides, and entrance fees covered for a hassle-free desert adventure.
Adventure through the Atacama Desert with volcano treks, sunrise geyser visits, high-altitude lagoon exploration, and world-class stargazing in Earth's driest landscape.
This comprehensive 3-day Atacama journey takes you to the region's most breathtaking sites, including the secluded Baltinache Lagoons with their stunning turquoise waters and Valle de la Luna's otherworldly terrain glowing at sunset, the striking Piedras Rojas contrasting against pristine mountain lagoons and flamingo-dotted Chaxa Lagoon, plus an early morning adventure to the legendary El Tatio Geysers where powerful steam columns rise at dawn, all seamlessly organized with daily hotel pickup, expert bilingual guides, hearty breakfasts, lunch, and sunset refreshments for an unforgettable desert expedition.
Challenge yourself with an unforgettable ascent to Cerro Toco volcano, reaching 5,604 meters above sea level for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atacama Desert from one of the region's highest accessible summits, with trekking poles, helmets, and trail snacks provided for this demanding full-day climb requiring moderate fitness and advance coordination with the operator.
Push your limits on this full-day Atacama canyoning adventure, hiking archaeological trails above 4,000 meters before mastering rappelling techniques with expert guides, making four thrilling descents down canyon walls and hidden waterfalls into crystal-clear pools surrounded by stunning Andean scenery, with hotel pickup, safety equipment, snacks, and intimate small-group experience limited to 15 participants included.
Pedal through Catarpe Valley's ancient landscapes on this thrilling mountain bike tour from San Pedro de Atacama, riding past the historic Pukará de Quitor fortress and along the San Pedro River oasis before tackling the adrenaline-pumping Devil's Throat canyon descent at your own pace, pausing at San Isidro Chapel to absorb dramatic geological formations and archaeological sites, with bike rental, safety gear, breakfast, and intimate group limited to 6 riders included.
Float above the Atacama Desert at sunrise on an unforgettable hot air balloon journey, drifting over Moon Valley, Death Valley, the Salt Mountain Range, and shimmering lagoons with breathtaking Licancabur Volcano and Andes views, then enjoying a gourmet breakfast with local specialties while hearing captivating stories about indigenous culture, all with hotel pickup, professional guides, safety equipment, insurance, and intimate 6-person group size included.
Saddle up for an unforgettable 2-hour horseback adventure through the Atacama Desert, trotting across colorful Salt Mountains to Dinosaur Valley's ancient fossilized footprints, then riding through the dramatic Catarpe and Chulacao ravines with spectacular canyon vistas while your expert bilingual guide reveals the region's geology, history, and wildlife, all with hotel pickup, personalized horse selection, and riding instruction for a safe and memorable journey.
Experience the Atacama Desert at your own pace with personalized private tours that let you explore geysers, salt flats, and volcanic landscapes on your schedule with dedicated expert guides.
Treat yourselves to an unforgettable romantic day in San Pedro de Atacama, soaring over the salt flats at sunrise in a hot air balloon with coffee, croissants, and sparkling wine, enjoying a private horseback ride through the majestic Salt Mountain Range, unwinding in Puritama's natural thermal pools at over 3,000 meters altitude, and savoring an intimate French dinner with champagne at La Franchuteria, all with seamless hotel transfers between each activity included.
Skip the crowds and visit the stunning Tatio Geysers on your own schedule with this exclusive private tour from San Pedro de Atacama, departing later to avoid mass tourism and freezing pre-dawn temperatures, uncovering hidden hot springs and secret viewpoints in the world's third-largest geothermal field while savoring a delicious breakfast amid spectacular Andes scenery, all with flexible hotel pickup, private air-conditioned transport, expert local guide, travel insurance, and intimate experience for your group of up to 6 people.
Tailor your Atacama adventure with fully customizable private tours offering flexible schedules, personalized itineraries, and crowd-free exploration, including secluded sunset spots with gourmet snacks and cocktails, bilingual guides, meals, and private transport, or join the transformative Meditta Atacama retreat for a multi-day meditation journey connecting deeply with nature in one of the planet's most spiritual desert landscapes.
