A comprehensive 6–7 day guided loop from San Pedro de Atacama that visits salt lagoons, Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers, Puritama hot springs and high Andean lagoons. Expect long drives, short hikes, and sustained high-altitude exposure with meals and hotel pickup included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out before dawn and the desert greets you like a held breath — the scrub is silver, volcano silhouettes cut the sky, and the first vehicle hums toward salt flats that flare white in the sun.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–7 days
Fitness Level
Moderate to high — participants should be comfortable with full days of walking, short hikes on uneven terrain, and exposure to 3,000–4,500 m elevations.
Wildlife
History
This landscape formed from uplifted volcanic and sedimentary deposits; human occupation by Atacameño peoples goes back millennia, visible in rock art and rustic settlements.
Conservation
The high-altitude desert is ecologically fragile; stick to marked trails, avoid taking salt or rock samples, and follow guide instructions to protect wetlands and flamingo habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Full Atacama - SORBAC (private groups) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend 24–48 hours in San Pedro to let your body adjust before high-altitude stops like Miscanti and Tatio.
Hydration and electrolytes
Carry 2–3 L of water and electrolyte powder; dry high-altitude conditions dehydrate you faster than you think.
Sun protection
Wide-brim hat, SPF 50 sunscreen and UV sunglasses are vital—solar intensity is high at altitude.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy hiking boots with good tread make short desert hikes and shoreline walks safer and more comfortable.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for loose volcanic and salt-crust terrain.
Layered jacket (softshell + insulating layer)
Mornings and nights can be freezing even when daytime is warm.
High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm
Protects against intense UV at high altitude and reflective salt surfaces.
summer
Insulated water bottle and electrolyte mix
Keeps fluids from freezing at dawn and replaces salts lost in dry air.