7 days / 6 nights
All-Inclusive Program
Location:
San Pedro de Atacama, Atacama Region, Chile
General Overview
This journey is designed for wildlife lovers who want to experience the Atacama Desert through the eyes of its native species. Over seven days, you’ll venture into the Chilean Altiplano accompanied by expert naturalist guides, focusing on ethical and respectful wildlife encounters in one of the driest and most striking places on Earth.
From shimmering salt flats to high-altitude wetlands, each day will bring you face-to-face with the desert’s most iconic inhabitants: elegant Andean flamingos feeding in turquoise lagoons, herds of graceful vicuñas crossing golden plains, elusive viscachas sunbathing on volcanic rocks, and the cunning Andean fox surveying its territory.
Along the way, you’ll learn how these animals have adapted to extreme conditions, understand the delicate balance of their ecosystems, and gain insight into conservation efforts that protect them. Between excursions, you’ll connect with local culture, enjoy traditional food, and unwind in thermal waters. All while staying in comfortable accommodations in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama.
Tour Objectives:
- Highlight the biodiversity of the Atacama Desert and its highland ecosystems.
- Promote ethical wildlife observation, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals and their habitats.
- Inspire a deep sense of ecological awareness and responsibility through direct contact with nature.
- Integrate local cultural knowledge into the understanding of wildlife and landscape.
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1 – Arrival in Calama, welcome briefing on Altiplano wildlife, short exploration of Valle de Marte, and welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Dawn visit to Chaxa Lagoon for flamingo observation (three species), visit to local villages with cultural interpretation.
Day 3 – High-altitude wildlife spotting at Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons: vicuñas, Andean geese, crested ducks, and more.
Day 4 – Sunrise at El Tatio Geysers, followed by vizcacha and bird tracking in surrounding bofedales.
Day 5 – Guided hike along the Cactus Route, focusing on endemic flora and possible sightings of hummingbirds and small mammals. Afternoon visit to the Rainbow Valley for wildlife photography.
Day 6 – Wildlife trekking in Catarpe canyon (possible sightings of Andean foxes, eagles, and kestrels) and relaxation at Puritama Hot Springs.
Day 7 – Breakfast, wrap-up wildlife discussion, and transfer to the airport.
Includes:
- Accommodation in a 4-star hotel.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinners.
- Ground transportation and airport transfers from/to Calama.
- Entry fees to nature reserves, salt flats, lagoons, and hot springs.
- Wildlife observation excursions with guides, binoculars, and educational materials.
- Full accident and health insurance.
- Continuous support from certified professional guides specialized in conservation.