Witness the universe like never before under the Atacama Desert's exceptionally clear skies, where world-class astronomical tours reveal galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters invisible from anywhere else on Earth.
Witness the cosmos come alive under the world's clearest skies on this unforgettable astronomical tour from San Pedro de Atacama, traveling to a remote desert observatory far from light pollution to observe celestial wonders through high-end telescopes while expert guides reveal the secrets of constellations and cosmic phenomena, taking home a stunning personal photograph with the Milky Way as your backdrop, all with round-trip air-conditioned transport, snacks, drinks, and an intimate stargazing experience.
Unlock the secrets of the universe on an unforgettable stargazing night in San Pedro de Atacama, peering through powerful 14-inch Skyquest telescopes with an expert astronomer boasting over 7 years of experience and deep academic knowledge, absorbing fascinating cosmic insights, receiving a professional photo of your stellar evening, indulging in gourmet appetizers with red wine, hot chocolate or tea, staying cozy with thermal blankets, and enjoying round-trip transfers for a memorable blend of science and wonder beneath Atacama's spectacular skies.
Rediscover your connection to the cosmos at Bajo la Noche de Atacama through heartfelt storytelling beyond data and facts, featuring guided stargazing with telescopes and naked-eye observations, professional astrophotography of your celestial journey, gourmet snacks with reserve wines and hot drinks, campfire moments under the stars, and unhurried personal contemplation in a pristine setting free from light and noise pollution.
Journey to the Atacama's hidden wonders where powerful geysers burst from the earth and crystalline lagoons reflect the Andes, offering intimate encounters with nature's raw beauty.
Visit the seven breathtaking Baltinache hidden lagoons on this half-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, hiking a scenic trail to discover crystal-clear turquoise waters tucked between dramatic desert rock formations, swimming in one lagoon (available since March 2025), and admiring stunning Cordillera de Sal views, all with hotel pickup, brunch or snacks with pisco sour, and small-group experience included.
Journey through the Atacama Desert's most iconic landscapes on this full-day tour, visiting the striking Piedras Rojas with vivid red formations at high altitude, the pristine Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons framed by Andean peaks, flamingo-dotted Chaxa Lagoon in the heart of the salt flats, and charming villages of Socaire and Toconao, plus a memorable stop at the Tropic of Capricorn, all with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, and expert guide insights into the region's remarkable flora, fauna, and geology.
Witness the spectacular El Tatio Geysers at sunrise on this early morning tour from San Pedro de Atacama, watching over 80 geysers launch dramatic steam columns into the crisp mountain air at nearly 14,000 feet in one of the world's largest geothermal fields, savoring a traditional breakfast surrounded by stunning Andean volcanic peaks, and visiting the charming village of Machuca with its adobe houses and local specialties, all with hotel pickup, round-trip transport, and guide included.
Tour Atacama's top highlights in one full day, visiting the dramatic Red Stones formations, pristine Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons at 4,200 meters, flamingo-dotted Chaxa Lagoon in Los Flamencos National Reserve, and the traditional village of Socaire, with gourmet breakfast, snacks, bilingual guides, and intimate small-group experience capped at 14 travelers included.
Float effortlessly in the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Cejar on this half-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, exploring the crystal-clear underground pools of Ojos del Salar and witnessing the vast white expanse of Laguna Tebenquiche against the Andes backdrop, concluding with pisco sour and snacks at sunset, all with small-group experience capped at 12 travelers included.
Visit the hidden Baltinache Lagoons on this half-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, journeying through stunning desert and salt landscapes while learning about the region's ancient ocean origins, exploring all seven crystal-clear turquoise lagoons nestled in the heart of the Atacama, floating in the highly saline waters like the Dead Sea, and savoring delicious snacks amid otherworldly scenery, all with hotel pickup, bilingual guide, and shared transport included.
Immerse yourself in the Atacama's most breathtaking vistas, from lunar valleys and endless salt flats to colorful rock formations that showcase nature's artistic mastery across Chile's desert highlands.
