Atacama Desert

Introduction

Highlights

• Sunrise over the driest desert in the world.
• Incredible views over the Atacama Desert.
• Enjoy the multi coloured and spectacular rock formations and salt plains against a backdrop of distant snow capped Volcanoes from an unique perspective.
• Wonderful landscapes and amazing photo opportunities.
• Experience the luxury and comfort of a stay at Hotel Kimal.

Accommodation

Hotel Kimal 3*, Standard Toom (2 nights)

Located in the the historical center and magic splendor of the archaeological capital, San Pedro de Atacama desert area in northern Chile,  Hotel Kimal invites you to enjoy its warm hospitality with the full range of services in a setting of traditional local architecture. Offering pool and outdoor hot-tub, bar and restaurant open all day, wellness therapies, different room capacities they have one of the very best location to roam around town, just a few steps from the emblematic Caracoles Street.

If this hotel is not available, a similar alternative will be offered.

Optional: Upgrade to Hotel Desértica, Turi Room.

Included

Included

• Transportation from/to hotels in San Pedro de Atacama.
• Hot air balloon flight (1:45 hrs. approximately).
• 2 Nights of accommodation at Hotel Kimal, Double Standard Room or similar.*
• Meals:
  - Day 1: None.
  - Day 2: Breakfast (at the hotel), snacks, coffee, tea or water, gourmet products (at the flight), Dinner (at the hotel). Dinner doesn't include beverages.
  - Day 3: Breakfast.
• Private transportation from your hotel in San Pedro to Calama Airport.

* An optional upgrade to a 4 star hotel (Desertica or similar) is available at an extra cost.

Not Included

• Flight tickets.
• Meals, drinks, and snacks not mentioned in the program.
• Insurance.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Voluntary tipping of guides.

Facts

Departures

Semi Private (flights are usually shared with other travellers) & On request. (Minimum 4 people but can be added to a departure with more participants).

Starting / Finishing Points

The trip starts in San Pedro*, on Day 1 you will stay at Hotel Kimal to depart to the Ballooning ride early in the morning on Day 2. The trip ends on Day 3 at the Calama airport.

*Transportation from the Calama airport can be arranged with your Travel Experience Designer for an extra cost.

Transport

Transport can be in comfortable vans, cars or 4x4 vehicles.

Weather

In the Atacama region, the weather follows a typical desert pattern of hot days and cold nights. The Atacama Desert is considered to be the driest place on earth and rain is rare at any time of year, although it should be noted that between December and March, Bolivia's wet winter weather can sometimes cause unexpected rainfall in the Atacama.

• Spring-Summer (October to March): Daytime temperatures usually range between 20°C - 24°C (68-77 F). Night time temperatures will most likely range from 5°C - 0°C (41 - 32 F)
• Autumn-Winter (April to September): Daytime temperatures range from 15°C -20°C (59-68 F). Night time temperatures will most likely be -10°C - 0°C (14 - 32F)

Physical Demands

This trip does not demand physical activity other than walking at a normal pace over rather flat terrain. Nevertheless, you will experience a high altitude in the hot air balloon so please have this in mind at the time of booking this tour.

What you need to bring

Comfortable and warm clothing, sunglasses & sunscreen. A reusable water bottle is recommended too.