Call 
Patagonia’s Trekking Capital
The driest and most desolate region in the world is far from inert. Visit San Pedro de Atacama and explore unique landscapes
like salt flats, geysers, and deep blue lagoons, just a few of the sites in this absolutely otherworldly destination,
perfect for unforgettable tours in Chile.
The region boasts stunning geologic formations and has provided scientists with a wealth of research opportunities. The
Atacama is the oldest desert on Earth and has experienced semiarid conditions for roughly the past 150 million years. Nowhere
else in the world will you find epic salt caves, close to vast sand dunes, impressive lagoons, volcanoes, salt flats, and geysers as
well as a wide range of activities for nature and adventure lovers.
Discover San Pedro de Atacama
GASTRONOMY1 / 5
Though culinary wonders may not be what you think of when you think of the driest desert in the world, the cuisine might surprise you. Over thousands of years, indigenous people have found a way to cultivate crops in the arid region. A mix of indigenous, Chilean, and Spanish cooking styles, adapted for the desert prevail in this area. Relying on seasonal ingredients, meat from local animals like llamas, and desert herbs and flowers for flavor, a truly unique regional cuisine has grown up over centuries of humans etching a living from this land, and inventive new chefs are taking these building blocks and opening exciting and delicious new restaurants, bistros, and cafes around San Pedro, while many family-run restaurants continue to preserve classic recipes for pure, uncomplicated enjoyment.
CULTURE2 / 5
Atacama, also called Atacameño, or Cunza, is an extinct South American indigenous culture of the Andean desert oases of northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. The last surviving groups of the Atacama have been assimilated by Spanish and Aymara culture. The descendants of this indigenous group can still be found in the region of Antofagasta, particularly near Calama and San Pedro de Atacama, and form one of the nine recognized indigenous peoples of Chile.
ADVENTURE3 / 5
An adventure destination that lends itself well to activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, mountaineering, and incredible exploring and sightseeing, the Atacama Desert is an adventurous place for those travelers who thrive on redefining their idea of adventure with actives that go beyond traditional adventure sports. The unique landscapes from salt flats to volcanoes, mountains to lagoons lend themselves perfectly to adventurous spirits looking to explore the thrilling adventures found in the Atacama Desert.
NATURE4 / 5
The nature found in the Atacama Desert is unlike anywhere else in the world. The driest point on Earth makes for a variety of fascinating landscapes like the Valle De Luna or “Moon Valley” which resembles landscapes found on the moon or Mars. Salty lagoons, dramatic geysers, active volcanoes, and the forever magnificent Andes Mountains all come together in this nature-lovers dream destination, in a way only found in the Atacama Desert.
WELLNESS5 / 5
The perfect destination to be still and experience rest and relaxation, the Atacama Desert feels like time no longer exists - where making time for your wellness and health is of the utmost priority. From massage therapists on call to custom treatments, world-class spas, morning yoga, and more, the modern and luxurious resorts in San Pedro De Atacama offer top-of-the-line wellness programs available for those looking to relax, unwind and enjoy the stillness of the desert.
BROWSE THROUGH SAMPLE
Signature Chile Itineraries
Our custom-designed itineraries are suited to the needs and
preferences of each traveler, every time.
When booking a vacation to Chile, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind. Whether you’re looking to explore the Andean
city of Santiago, sip your way through the wine region of Maipo, or embark on an adventure in Patagonia – browse these
signature itineraries to get some inspiration for your customized luxury tour of Chile.
DESERT LANDSCAPES AND AMAZING LAKES OF CHILE
10D / 9N
Discover a land of extraordinary and diverse landscapes, from arid desert expanses to the beautiful crystal waters in the Lake District…
EXPLORING CHILE IN STYLE
10D / 9N
Exploring Chile’s most notable destinations will be a travel experience to remember. Head to the vibrant capital of Santiago to learn…
EXPLORING THE MAGICAL WONDERS OF CHILE
14D / 13N
Spend two weeks exploring some of Chile’s most iconic destinations, including the vibrant capital of Santiago where history…
DISCOVERING THE MAGICAL CORNERS OF CHILE
15D / 14N
Travel to Chile for two full weeks of adventure moving across the ins and outs of the most remarkable landscapes. If you’re the type…
historic and scenic explorations of chile
9D / 8N
Visit the historic cities of Chile that have all the charm of quaint European towns combined with all the energy of Latin…
THE TOWERING PEAKS OF CHILEAN PATAGONIA
9D / 8N
Stroll through the magical landscapes of Chilean Patagonia during your own private vacation across the region. With stunning…
DISCOVER THE
Best Time To Travel
The most popular season for visiting the Atacama Desert is during the summer months of
December, January, and February. The pleasant day temperatures and warmer nights
make for a wonderful time to explore the desert.
