7-Day Atacama to Calchaquí Valleys: Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers, Salta & Cafayate
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic fitness and tolerance for long vehicle days and altitude changes; no heavy hiking required.
Overview
Traverse the driest desert to steaming geysers and the wine-swept Calchaquí Valley in seven days. This cross-border route pairs lunar landscapes and high-altitude culture with long scenic drives and unforgettable mornings at El Tatio.
7-Day Atacama to Calchaquí Valleys: Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers, Salta & Cafayate
Select participants and date
You step off the transfer into a town that feels carved from sunbaked clay: whitewashed adobe, lantern-lit lanes, and a sky so clear the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. San Pedro de Atacama sits at roughly 2,500 meters, an exposed plateau at the edge of the world’s driest desert. Over the next seven days you’ll move from this high-altitude silence into steaming geothermal fields, across an Andean pass, and down into the carved red canyons and vineyards of Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize before high passes
Spend your first day moving slowly in San Pedro (2,500 m) and avoid strenuous activity before visiting El Tatio or crossing Paso de Jama to reduce altitude effects.
Dawn for El Tatio
El Tatio is best at sunrise when steam plumes and light combine; dress for sub-zero temperatures and keep a thermos for warm drinks.
Hydrate and protect from sun
High altitude intensifies UV; carry at least 2 liters of water per day and broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+.
Carry passport and insurance
Border crossing and entry requirements are enforced—keep your passport and proof of travel medical insurance accessible at all times.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Vicuña
- Andean flamingo
History
The region blends pre-Columbian Atacameño cultures with Spanish colonial routes; the Calchaquí Valley preserves indigenous towns where traditional weaving and agriculture persist.
Conservation
High-altitude wetlands and saline flats are fragile; practice leave-no-trace, avoid disturbing bofedales (wetlands), and support local community-run businesses.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in San Pedro de Atacama
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered midweight jacket
Warm, breathable layers are essential for frozen mornings at El Tatio and chilly nights in the high desert.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Solar radiation is intense at altitude—protect skin and lips even on cool days.
summer specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Supportive shoes handle uneven trails at Moon Valley and Quebrada de las Conchas.
Daypack with water reservoir
Keeps hydration, camera, and layers organized for short walks and viewpoint stops.