12 Days San Pedro de Atacama tour
Overview
Discover Chile’s Wonders: From Vibrant Santiago to the Mystical Easter Island
Embark on a 12-day adventure through Chile’s most breathtaking landscapes, blending cosmopolitan charm, otherworldly deserts, and ancient mysteries. Begin in Santiago, a city of rich history and stunning views, before exploring the colorful streets of Valparaíso and the seaside beauty of Viña del Mar.
Then, venture into the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth, where you’ll witness Mars-like valleys, steaming geysers, and shimmering lagoons. Cap off your nights with a stargazing experience under the clearest skies in the world.
Finally, uncover the enigmatic Moai statues on Easter Island, relax on the white sands of Anakena Beach, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich Polynesian culture.
This journey is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of nature, history, and adventure, with seamless transfers, expert-guided tours, and handpicked accommodations. Secure your spot now and experience the magic of Chile!
12 DAYS SAN PEDRO ATACAMA TOUR
Places to visit:
Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Atacama Desert (Moon Valley, Altiplanic Lagoons, Tatio Geysers, Stargazing Tour), and Easter Island (Ahu Akivi, Anakena Beach, Orongo, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Vinapu).
Accommodation:
Mix of hotels in Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama with breakfast included.
Trip starts in:
Santiago Airport (SCL).
Physical Level:
Low: Santiago city tour, Viña del Mar & Valparaíso, Moon Valley, Ahu Akivi, Anakena Beach, Orongo.
Medium: Altiplanic Lagoons (altitude 4,200m), Tatio Geysers (altitude 4,300m).
Flights included:
No, flights are not included
Meals:
Breakfast included at all hotels. Lunch included on the Altiplanic Lagoons excursion. Box lunch included on the Anakena Beach excursion. Other meals and drinks are not included.
Places to visit:
Travel without worries, our team will pick you up at the airport in Santiago Chile
Places to visit:
All our guides are English speaking professionals. Say goodbye to the fear of not knowing what "Che" means..
Places to visit:
This tour ensures that you will see 24 attractions or tourist sites in Chile. The most complete tour to peru of all!
ITINERARY: Santiago, Desert, Stargazing & Moai Adventure (12 Days / 11 Nights)
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago
Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital! Upon arrival at the airport, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 2: Santiago – HD Panoramic City Tour (AM)
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a half-day panoramic city tour of Santiago. Discover a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly, with highlights such as La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, the Central Market, and Santa Lucía Hill. Along the way, visit a lapis lazuli handicraft shop, where you can admire or purchase unique Chilean jewelry. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 3: Santiago – FD Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full-day tour to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso (lunch not included).
- Valparaíso: Chile’s most important port city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture, colorful streets, and hillside passageways. Visit La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda’s famous houses.
- Viña del Mar: Known as the Garden City for its green areas and floral landscapes. Visit landmarks such as the Flower Clock, Fonck Museum, Quinta Vergara Park, and Playa Los Cañones. These cities serve as the gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 4: Santiago – Calama – San Pedro de Atacama – HD Moon Valley
Arrival in Calama, where a private transfer will take you to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
In the afternoon, explore the Moon Valley, located in the Salt Mountain Range, within the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This stunning geological formation offers a surreal landscape, perfect for contemplation. At sunset, watch the valley turn into an array of golden and red hues—an unforgettable sight. Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
Difficulty: Low // Altitude: 2,600m (8,530 ft)
Recommended: Hat, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama – FD Altiplanic Lagoons & Red Rocks
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour to the breathtaking Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Rocks.
- Visit the Los Flamencos National Reserve and admire the unique flamingo habitat.
- Discover the Altiplanic Lagoons, nestled between volcanic landscapes.
- Marvel at the oxidized volcanic lava of Red Rocks, a unique geological formation.
Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
Difficulty: Medium // Altitude: 4,200m (13,780 ft)
Recommended: Very warm clothing (sub-zero temperatures), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.
Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama – FD Tatio Geysers – Stargazing Tour
Early morning departure to the Tatio Geysers, one of the world’s largest geothermal fields. Witness over 70 fumaroles emitting steam against a backdrop of the Andes Mountains. After sunrise, enjoy a hearty breakfast in this unique landscape.
On the way back, visit the traditional Andean village of Machuca, home to a small indigenous community offering local handicrafts and traditional food.
At night, experience a guided stargazing tour in the Atacama Desert, one of the best places on Earth for astronomy. Observe the southern hemisphere’s sky through telescopes, with expert guidance in cosmology, astrophotography, and Andean sky mythology. Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
Tatio Geysers:
Difficulty: Medium // Altitude: 4,300m (14,107 ft)
Recommended: Very warm clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.
Stargazing Tour:
Difficulty: Low // Altitude: 2,450m (8,038 ft)
Recommended: Warm clothing.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago
After breakfast, transfer to Calama Airport for your flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, transfer to your airport hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Santiago – Easter Island – HD Ahu Akivi
Arrival at Easter Island, one of the world’s most mystical destinations.
In the afternoon, embark on a half-day tour to explore:
- Ana Te Pahu: A vast underground cave once used as a tribal residence, featuring a natural freshwater source.
- Ahu Akivi: A platform with seven restored Moai statues, said to represent the first explorers of the island.
- Puna Pau Quarry: The volcanic crater where the red scoria topknots (pukao) of the Moai statues were carved.
This tour offers a deep dive into archaeology, astronomy, and Rapa Nui traditions. Overnight stay in Easter Island.
Day 9: Easter Island – FD Anakena Beach
Follow the legendary journey of King Hotu Matu’a, the first settler of Easter Island. Visit five major archaeological sites:
- Akahanga, Rano Raraku, and Ahu Tongariki: The most significant Moai sites along the southern coast.
- Te Pito Kura (The Navel of the World): A mystical archaeological site with the largest transported Moai statue.
- Anakena Beach: One of the island’s most important historical and scenic sites, where the first Rapa Nui settlement was established. Enjoy its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Lunch with a local Rapa Nui family, experiencing their traditional gastronomy. Overnight stay in Easter Island.
Day 10: Easter Island – HD Orongo
Explore the sacred site of Orongo, where the Tangata Manu (Birdman Competition) was held every spring.
- Visit the Rano Kau Volcano, a breathtaking freshwater crater with views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Discover the Orongo Ceremonial Village, featuring 54 restored stone houses and ancient petroglyphs.
- Explore Vinapu, an Inca-like archaeological site, with perfectly fitted basalt walls.
This tour reveals the spiritual and political history of Easter Island, connecting ancient Rapa Nui beliefs with South American civilizations. Overnight stay in Easter Island.
Day 11: Easter Island – Return to Santiago
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Easter Island Airport for your flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, transfer to your airport hotel.
Day 12: Santiago – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Santiago Airport for your return flight.
End of our services.
SANTIAGO - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA AND ISLA DE PASCUA CHILE TOUR INCLUSIONS
BELOW, WE OUTLINE WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 12-DAY CHILE TOUR
INCLUSIONS
- Santiago Airport / Hotel Transfer
- HD Santiago City Tour (AM)
- FD Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
- Hotel Santiago / Santiago Airport Transfer
- Calama Airport / San Pedro de Atacama Hotel Transfer
- HD Moon Valley (entry included)
- FD Altiplanic Lagoons & Red Rocks (entry and lunch included)
- FD Tatio Geysers (entry included)
- Stargazing Tour
- San Pedro de Atacama Hotel / Calama Airport Transfer
- Easter Island Airport / Easter Island Hotel Transfer
- HD Ahu Akivi
- FD Anakena Beach (box lunch included)
- HD Orongo
- Easter Island Hotel / Easter Island Airport Transfer
- List Item
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare tickets.
- Meals and beverages not specified in the program.
- Voluntary tips.
- Easter Island National Park entry fee
WHAT TO PACK FOR LA PAZ BOLIVIA AND SANTIAGO, CHILE
SANTIAGO CHILE
Documentation and Money
- Passport and/or National ID: Ensure they are valid.
- Visa (if necessary): Check if your country requires a visa to enter Chile.
- Copies of Important Documents: Keep both physical and digital copies.
- Cash and Cards: Carry some Chilean pesos and verify that your cards work in the country.
Clothing
- T-shirts and Shirts: Bring both short-sleeved and long-sleeved options depending on the temperature.
- Pants and Jeans: Comfortable for walking and exploring the city.
- Formal or Dress Clothes: If you plan to attend events or special dinners.
- Underwear and Socks: Enough for the duration of your trip.
- Sportswear: For any outdoor activities or exercise.
- Jacket or Coat: Santiago can get chilly at night, especially in autumn and winter.
- Sweater or Cardigan: Extra layers for when temperatures change.
Footwear
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for touring the city and visiting tourist spots.
- Sandals or Lightweight Shoes: If you’re visiting during the summer.
- Hiking or Sports Shoes: For excursions outside the city.
Accessories and Other Essentials
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days.
- Hat or Cap: To protect yourself from the sun.
- Umbrella or Raincoat: Particularly useful if you visit during the rainy season.
- Day Bag or Backpack: To carry your essentials while exploring.
- Chargers and Adapters: Chile uses plug types C and L, and the voltage is 220 V.
- Mobile Phone with Maps and Guide Apps: For navigation and local information.
- Camera or Smartphone with a Good Camera: To capture memories and the beautiful landscapes.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, deodorant, soap, etc.
- Basic Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or any personal medication you might need.
Santiago, Desert, Stargazing & Moai Adventure Toru Gallery
Pricing Policies
PAYMENT
To confirm the agreed travel contract, a non-refundable pre-payment of 30% of the costs per person must be paid. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure of the tour for all mainland tours in Ecuador and 90 days before departure for all travel to the Galápagos Islands and mainland tours in a South American destination except Ecuador.
If the client concludes his travel arrangements with RT less than 60 days before the departure date for mainland travel in Ecuador, or 90 days for the Galápagos Islands or a mainland tour in any South American destination except Ecuador, the tour must be paid in full immediately.
If a client fails to pay for his/her tour in full before the agreed final payment dates (60 days before departure for mainland travel in Ecuador and 90 days before departure for Galápagos Island or a mainland travel in South America except Ecuador) the client risks losing his/her tour. Equally, by failing to make the full payment before the due date, the client will lose his/her deposits for all travelers included in the reservation.
If the tour fee has not been paid in full before the arranged travel start, RT will be released from its service obligations and may require the customer to pay any appropriate resignation costs.
RESIGNATION BY THE CUSTOMER
The customer can withdraw from the contract at any time before beginning the tour however this must be done in writing.
Refunds can only be made under the following cancellation guidelines, as pre-tour costs will be incurred and cannot be recuperated by RT.
Cancellation Fees may vary for certain custom itinerary tours; your Responsible Travel Specialist consultant will specify cancellation fees before making your reservation.
Therefore, the following refunds can be given for cancelled tours:
a) For mainland tours in Ecuador which do not include boat trips / cruises:
60 days or more before departure:
Full refund, excluding the nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.
From 59 to 21 days before departure:
Refund of 60% of the travel price
From 20 to 10 days before departure:
Refund of 50% of the travel price
From 9 to 5 days before departure:
Refund of 20% of the travel price
From 4 days until departure;
0% will be refunded
b) For journeys that include boat trips / cruises (Galapagos), the following conditions apply:
90 days or more before departure:
Full Refund excluding the nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.
From 89 to 60 days before departure:
Refund of 50% of the travel price
From 59 to 40 days before departure:
Refund of 40% of the travel price
From 39 to 31 days before departure:
Refund of 30% of the travel price
From 30 days until departure date:
0% will be refunded
Important: Please note that for Galápagos Charters, the cancellation fees can vary according to the chosen boat and therefore will be confirmed individually.
c) For mainland tours in a South American destination (excepting Ecuador):
90 days or more before departure:
Full Refund excluding minimum cancellation fee of USD $50 per person
From 89 to 31 days before departure:
Refund of 80% of the travel price
From 30 to 10 days before departure:
Refund of 50% of the travel price
From 9 to 5 days before departure:
Refund of 20% of the travel price
From 4 days until departure:
0% will be refunded
