Atacama Chile Tours San Pedro de Atacama Desert Tour – 3-Day Combo with 4 Tours
our Tour in San Pedro de Atacama at Valle de la Luna

San Pedro de Atacama Desert Tour – 3-Day Combo with 4 Tours

Atacama highlights tour from San Pedro: sunrise El Tatio Geysers + flamingos, Piedras Rojas & altiplanic lagoons, Valle de la Luna sunset, floating in Baltinache’s hidden lagoons, daily hotel pickup, bilingual guides and all entrance fees included.

4.6
$ 330 per person
72 hours
2.846 + bookings
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Overview

Spend three full days uncovering the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert from San Pedro de Atacama, with hotel pickups and a bilingual guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese) handling every detail.

Day one takes you to Moon Valley's salt dunes and lunar rock formations for a dramatic sunset, followed by stargazing under some of the world's clearest skies. Day two climbs pre-dawn to the Tatio Geysers, where steam erupts from dozens of fumaroles against a freezing Andean sunrise (children under 7 stay behind due to altitude rules). Day three floats in the ultra-salty Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache (Dead Sea-style buoyancy) and ends with a desert sunset.

All tours include comfortable transport, entrance fees to main sites (some extras paid cash on site), breakfast (3 days), and lunch daily.

This compact combo caps at 10 travelers per vehicle for a relaxed pace.

Real talk: high altitude (up to 4,300 m on Tatio) requires acclimatization—arrive early, drink coca tea, move slowly.

Includes round-trip Calama Airport transfers. Book now.

What's Included

  • Round-trip transfers Calama Airport ↔ San Pedro de Atacama hotel.
  • 3 nights selected lodging in San Pedro with breakfast (3 days).
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off for all excursions.
  • Bilingual guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Lunch each day.
  • All taxes and fees.
  • Entrance fees (payable cash on site in CLP): Moon Valley ≈ CLP 10,800/adult Tatio Geysers ≈ CLP 15,000/adult Baltinache Hidden Lagoons ≈ CLP 12,000/adult (CLP 5,000 children 5-18)
  • Air tickets to/from Calama.
  • Dinner or extra snacks.
  • Gratuities for guides/drivers.
  • Personal expenses.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrival + Moon Valley Airport transfer Calama to hotel in San Pedro. Afternoon pickup for Moon Valley: explore Cordillera de la Sal, rock formations, salt mantles, and sunset viewpoint with drink. Evening astronomical tour: naked-eye and telescope stargazing. Return to hotel.
  2. Day 2: Tatio Geysers Pre-dawn pickup (around 4:30 AM) for Tatio Geysers (4,300 m): watch steam plumes and fumaroles at sunrise (children under 7 not permitted). Descend via Machuca village (crafts, church). Return to hotel by early afternoon.
  3. Day 3: Hidden Lagoons & Departure Early pickup and drive to Baltinache Hidden Lagoons: float in ultra-salty waters, walk trails. Shower facilities at entrance. Sunset in the desert on return. Afternoon/evening transfer to Calama Airport.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your 3-day trip go well, based on common experiences with altitude, weather, and activities. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Warm layers for Tatio mornings (below freezing), sun protection (high UV), comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water aren't optional. Several guests said altitude headaches hit on Day 2—coca tea, slow pace, and hydration helped. One packed a light jacket that saved early starts.
  • Altitude notes. San Pedro at 2,400 m; Tatio at 4,300 m—acclimatize first day. Guests recommended rest on arrival, avoid alcohol initially.
  • Moon Valley sunset. Colors change dramatically—guests loved the drink at the viewpoint.
  • Tatio geysers. Steam spectacular at dawn—cold but worth it. Guests bundled up and stayed close to hot pools.
  • Hidden Lagoons float. Salt water makes you bob—stings cuts, shower after. Guests called it surreal with turquoise contrast.
  • Group setup. Max 10 per vehicle keeps it intimate. Past visitors said small size allowed personal guide chats and easy stops.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry) for clearest skies and Tatio activity. Guests early 2026 noted June-July mornings crisp with vivid colors. December-April hotter but greener.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Clear skies, best Tatio Colder nights Early mornings
Dec-Apr (Wet) Greener landscapes, fewer crowds Hotter days, possible rain Early to avoid heat

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—uneven trails. Guests found walking moderate but altitude tiring—pace yourself. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Do I need to acclimatize to altitude?

Yes—arrive in San Pedro a day early if possible. Tatio hits 4,300 m on Day 2—drink water, avoid alcohol first days. Guests felt fine with rest and coca tea.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Yes for children over 7 who handle long days and altitude (Tatio excludes under 7). Families said older kids loved floating in lagoons and stargazing, but monitor fatigue.

Vegetarian meal options?

Limited—notify early for swaps (more veggies/beans). Guests found lunches hearty with local ingredients, but confirm dietary needs.

How cold/hot does it get?

Mornings cold (especially Tatio), afternoons warm/hot. Guests layered up and peeled off—sun strong year-round.

Wildlife sightings?

Flamingos, foxes, vicuñas possible. Guests spotted condors and birds often—guide points them out.

Why this 3-day package?

Covers top highlights (Moon Valley, Tatio, Hidden Lagoons) with hotel pickups, meals, and small groups. Past guests said the guided pace and transfers made it easier than self-driving the desert.

Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.6 Read more reviews