A six-day circuit that threads San Pedro de Atacama’s salt lagoons, geysers, highland lakes and colored valleys. Expect early starts, high-altitude vistas and guided access to remote Andean features.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out before dawn and the desert takes your breath for reasons beyond altitude—light slices the salt flats and the wind arranges the sand into new shapes each night. Over six full days this SORBAC itinerary moves like a measured exploration: salt lagoons that buoy you, geysers that roar like a highland heart, and volcanic rims that frame the sky.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness for daily walks at altitude; able to hike 1–3 hours on uneven terrain and tolerate early starts.
Wildlife
History
The Atacameño people inhabited these plateaus for centuries; petroglyphs and small settlements near Toconao and valley sites reflect pre-Columbian trade routes and pastoral life.
Conservation
The high desert is ecologically fragile: stay on trails, avoid single-use plastics, and follow guide rules at geothermal and wetland sites to protect water sources and bird habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Full Atacama - SORBAC (group tours) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before big days
Spend your first afternoon in town walking slowly and hydrating—most high-altitude discomfort eases with 24–48 hours of adjustment.
Layer for morning geysers
Tatio and high-lagoon breakfasts start below freezing; pack an insulating mid-layer and wind shell for pre-dawn hours.
Protect from intense sun
UV is strong at altitude—use broad-spectrum sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and UV sunglasses even on cool mornings.
Respect fragile desert surfaces
Stay on established paths at salt flats and lagoons to avoid damaging cryptobiotic soils and sensitive habitats.
Layered clothing (base, insulated mid, wind shell)
Temperature swings from below freezing to warm sun require adaptable layers.
Sturdy hiking shoes (ankle support)
Uneven desert trails, salt crusts and rocky viewpoints need good traction and support.
High-SPF sunscreen and UV sunglasses
High-altitude UV exposure is intense year-round and reflected off salt and sand.
Reusable water bottle with 2–3L capacity
Hydration is crucial in the dry air; refill when guides or towns provide water.