The Atacama is the world’s driest non-polar desert. On a good night—which, honestly, is nearly every night—you can see more visible stars here than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Located on the northwest coast of Chile, a two-hour flight from Santiago, Atacama isn't a place you just stumble upon. It’s the kind of remote destination that bucket lists were invented for. That’s good news for you, Traveler: there are no selfie stick-wielding hordes to battle here. Even better? You’ll come home with stories from a place your friends have never even heard of.
THE DESERT LIKE YOU'VE NEVER IMAGINED IT BEFORE
By day, you can choose from dozens of excursions for every kind of adventurer, from horseback riding to hiking, walking, or biking through landscapes that seem almost like a figment of your imagination. Despite its Marslike terrain, immense geyser field, and salt flat lagoons frequented by three species of flamingo, Atacama is far from a mirage.
Your trusted, expert Naturalist Guide will lead you to ancient petroglyphs hidden among the sands, teach you about cultural traditions that have withstood centuries of societal change, and show you the best views of the spectacular superbloom phenomenon called Desierto Florido.
Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded here, so you might want to upgrade your optics before you leave home. If you’re lucky, you could spot the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, the Moustached Turca, or the Chilean Woodstar, a purple-throated hummingbird and one of the world’s rarest species.
By night, relax in ancient natural hot springs or enjoy a spa treatment designed in the spirit of ancient Andean traditions. Then, head out for the celestial show of a lifetime. We can help you time your trip to minimize moonlight and maximize your chances for a shower of shooting stars.
On a Quasar adventure in Atacama, you’ll gain unparalleled access to crowd-free birdwatching sites, vibrant lagoons and powerful geysers, state-of-the-art telescopes for ultimate stargazing, hiking and walking trails, and scenic routes that extend well beyond the guidebooks. Every day, you’ll be in the care of a Naturalist Guide whose expertise is unmatched.
But don’t take our word for it.
(3-Night Stay | Double Occupancy)
Excursions, Meals & Transfers Included
Secret Season
Peak Season
Atacama’s best hotels aren’t just proverbial “hidden gems.” We intentionally work with responsible accommodations built right into the landscape from local stone and adobe, so that the line between inside and “outside” is purposefully blurry.
Ultimately, it’s even better than what you hope for when you think, “desert oasis hotel.” Positioned deliberately away from the town lights, it’s dark enough here that the adventure doesn’t end when you get back to your room—you’ll have exceptional stargazing right from your private terrace, no shoes required.
Sunrise here starts as a copper splotch on the horizon and evolves into an all-enveloping gold. It’s not to be missed, so if you like a lie-in, consider coming in winter when you don’t have to rise early to beat the sun. Fuel for the day with an unhurried breakfast at Alto, where you’ll find local grains, Andean herbs, and strong Chilean coffee on the menu.
If you thought geysers were exclusive to Yellowstone, Atacama has a worthwhile surprise in store for you. By mid-morning you’ll be standing above 14,000 feet at the edge of El Tatio, the world’s highest-altitude geyser field, and the third-largest after Yellowstone and Kamchatka. Let your seasoned Guide lead you around dozens of geothermal features—geysers, vents, fumaroles and bubbling mud pits—many of which erupt every few minutes.
In the afternoon, Valle de la Luna earns its name. Here, the late afternoon sun turns the rock formations such vibrant shades of amber that Atacama is often referred to as “Mars on Earth.”
In the evening, the sky opens up as if nothing separates you and the cosmos. From here, the stars are so bright you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye.
In Atacama, the desert provides. Chefs at our partner hotels and restaurants source many of their best ingredients from local growers and even their own gardens. It’s the sort of only-in-Atacama cuisine that’s not just delicious, it tells stories that span generations.
- MORNING FLIGHT FROM SANTIAGO TO CALAMA & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
AM | PM: Meet and greet your driver on arrival and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Depending on the time you arrive at the hotel, you may have time for a late afternoon half day excursion or you may choose to relax, enjoy the property or take the hotel’s bicycles into town. - Included Meals for all programs: Dinner + Open Bar
- Overnight: 5-Star Desert Lodge
Atacama Desert FAQs: What to Know Before You Go
The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination thanks to its dry climate and clear skies, but the most comfortable months are March through May and September through November, when temperatures are mild and crowds are fewer.
For stargazing, one of Atacama’s greatest wonders, new moon periods offer the clearest views of the southern skies, turning each evening into a private celestial performance. Learn more - Best Time to Visit Atacama Desert
While you can stargaze in San Pedro de Atacama any month of the year, the best conditions typically occur during the driest months, April through November, when skies are exceptionally clear and humidity is low.
For the most dramatic views of the Milky Way, we recommend planning your visit around the new moon, when the desert’s silence and darkness turn the night sky into something truly unforgettable. Learn more - Stargazing in the Atacama Desert
Yes, the Atacama Desert is considered one of the safest destinations in Chile, with very low crime rates in and around San Pedro de Atacama and well-regulated tourism services. With experienced local guides, proper acclimatization to altitude, and thoughtfully planned logistics, you can explore its remote landscapes with both confidence and peace of mind.
Yes, the Atacama Desert can be a wonderful destination for families, especially with older children who are curious about nature, geology, and the night sky. With private guiding, flexible pacing, and thoughtfully planned excursions, families can explore salt flats, flamingo-filled lagoons, and otherworldly landscapes in a way that feels both adventurous and completely at ease.
The Atacama Desert is a playground for explorers, from sunrise at El Tatio Geysers to golden-hour walks through Valle de la Luna, flamingo sightings at the Salar de Atacama, and high-altitude lagoons framed by volcanoes. After days shaped by wild landscapes, evenings are reserved for world-class stargazing beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth, where the desert reveals its most magical performance.
Most travelers find that 4 to 5 days in the Atacama Desert allows enough time to acclimatize comfortably while exploring highlights such as Valle de la Luna, the Altiplanic Lagoons, El Tatio Geysers, and world-class stargazing. With thoughtful pacing and private guiding, this timeframe creates a well-balanced journey that feels immersive, unhurried, and deeply connected to the desert’s rhythm.
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