Tour Atacama's diverse landscapes in one day, visiting three iconic parks—the striking Red Stones with vivid mineral formations, serene Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons in the highlands, and flamingo-filled Chaxa Lagoon—plus the cultural villages of Toconao and Socaire with their historic landmarks, all with breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, bilingual guides, and intimate group size capped at 12 travelers included.
Journey into the surreal Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) on this mesmerizing sunset tour from San Pedro de Atacama, where colorful rock formations and lunar terrain within Los Flamencos National Reserve await, alongside the famous Tres Marias salt sculptures, mysterious salt caves, and the towering Gran Duna offering front-row seats to a breathtaking desert sunset painting the sky in vivid colors, complete with hotel pickup, expert guide, snacks, and entrance ticket included.
Venture into the enchanting Cordillera de la Sal on this sunset tour from San Pedro de Atacama, wandering lunar-like dunes while learning about the unique geological forces shaping the desert's otherworldly beauty, stopping at the iconic abandoned "Magic Bus" for unforgettable photos in its rustic valley setting, and toasting a spectacular desert sunset with pisco sour, wine, appetizers, and snacks, all with hotel pickup and small-group size capped at 18 travelers included.
Relax and rejuvenate at the stunning Puritama hot springs on this half-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, descending into a scenic ravine at 3,500 meters altitude surrounded by dense foxtail vegetation and diverse birdlife, soaking in seven natural thermal pools with temperatures between 28°C and 31°C nestled in the heart of the Andes, and enjoying the pure mineral-rich waters in this desert oasis offering an unforgettable experience, all with hotel pickup, city center drop-off, shared transportation, and entrance fees included.
Journey through the otherworldly Salt Mountain Range on this afternoon tour from San Pedro de Atacama, uncovering Vallecito's dramatic rock formations and moon-like terrain deep in the desert, stopping at the iconic "Magic Bus of Atacama" for photos, hiking mini-trails through captivating geology, and toasting a stunning sunset with pisco sour against an Andes backdrop, all with hotel pickup and English-speaking guide included.
Step into Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a breathtaking Nature Sanctuary within Los Flamencos National Reserve showcasing lunar-like terrain and geological marvels at 2,407 meters, where you'll visit the iconic Tres Marías rock formations, scale the impressive Duna Mayor sand dune, and take in dramatic viewpoints like Quebrada Honda with the renowned Piedra del Coyote, all glowing with spectacular desert beauty at sunset..
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of those places that changes how you see the world. As the driest desert on Earth, it's a landscape of extremes where salt flats stretch to the horizon, geysers erupt at sunrise, and some of the clearest night skies anywhere reveal galaxies you've only seen in photos. This isn't just another desert. Ancient rock formations tell stories millions of years old, while flamingos wade through high-altitude lagoons that seem impossibly out of place. Visit in any season and you'll find something remarkable, from the rare desert blooms after winter rains to the perfect stargazing conditions that draw astronomers from around the globe. The Atacama offers the kind of raw, untouched beauty that stays with you long after you leave.
Discover some of the world's clearest night skies where galaxies, nebulas, and countless stars reveal themselves with stunning clarity.
Explore vast salt flats, moon-like valleys, and colorful rock formations that look like they belong on another planet.
Visit steaming geysers at dawn, turquoise lagoons, and volcanic peaks in the dramatic Andean highlands.
Witness the spectacular El Tatio geysers at sunrise, where steam columns erupt from the earth at over 4,300 meters above sea level.
Our expert team has been helping travelers from the US and Canada discover and book Atacama Desert tours for over a decade, making sure your adventure is seamless with everything arranged before you arrive.
