Average rating Atacama Trekking Expedition

This one’s not for the faint hearted, spend seven day in the world’s driest desert, on this Atacama trekking expedition in Chile. With an English-speaking guide, all meals and accommodation sorted for you, all that’s left for you to do is concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.

Forget the Sahara. It’s the Atacama desert that’s the driest in the world. To give you a real idea just how arid this place is, it’s a whopping 50 times drier than California’s Death Valley. Here, in this 600-mile sliver of land, it’s the spiny giant cacti that flourish the most. Few other living beings can tolerate the incessant drought-like climate. But those who do visit are blessed with views of a near-lunar landscape of buttermilk-coloured dunes that roll into the distance.

Aside from the wonderful views you’ll be granted while you're on this Atacama trekking expedition, the highlight of this walk may just lie in the sense of achievement you feel when you finally reach day seven. But, if it’s a highlight-you-can-touch that you’re after, the real gem is to be found on the fifth day: The Puritama Hot Springs. Plunge into waters of 30°C temperatures and relax your muscles while gazing out across desert mountains. It’s highly likely you won’t want to leave.

This Atacama trekking trip is for serious hikers. The team that organises this trek has graded it as demanding. You’ll be trekking for about four to five hours a day and the terrain isn’t easy – dry, sandy terrain can be hard work. Also, you’ve got the altitude to contend with – on day four, for instance, you’ll be walking in high regions so this also takes its toll. Couple that with accommodation that’s a mix of hotels and tents and it’s not the easiest of holidays. However, if you’re physically fit, up for a real challenge and enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll probably have a blast.

Getting there

LAN airlines is the main airline to fly to Calama Airport.

Price includes

English-speaking guide, all ground private transportation as indicated in the itinerary, three hotel nights in San Pedro: 3 star (group expeditions) 4 star (private departures), three nights camping, all meals except breakfast on day one and lunch and dinner on the last day.

Price details

Price varies on group size and group/private expeditions:



Group Expeditions
USD $2,075 p.p. (based on 4+ people)
Two people group supplement: USD $300 per person
Three people group supplement: USD $200 per person
Single hotel and tent supplement: USD $157 per person
Christmas supplement: USD $50 per person



Private Departures
USD $6,904 / 1 people USD $3,766 per person / 2 people USD $2,720 per person / 3 people USD $2,197 per person / 4 people
Single hotel and tent supplement: USD $176 per person
Christmas supplement: USD $50 per person

Available

Jan—Dec

Typical Duration

1 week

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed