Remote & awe-inspiring
The journey is defined by considered comfort and thoughtful design. Days are shaped by a series of guided explorations, adjusted daily to suit individual interests and energy levels, while nights are spent exclusively at Explora’s award-winning lodges. In Atacama, time is allowed for gentle acclimatisation, with opportunities to soak in private hot springs, explore the desert’s geological forms or observe the southern skies. In Bolivia, three discreet mountain lodges — Ramaditas, Chituca and Jirira — offer contemporary simplicity in total isolation.
All logistics, meals and transfers by private 4×4 are seamlessly arranged, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience: a quietly adventurous and deeply immersive ‘travesìa’ across one of the continent’s most compelling landscapes.
You will love
- Epic, soul-stirring landscapes
- Active & profoundly rewarding
- Astonishing levels of comfort in the middle of nowhere
- Immersive exploration with excellent guides
- All inclusive, with a culinary program designed by an award-winning chef
9 days of other-wordly exploration
DAY 1 | San Pedro de Atacama
Arrive at Calama airport where you will be collected and transferred you to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, located at 2,407 meters above sea level/ 7,897 feets above sea level. At the end of the day, you and a guide discuss and decide where and what you will be exploring in the next few days.
We do recommend you start off by exploring the oasis, the La Sal and Domeyko mountain ranges, the Atacama salt flat and the unparalleled canyons, landscapes and ecosystems. This is the perfect start for the transforming journey ahead of you. Warm up body and mind by unravelling the many charms that astonishingly bloom in the Atacama desert.
DAY 2 & 3 | Atacama Desert
Delve into the world’s driest desert and feel its inextricable aura in every landscape. The plan begins to unfold at your own pace as you embark upon this private programme.
The activities range from light to difficulty levels, short to long durations, and multiple exploration methods: hiking, horseback, bike rides, drives and short walks, and even mountain climbing, for the adventurous-of-spirit. And remember: any weather makes a perfect day for exploring. But if the skies happen to be clear, dive into the fresh desert night sky in an astronomy session in the observatory at our hotel.
DAY 4 | Crossing the Border
As sunlight cracks the deep blue sky, begin the trip through the Andes and reach the border at Hito Cajón, 47 km/ 29 miles away from the starting point. You are now in Bolivia. Along with an Explora guide, switch vehicles and carry on your journey through the captivating entrails of the Altiplano.
The exploration continues as you visit the Sol de la Mañana geysers and myriad salt flats, wetlands and lagoons. The Colorado lagoon is the perfect spot to sight flamingos in their natural habitat, and is also where you will savour lunch whilst gazing at the colours of the Altiplano vividly mingling. Then, proceed to reach Ramaditas Mountain home, to watch the sun set into the horizon and finally rest for a new day.
DAY 5 | From Ramaditas to Chituca
In the morning, set off to Chituca Mountain Lodge. On the way, walk through ancient mines and valleys. The Turquiri lagoon, with its great diversity of birds and rock formations, is the perfect setting for a restoring lunch. It is then time to explore the region in greater depth: choose between hiking or alternating drives and short walks.
DAY 6 | From Chituca to Uyuni
After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with an exploration of your choice—either through cactus forests and ancient terraces near the mountain home or to the historic village of San Pedro de Quemes with sweeping views of the Altiplano. The journey then continues to the Gruta de Las Galaxias, a cave of rare geological wonders, before the vast expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats emerges on the horizon. At 3,665 meters above sea level, this is the world’s largest and highest-altitude salt flat, where you’ll enjoy a unique lunch and explore Fish Island before arriving at our lodge nestled at the base of the majestic Tunupa Volcano.
DAY 7 & 8 | Uyuni
Take in the astounding view over the Uyuni salt flat from the comfort of your wilderness haven. Your guide will help you decide upon the day’s explorations, and you can choose from hikes, overland trips, and bike rides.
Climbing the multi-hued slopes of the volcano up to 5,432 m.a.s.l/ 17,835 f.a.s.l., biking across a section of the salt flat, or cruising the slopes of the volcano and stopping by at villages along the way are a few of the possibilities. What you see here will remain imprinted in your heart, soul and fondest memory for the rest of your life.
PLEASE NOTE
A 10 night / 11 day itinerary is also available – please enquire.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Your Accommodation
Explora Atacama – Chile
Explora Atacama offers casual elegance and an unforgettable experience in an otherworldly setting. Immersed in untouched nature and incredible scenery, the lodge offers over 40 explorations to discover the landscape, astronomy, geology, wildlife and ancient Aymara culture of the land. Read More
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
8 night and 10 night itineraries available
8 night and 10 night itineraries available
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
START: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile | Finish: Uyuni, Bolivia
7 or 8 Night itineraries include:
3 or 4 nights in Atacama lodge
1 night in our Mountain Lodge in Ramaditas
1 night in our Mountain Lodge in Chituca
2 nights in our Uyuni Lodge in Jirira.
All Atacama explorations can be arranged daily according to the travelers’ interests along with their guide.
Several pre-established explorations and stops are included in the journeys between Atacama and each Mountain Home.
In Uyuni, you can select exploration options in different modalities to do according to your interests.
A transportation service from Uyuni to Calama is available for an additional cost. To check availability and obtain more information, please consult with your tour operator or sales representative.
Inclusions
- Accommodations
- All explorations
- All meals & beverages
- Guided Drive by 4×4 vehicle
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Airport Transfers
begin your journey now
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