With deep knowledge of the Atacama Desert, partnerships with trusted local operators, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, we're committed to making your desert adventure truly extraordinary. From your first inquiry to your last tour, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Recognized by travelers and industry leaders alike
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
2024
Booking.com Guest Favorite
Chile Tourism Excellence
TrustPilot Top Rated Service
Sustainable Desert Travel Award
2023
For most visitors, we don't recommend renting a car. The Atacama's vast, remote terrain features unpaved roads, unreliable GPS, extreme conditions, and long distances that make self-driving challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with desert navigation. Guided tours provide expert local knowledge, proper timing for attractions like geysers and salt flats, transportation, safety equipment, and cultural insights—making your experience stress-free and far more rewarding than attempting to explore independently.
April to October offers the best conditions with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rainfall—perfect for stargazing and exploring salt flats and geysers. December to March brings warmer weather and occasional highland rain, but you might witness the rare "desierto florido" (flowering desert) phenomenon. For the ultimate experience, visit May to September for crisp days, cool evenings, and some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Yes, the Atacama Desert is very safe to travel to. Chile has strong tourism infrastructure, and San Pedro de Atacama is a well-established, tourist-friendly town with low crime rates. The main safety considerations are environmental—high altitude (2,400m), extreme UV radiation, and temperature swings—so acclimatize properly, use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and book with reputable tour operators who provide experienced guides and safety equipment for remote excursions.
San Pedro de Atacama ranges from moderate to expensive, with accommodation from $15-30 for hostels to $300+ for luxury lodges, and tours costing $30-150+ depending on duration and destination. Food spans all budgets ($8-40 per meal), though prices reflect the remote location. Book tours in advance online and visit during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for better rates—the Atacama's otherworldly landscapes make it worth every penny!
No, the Atacama has very few dangerous animals, and most wildlife you'll encounter—like vicuñas, flamingos, and viscachas—are completely harmless. While spiders, scorpions, and venomous snakes exist, they're rarely seen and avoid humans; just shake out shoes and stick to marked trails. The biggest "danger" is the environment itself—extreme sun, high altitude, and temperature swings—so follow your guide's instructions and wear proper sun protection for a safe, worry-free adventure.
We recommend 3-4 days in San Pedro de Atacama to experience the region's highlights—Valley of the Moon, El Tatio Geysers, salt flats, high-altitude lagoons, and world-class stargazing—while allowing time to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have 5-7 days, add experiences like Piedras Rojas, Rainbow Valley, hot springs, or even the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. Two days minimum works if you're short on time, but remember that tours start very early (3-4 AM) or return late, so the longer you stay, the more you'll appreciate this extraordinary desert destination.
Stay in or near San Pedro de Atacama town center for easy access to restaurants, tour operators, and shops in this compact, walkable village. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels ($15-50) and mid-range hotels ($60-150) near Caracoles Street to luxury lodges ($200-500+) just outside town with desert views and premium amenities. Book well in advance during peak season (June-August, December-February) as the best properties fill up quickly!
San Pedro sits at 2,400m (7,900 ft), but excursions reach much higher—El Tatio Geysers at 4,320m (14,170 ft) and high-altitude lagoons up to 4,600m (15,100 ft). To minimize altitude sickness, arrive a day early to acclimatize, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider coca tea; most people adjust within 24-48 hours. Tour operators monitor guests and carry oxygen on high-altitude excursions, so with proper preparation, the altitude is manageable and won't stop you from experiencing the Atacama's incredible beauty!
While you can explore San Pedro town center and nearby sites independently, we strongly recommend guided tours for the desert's main attractions. Top sites like El Tatio Geysers, high-altitude lagoons, and salt flats are hours away on unmarked roads where GPS fails, require specific timing (4 AM geyser departures), and involve extreme conditions at altitudes up to 5,000m. Expert guides provide safety, proper equipment, permit access, and fascinating insights about geology, archaeology, and local culture that dramatically enhance your experience.
The Atacama experiences dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Daytime temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F) depending on season, but nights drop to 5-10°C (41-50°F) in summer and -5 to -10°C (23-14°F) in winter, with early morning geyser tours feeling bitterly cold. Pack layers—t-shirts for warm days plus warm jacket, long pants, gloves, and beanie for cold mornings and evenings, as temperatures can drop 20-30°C from afternoon to night.
