Cross the Andean spine from Chile’s lunar valleys to Bolivia’s endless white: a six-day expedition that pairs Atacama’s dune-and-salt landscapes with Uyuni’s vast salar, Incahuasi’s giant cacti and high-altitude flamingo lagoons. Practical tips for altitude, timing and gear included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before sunrise in San Pedro de Atacama the air is thin and cold, the town’s adobe silhouettes framed by the jagged Domeyko Range. You climb a dune at Moon Valley as sunlight slices the ridgelines, then trade desert silence for high-altitude plains where steaming geysers and mineral-streaked lagoons announce Bolivia’s Altiplano.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Moderate cardiovascular fitness recommended; be prepared for long driving days and repeated short hikes at 3,500–5,200 m elevation.
Wildlife
History
The Atacama and Altiplano are ancestral homelands of the Atacameño people; salt and llama caravans shaped local trade routes for centuries.
Conservation
The high-altitude puna and salar ecosystems are fragile — stick to marked routes, avoid removing salt or cactus wood, and minimize plastic waste.
Reserve your spot on the 6-Days Discovering 2 of the World's Largest Salt Flats, Atacama & Uyuni today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a night in San Pedro or Calama to help adjust to altitude; avoid strenuous activity the first day.
Protect against the sun
High-elevation UV is strong—use SPF 50+, sunglasses with side coverage, and a wide-brim hat.
Carry water and snacks
Long drives and dusty stops mean you should pack 2–3 liters of water and electrolyte snacks daily.
Expect bumpy roads
Vehicle changes and 4x4 sections are common; secure loose items and pack a small daypack for stops.
Insulated layer (down or synthetic)
Cold nights and high-altitude winds require a warm mid- to outer layer.
High-SPF sunscreen and UV sunglasses
Reflective salt and high altitude increase sun exposure risk.
Sturdy hiking boots
Rocky trails on Incahuasi and uneven desert terrain demand supportive footwear.
Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
Reliable access to safe drinking water can be limited on long transit days.