Awasi Atacama

Travel across the Atacama desert to Laguna Chaxa, located within the vast salt flats near San Pedro de Atacama. This protected reserve is one of the best places in the region to observe Andean, Chilean and James’s flamingos feeding in shallow, mineral-rich water. You’ll walk along clearly marked paths designed to protect breeding and feeding areas while allowing close observation.

Your guide explains how these birds survive in high-altitude desert conditions and points out other species that inhabit the area. The landscape is open and exposed, so you should bring sun protection. After time for viewing and photography, you’ll return to Awasi Atacama.

Travel to Rainbow Valley, located near San Pedro de Atacama, for a guided hike focused on geology and landscape formation. The valley is known for layered rock formations coloured by mineral deposits, including iron and copper. As you’ll walk along marked trails, your guide explains how wind, tectonic activity and erosion shaped the terrain over millions of years.

The route covers uneven ground with gradual inclines and is suitable for anyone comfortable walking several kilometres in dry, high-altitude conditions. You’ll stop at key viewpoints to examine rock textures and sediment bands before returning back to your base in Atacama.

Ride through the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions on earth, on a guided horseback excursion near San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll follow established trails across open desert terrain and towards Valle de Marte, known for its red rock formations. The route also passes sections of the Cordillera de la Sal, where wind and tectonic movement have shaped sharp ridgelines and layered salt deposits.

Along the way, you’ll ride near traditional ayllus, small historic communities that reflect the area’s cultural history. Your guide matches the pace to your riding experience, with safety instructions provided before departure.