|
Included Excursions |
 |
San Pedro de Atacama
Considered the Archaeological Capital of Chile and declared a Zona Típica (Typical Zone). It was the heart of the Atacama or Likanantai culture, with a fortress in Quitor and a population, divided into "ayllos" (tiny villages), that distributed the farmland among them and channeled water from the Río Grande. Later on, the area was taken over by the Incas and an Administrative Center and government were established. Diego de Almagro visited the area during the time of its discovery as well as Pedro de Valdivia in the years of the Spanish Conquest. It is a humble town with narrow streets and adobe constructions. The main attractions are the Church and the Padre Le Paige Archaeological Museum, jesuit missionary that lived in the region from 1955 until he passed away in 1980. Some of the highlights within the town are the ceramic objects from different evolutionary stages, gold figures, and mummies.
Valle de la Luna
Spectacular lunar landscape that is part of the Salt Mountain Chain and belongs to Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is a small depression of saline soil, 500 m (1,640 ft) in diameter, and displays intriguing sculptured shapes that are a result of the successive transformations of the earth's crust, occurrences from folds in the salt bed's marshy interior. There is no sign of life in this corner of the world, nor is their humidity. These characteristics combined make this the most barren place on the planet.
 |
Tatio Geysers
In the middle of a breathtaking and arid landscape, the Tatio Geysers is a geothermal field of volcanic origin, where water and vapor erupt violently from the depths of the Earth. They are located more than 4,000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, which contributes to the low temperatures during the morning hours, time of day when the fountains of boiling water shoot up. The geysers are at their peak between 5:30 and 7:00 in the morning, when spouts can easily reach 10 meters (33 ft). There are natural thermal pools nearby where one can enjoy a hot bath.
Atacama Salt Flat
The Atacama Salar it's the second salt marsh in the country. It's in the middle of a fantastic natural landscape and it has an impressive geology with important archaeological vestiges. The Atacama Salar also allows the flora and fauna contemplation, with lagoons in its surroundings. The avifauna includes pink flamencos in the high cordillera.
Toconao
Toconao is a must-see destination because of the constructions made of volcanic rocks. The town is the perfect place for those who enjoy the singular attractions of the zone, among which you can find the church, the main square and the San Lucas Camp. Agriculture and handmade crafts are the main work activities.
Catarpe
The ruins that may have once been the Incan Administrative Center of Catarpe is located 5 km (3 mi) north of San Pedro de Atacama, on top of a terrace protected by deep gorges.
Pukara de Quitor
Erected in the 12th century, located strategically on the side of a hill and defended by a ravine overlooking the river, Pukara de Quitor is an ancient Incan fortress that was occupied by the Spanish in 1540. It is located 3 km (1.8 mi) north of San Pedro de Atacama.
Tulor
The Village of Tulor is the oldest archeological ruin of the salt flat, dating back between the years 800 B.C. and 500 A.D. The remains of this village were preserved over hundreds of years thanks to its sandy, desert tomb, until it was partially unearthed in 1982. It is located 8 km (5 mi) southwest of San Pedro de Atacama.
Chaxas Lagoon
It is one of the countless lagoons that make up the hydro system of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, and it is the nesting place of these flamencos.
|
