Atacama & Uyuni Salt Flats | 9 days

Upon arrival at Calama Airport, we greet you and set off on a scenic one-hour drive to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, nestled at 2,407 meters (7,897 feet) above sea level. Your stay begins at the Explora Atacama lodge, a sanctuary that offers an immediate connection to the vastness and remoteness of the desert.

Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either join a welcome talk before lunch or after your first outing. By evening, you’ll sit down with your guide to craft a personalized plan for the coming days, tailored to your pace and interests.

We recommend starting with explorations around the oasis and the surrounding mountain ranges of La Sal and Domeyko. Discover the otherworldly Atacama salt flat, winding canyons, and unique ecosystems that flourish in this arid landscape. As you gradually ascend to the Altiplano, reaching altitudes of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), don’t miss the opportunity to soak in the natural Puritama hot springs—a truly rejuvenating experience.

Venture into the soul of the driest desert on the planet and experience its indescribable energy through each unique landscape. Your tailor-made itinerary, co-created with your guide, now begins to unfold — always at your own rhythm, within this private journey.

You’ll have a range of activities to choose from, varying in intensity, duration, and style. From gentle walks and scenic drives to challenging hikes, mountain ascents, horseback riding, or cycling adventures, the desert becomes your playground. There’s no such thing as bad weather here — every day is an invitation to explore. And if the skies are clear, don’t miss the chance to stargaze during an astronomy session at our exclusive observatory. The Atacama night sky is a galaxy of its own.

You may want to include one (or more) of the following explorations:

Geysers del Tatio
Hop in the van and head towards the spectacular Tatio Geysers. Along the route, observe native wildlife such as vicuñas, flamingos, and Andean foxes. Once there, walk through the geothermal field and witness the earth’s power as steam rises dramatically against the Andes in the background. Return by vehicle.

Altiplanic Lagoons
Travel south across the salt flat, gradually climbing to the Andean highlands. After a stop in the charming village of Socaire, continue toward the Piedras Rojas area in the Aguas Calientes salt flat. A short hike rewards you with mesmerizing views of volcanic peaks and shimmering salt plains. The journey continues to the stunning Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, perched at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), where the contrast between the deep blue waters and the rust-colored mountains is unforgettable. Lunch follows, before returning to the lodge.

As the first light breaks through the high desert sky, we leave behind San Pedro de Atacama and begin our passage across the Andes. Though the oasis fades in the rearview, the experiences of the past few days are now part of your story.

After a 47-kilometer (29-mile) journey, we reach the border at Hito Cajón. Here, we enter Bolivian territory and transition into a new phase of exploration. Alongside your explorer guide, you switch vehicles and set off into the vast, wild beauty of the Altiplano.

On this drive, discovery never stops. We stop at Sol de la Mañana, a geothermal field dotted with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools, before continuing through a mosaic of salt flats, wetlands, and high-altitude lagoons. At the iconic Laguna Colorada, watch flamingos glide across crimson waters as you enjoy lunch with a view few have the chance to witness.

The day concludes at the Ramaditas Mountain Home, where the sun dips behind distant ridges and silence envelops the landscape.

Another day, another set of surreal vistas. We depart Ramaditas and begin our route toward Chituca, where we’ll stay the night. Along the way, we’ll walk through time, passing by age-old mining routes and weather-sculpted valleys.

The Turquiri Lagoon, teeming with birdlife and dramatic rock formations, is our lunch stop — an ideal moment to recharge amidst natural wonder. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding region in greater depth: choose between trekking or combining off-road drives with shorter walks to reach hidden corners of the Altiplano.

As we approach Chituca, a different kind of encounter awaits: one with the local culture. Learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the people who call this remote terrain home.

After breakfast, we embark on a final discovery before reaching the salt flats. Choose between a hike through the cactus-covered hills and ancient agricultural terraces near Chituca, or visit the village of San Pedro de Quemes, a historical settlement with panoramic views over the Altiplano and Uyuni.

Our path leads us next to the Gruta de Las Galaxias — a cave like no other, housing rare geological formations that reveal fascinating insights into the geological and cultural history of the region.

And then, the moment arrives: 10,000 square kilometers of dazzling white salt suddenly stretch out before you. At 3,665 meters (12,024 feet) above sea level, the Uyuni Salt Flat is the largest and highest in the world.

Lunch is served right on the salt flats, an experience as spectacular as the scenery.

As the sun rises behind the slopes of the Tunupa Volcano, it reveals a landscape unlike any other on Earth. Stretching endlessly in every direction, the Uyuni Salt Flat is a surreal masterpiece of nature — a brilliant white canvas where the horizon disappears, and sky and land become one. In this vast silence, time slows down. The reflection of clouds and light on the salt creates a dreamlike, ever-shifting scenery that awakens something deep within.

These final two days are devoted to immersing yourself in the extraordinary beauty of Uyuni. Your explorations are shaped by your pace and preferences, with your guide helping to tailor each journey.

You might climb the multi-hued flanks of the Tunupa Volcano for sweeping views over the salt flat, feeling the altitude heighten every sensation. For others, biking across the mirror-like surface of the salar offers a more intimate connection to the vastness. Some may choose to visit surrounding Andean villages, where ancient traditions remain alive and offer a quiet contrast to the boundless landscape.

Walks on coral-like islands covered in towering cacti, visits to geological formations such as the Galaxy Caves, and stops at remote viewpoints allow for moments of awe and reflection. Lunches are often enjoyed in the middle of the Salar itself — a surreal experience in a place that defies comparison.

When night falls and the sky is clear, the salt flat becomes a cosmic mirror. Stars scatter above and below, surrounding you with a celestial silence that stays long after the journey ends.

Following breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Uyuni airport for your international flight, where you conclude your incredible journey through Atacama and Uyuni.