Fall and spring in the Atacama Desert are shoulder seasons accompanied by good temperatures and fewer visitors for
you to enjoy the desert all to yourselves.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Insider Tips
GET THE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS IN TRAVEL
With travel experts who have explored Chile, the Kuoda team knows the ins
and outs of the country and the best way to experience it.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO1 / 5
Stargazing in the Desert Both amateur and experienced astronomers can rejoice - the Atacama Desert is considered one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. The impossibly clear, forever dazzling night sky in the Atacama desert is one of the desert’s most cherished attractions. The high altitude, lack of moisture, and limited light pollution contribute to the clear starry skies. With the exception of periods of a full moon, stargazing in the Atacama Desert is a year-round activity and there are many astronomers in the region who also serve as guides, helping visitors see the sky’s spectacles such as meteor showers, eclipses, and constellations. The astronomers know the best locations for stargazing and even provide equipment like telescopes, or access to observatories making for a once-in-a-lifetime stargazing experience.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO2 / 5
Valle De Luna With otherworldly landscapes that look outside of this planet, the appropriately named “Valle De Luna '' or Moon Valley, is much like an adventure playground for the curious. Visitors can climb over the dunes and ridges, bike through the canyons, crawl through caverns, and hike through the valley’s many paths for an out-of-this-world adventure experience. The sunsets over the incredible backdrop of Valle De Luna make for an unforgettable experience as well, so make sure to come early and leave plenty of time to enjoy the sunset.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO3 / 5
Tatio Geysers Located a few hours north of San Pedro de Atacama, at an altitude of 4300m, the geysers are constantly shooting jets of water and clouds of steam into the air in spectacular visual displays. The terrain is like being on another planet, just like you would expect in the Atacama Desert, and with the mysterious atmosphere of the geysers adding to the landscape, it’s a very unique place. The best time to visit the geysers is at sunrise when the golden light allows you to actually see the water rising up, and capture excellent pictures.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO4 / 5
Lagunas Escondidas Floating on water? Anything is possible in the Atacama Desert. The Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache is not your typical lake formation. The seven lagoons boast turquoise waters with incredible mountain and desert backdrops, but with a unique feature that makes them so distinct: the adjacent salt flats add to the salinity of the lagoons, which have a high enough salt concentration that visitors float at the top. Float along the lagoons, take breathtaking photos, and soak in the experience of all of the unique landscapes coming together in this bizarre yet enchanting destination.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO5 / 5
Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the desert For a bird’s eye view of Valle De Luna, the Andes Mountains, and more of the Atacama desert’s captivating landscapes, no other experience is as fitting as a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride over the desert. Fly over the clear skies as the sun creeps over the horizon, casting sensational colors over the stark and mysterious landscapes and unique desert formations below. Admire the pink sand, salt-rich mountains, and rugged cliffs on an unforgettable experience in the Atacama Desert.
WHERE TO EAT1 / 2
Tierra Atacama Part of the luxe Tierra Atacama Hotel, their innovative restaurant allows visitors to experience a multi-course tasting menu that takes traditional Chilean ingredients and dishes to new heights, featuring succulent meat and seasonally fresh fruits and vegetables. Start with a Rica Rica Sour, similar to a pisco sour but flavored with the native rica rica herb, and then move on to their excellent wine menu to pair with the meal.
WHERE TO EAT2 / 2
Baltinache With select available seating that is always occupied, you can be sure that the food at Baltinache is worth making a reservation for in advance. Inspired by the historic cuisine of Atacama indigenous cultures, local ingredients and flavors get reimagined in contemporary ways and plated with creative flair. The restaurant itself is also lovely, with white-washed walls covered in drawings and hangings of native petroglyphs found in the desert.
WHERE TO STAY1 / 3
Awasi Atacama - Relais & Châteaux The Awasi Atacama lodge gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history, flora, fauna, and astronomy of the Atacama region, with a multilingual guide assigned to each of the luxurious adobe cabanas of the hotel. In the rooms, guests can find a private furnished patio, solarium with an outdoor shower, alpaca blankets, water bottles, torches, walking sticks, heated floors, and chachacoma tea to help acclimate to the altitude. To get around the area, the hotel offers each cabana a four-wheel drive to use during their stay. Soul food also takes the form of fire-pit-lit cocktails and surprisingly varied desert cuisine: steak and seafood with sweet chañar fruit and Algarrobo paired with Chocalan syrah and other rich reds. Though there is no spa, therapists skilled in all manner of massages, reiki and reflexology are available to make room calls on request.
WHERE TO STAY2 / 3
Tierra Atacama Architecturally stunning, Tierra Atacama exudes rustic chic, a remote lodge in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest desert in the world, making the perfect retreat for exploring the nearby salt flats, geysers, volcano, and desert itself. Staying here is an immersive experience, with exquisite views of the Licancabur Volcano and distant mountains, not forgetting the famed Uma Spa with its holistic and restorative massages, therapies, and beauty treatments. The lodge’s restaurant offers food that plays on Chilean basics, including steak, lamb, some seafood as well as freshly baked bread on site. After dark, guests can go stargazing with an Atacamenan astronomer who will point out the stars in the Milky Way at stargazing points more clearly than anywhere else on the planet. The property features serene rooms, some with 4-poster beds, private patios, and indoor and outdoor showers, as well as views of Licancabur Volcano.
WHERE TO STAY3 / 3
Alto Atacama Lodge Part hide-out, part luxury retreat, the Alto Atacama lodge provides privacy and moments of reflection, in luxury. The hotel feels like a calming oasis of centuries-old ceramics, modern-day geoglyphs, indigenous plants, a salt-water pool, and hand-carved rock beds. All stylish rooms have private terraces for sweeping desert views. Top-notch gourmet cooking at the hotel restaurant embraces local produce such as guanaco, socaire potatoes, native quinoa and the lounge bar offers a range of excellent Chilean wines, spirits, and cocktails made with leaves from the rica-rica plant that grows locally. There are also outdoor fire pits for sipping post-dinner drinks under the stars. The hotel offers more than 30 private tours to nearby sites of interest, all with knowledgeable local guides. Facilities include a restful spa with outdoor baths heated by water from deep underground. There are also six plunge pools dotted about the grounds, sun-loungers, and a llama enclosure.
5 Unique Outdoor Adventures in Argentina That You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
Suppose your dream Argentina travel experience is filled with stunning scenery and thrilling outdoor adventure...
Read Post
Everything To Know About The W Trek In Patagonia, Chile
Completing the W Trek in Patagonia is a bucket list worthy experience for any nature-loving traveler. Adventur...
Read Post
How To Sustainably Visit the Inca Trail on Your Next Trip to Peru
Trekking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a dream for many adventurers, but with that dream comes t...
Read Post
