Atacama: An Exclusive Itinerary for the July Holidays

With the arrival of the July holidays, the Atacama Desert has established itself as one of the most fascinating destinations for Brazilians seeking adventure, spectacular landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Considered the driest desert in the world, the Atacama offers a breathtaking landscape, where mountains, salt flats and surprising geological formations create a true spectacle of nature.

July is one of the best times to explore the region, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures during the day. For those who love experiential tourism, this is the perfect opportunity to watch the sunrise at the Tatio Geysers, hike through impressive valleys and gaze at the Milky Way, which can be seen in its entirety in the desert sky. In addition, the cultural richness of the Atacama people adds a special touch to this journey, connecting visitors to ancestral traditions and the local way of life.

With this in mind, Horizonte Atacama has prepared a special 5-day, 4-night itinerary, providing an unforgettable immersion in the desert. Check it out:

Itinerary Tip from the Horizonte Atacama Agency

Day 01 – Valle de la Luna

Panoramic experience of the Salt Mountain Range, one of the most iconic landscapes in Atacama, where the desert landscape creates an unforgettable visual spectacle. The valley reveals unique rock formations, sculpted over thousands of years by the action of wind and water. The feeling of being in a lunar setting is indescribable, especially at sunset, when the colors of the sky and the rocks create a stunning visual spectacle. The maximum altitude is 2,400 meters above sea level and the main stops are: Amphitheater, Gran Duna, Tres Marias, Mirador de Ckari. The agency offers a cocktail on this tour.

Day 02 - Part I Rainbow Valley

Hike through the Domeyko Mountain Range, with its colorful landscapes and mineral formations and the rich history of Atacama. The mountains display a palette of natural colors that create a breathtaking visual spectacle. Nearby, in Yerbas Buenas, we can find ancient petroglyphs, with records dating back to 2000 BC, which add a fascinating touch of history. A tour that combines nature, geology and culture in an unforgettable way. The maximum altitude is 3,500 meters above sea level and the main stops are: Domeiko Mountain Range, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs and Rainbow Valley. The agency provides breakfast on this tour.

Day 02 – Part II Astronomical

Skywatching in the world capital of astronomy, a moment to contemplate the immensity of the universe under one of the clearest and most starry skies on the planet. There is the opportunity to observe constellations, planets and even distant galaxies with the help of state-of-the-art digital telescopes. The maximum altitude is 2,400 meters above sea level and the tour takes place in the middle of the desert, at a location 15 km from the center of San Pedro de Atacama. The agency offers a cocktail on this tour.

Day 03 – Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons

Once your body has acclimatized, you can take trips to higher altitudes. The tip is to start by exploring one of the most impressive landscapes of the Atacama Altiplano, with unique contrasts and untouched nature, where the waters of the lagoons reflect vibrant hues amid the Andean mountains. The Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, also known as the Altiplano Lagoons, are must-see stops: their vastness and the contrast with the surrounding volcanoes and mountains create a spectacular setting.

Another stop is the Salar de Aguas Calientes Sur, better known as Piedras Rojas. Its red rock formations create an incredible contrast with the blue sky, the chain of volcanoes around it and the crystal clear waters that rest on a surprisingly white background.

The tour ends at Chaxa Lagoon, located in the Salar de Atacama. It is one of the natural jewels of the Atacama Desert. Its shallow, saline waters create an incredible reflection of the surrounding mountains, while flamingos and other birds make it a great spot for wildlife watching.

The maximum altitude is 4,200 meters above sea level and the main stops are: Altiplanic Lagoons (Miscanti and Miñiques), Pedras Vermelhas, Trópico de Capricórnio and Lagoa Chaxa.

Day 04 – Tatio Geysers

Sunrise view of one of the largest geothermal fields in the world, located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters in the Andes Mountains, where columns of steam emerge from deep within the earth. The site is impressive both for its grandeur and for its intense activity, with around 80 geysers spread throughout the region. A true natural wonder, with columns of steam emerging from fissures in the earth, especially at dawn, when the cold of the desert creates a unique contrast with the hot water.

The maximum altitude is 4,320 meters above sea level and the main stops are: Del Tatio geothermal field, Bofedal de Machuca and Vado de Putana.

Day 05 – Salt Flats Route

A unique experience of being inside the largest inactive volcano caldera in the world, one of the most impressive geological phenomena in the region. This is a fascinating tour through the rich fauna and flora of the Atacama Desert, perfect for nature lovers. During the journey, you can spot vicuñas, viscachas, foxes, flamingos and many other animals typical of this unique region.

In addition, the trail offers incredible landscapes to be admired, such as stunning salt flats and the imposing rock formation of Monge de La Pacana.

The maximum altitude is 4,400 meters above sea level and the main stops are: Quepiaco Lagoon, Monge de la Pacana, Viewpoints of the Salar de Aguas Calientes, Quisquiro and Licancabur.

With this program, travelers can discover, connect with and be moved by the desert.