4-Days Discovery @ Atacama Desert

Reception at Calama Airport and shared transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (with Spanish driver only. No guide).    Free time to acclimate slowly, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. I have organize your activities in such an order that helps you to acclimate properly to the elevation. Astronomy in the Desert, one of the best places in the world to observe stars, planets and constellations. A night sky without light pollution and with high quality telescopes integrating the local culture and indigenous vision.We observe the fantastic night sky of the Atacama Desert in a small private observatory. During the aproximately 2 hours of stargazing experience, we observe the stars, planets and constellations by the naked eye and through professional telescopes (16”). We learn about the importance of the region for modern astronomy as well as for ancient central Andean cultures.It is possible to observe the Milky Way, the stars that make up the constellations, the rotation of the sky. We continue with the technical observation of different types of nebulae and star clusters with the help of a telescope. Accommodation @ Casa Don Tomas 

Breakfast @ hotel.We visit the archaeological site Aldea de Tulor, one of the oldest sedentary testimonies in northern Chile with mud enclosures buried by sand and which were excavated to become a Site Museum. We continue until we reach the Pukara de Quitor, an Andean fortification built for defensive purposes. Its enclosures are located on the side of a hill 260 ft high. The first confrontation with the Spanish was fought on that site. Back to the hotel.Altitude: 8,300 ftIncludes:Tasting of typical Atacameño productsRecommendations: Trekking boots, comfortable clothing, sun protection, hat, sunglasses and windbreaker for sunset.In the afternoon, we head towards the salt mountain range to the Moon Valley. Upon entering, the first stop is at the Great Dune, where we walk along a sandy path until we reach the viewpoint with a panoramic view. Then, the second stop is at the Tres Marías viewpoint, a geological formation sculpted by erosive agents that look like statues of salt. On the way back, we take a short walk next to the Amphitheater, a geological formation with sedimentary folds of clay, salt and plaster. Finally, we visit the Mars Valley, named for its colors similar to the red planet, from where the sunset is contemplated with a majestic view of the Andes Mountains. We return to the hotel. Accommodation @ Casa Don Tomas 

We will drive to the south of San Pedro de Atacama, towards the Sico border crossing. Our first stop will be on a Tamarugo forest for having breakfast. Later on, we will continue to Red Stones, where we will enjoy a path that will get you closer to “Salar de Aguas Calientes III”. Located at Piedras Rojas feet. Before our next destination, we will set up the lunch with a stunning view.  Our next highlight will be Altiplanic Lagoons. Wherewe will discover the Miscanti & Miñiques lagoons, with a priviledge view of the volcanoes. We will visit the Tropic of Capricorn, we will make a stop for   get   a   picture,   while   we   deliver   information   about   this   southern hemisphere parallel. Included: Miscanti & Miñiques entrance fee, breakfast and lunch menu Duration: Full Day (7 hours)  Altitude: 7,545 ft to 13,845 ft Tip: Dress in layers (intense temperature changes).Recommendations: Trekking boot, comfortable clothing for hot and cold, gloves, wool cap / hat, sun protection, sunglasses. In winter it is very cold. Accommodation @ Casa Don Tomas