Atacama All inclusive 3 Days / 3 Nights / 3 Tours + Lodging

Experience the Best of San Pedro de Atacama in Just Three Days with a Well-Curated, All-Inclusive Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth—the otherworldly Atacama Desert—this 3-day all-inclusive tour offers a fantastic way to see its highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. For $690 per person, you get lodging for three nights, transportation, and three carefully chosen excursions — from the moon-like valleys to geysers that shoot steam into the early morning sky.

What we love about this package is how it combines comfort with authentic experiences. The hotels are centrally located in San Pedro, making it easy to unwind after long days of exploration. Plus, the small group size, capped at 10 travelers, means you’re not just another face in the crowd, and guides can give personalized attention.

A potential consideration is the cost of entrance fees to certain sites, which are not included in the package — particularly the Geyser del Tatio. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to budget for these additional costs.

This experience works best for travelers who want everything organized ahead of time, enjoy engaging guides, and love capturing stunning scenery. If you prefer to relax and focus on the sights, not logistics, this tour keeps the technicalities out of your hands and the adventure front and center.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience makes it easy to enjoy the desert without fussing over bookings.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance every stop with insights and local stories.
• Stunning landscapes like Valle de la Luna and Baltinache lagoons are the highlights.
• Small group sizes foster a more personal, engaging experience.
• Comfortable lodging in San Pedro offers a restful base with breakfast.
• Additional costs like site entrance fees and optional activities should be budgeted separately.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Day 1: From Airport to Valle de la Luna

The journey begins with a transfer from Calama Airport straight to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Expect a roughly 2-hour ride, during which your guide might share some interesting tidbits about the town and region. We appreciate this personalized pickup — it sets the tone for a smooth trip.

In the afternoon, the tour heads out to the Valle de la Luna, a quintessential Atacama site. The guide will take you along the Cordillera de la Sal, a landscape that feels like walking on the surface of the Moon. Here, you’ll see old water courses, salt formations, and other geological wonders. The sunset at the abandoned bus, also known as the Magic Bus, is a highlight — the landscape turns a glowing orange as the sun dips.

The tour duration is about 5 hours, and while admission tickets for the Valle de la Luna are not included, the experience is well worth it. The guides will point out the unique formations and tell stories behind them. We loved the way this stop balances natural beauty with a touch of mystery.

Day 2: Geysers del Tatio and Machuca

This day kicks off before dawn — at around 4:30 AM — but it’s absolutely worth the early wake-up call. You’ll ascend into the Chilean highlands to reach the Geyser del Tatio, the highest geothermal field in the world. Arriving just before 7 AM, you’ll witness the steam fumaroles at their most active, with temperatures soaring above 85°C.

The landscape here is a geothermal wonder, with hissing mud pots and columns of steam creating a truly dramatic scene. Your guide will help you understand the geothermal activity and its place in the region’s geology. It’s an intense, sensory experience that showcases the raw power of the earth.

After this, you’ll visit the tiny Machuca town — a handful of houses and a church. It’s a peek into rural life in the highlands, and the guide might share local stories or customs. Since entrance to Geyser del Tatio isn’t included, remember to budget for that.

Day 3: Baltinache Salt Lagoons

Your final day is dedicated to the Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache, a series of saltwater lagoons that look straight out of a dream. The drive from San Pedro takes about an hour, passing through varied desert scenery. Once there, you’ll visit five lagoons, with only the first and last accessible for swimming, thanks to the high salt content.

The floating sensation in these lagoons is like experiencing the Dead Sea — a fun, unusual activity that leaves you feeling weightless. The vibrant turquoise waters contrast sharply with the surrounding desert, making for spectacular photos. The guide will explain how the high salt content prevents most life from thriving here, emphasizing the uniqueness of this landscape.

This tour lasts about 5 hours, and, again, the entrance fee (around CLP $10,000 per adult) is not included. We loved the peaceful atmosphere here — a perfect way to wind down your Atacama adventure.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The Guides and Personal Touch

Multiple reviewers including one who said, “our guides Fernando and others made the trip fantastic,” highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. They do more than just point out sights; they enrich your understanding of the landscape’s geology and local culture. For many, this makes the experience more meaningful and memorable.

The Landscapes

From moon-like valleys to bubbling geysers and salt lagoons, the variety of scenery on this tour is impressive. You get a good mix of geothermal activity, surreal landforms, and tranquil lagoons — all within a manageable schedule. We particularly appreciated the timing of the Geysers del Tatio, which peaks early in the morning, giving a sense of witnessing a natural spectacle at its best.

Convenience and Comfort

The hotel stay in San Pedro included in the package is a big plus. After busy days, returning to a comfortable room with breakfast helps recharge. Also, the small group size means more personalized attention and fewer crowds at each stop.

The Value

For $690, you’re paying not just for transportation, but for expert guides, lodging, and organized excursions. While the entrance fees are extra, the convenience and quality of the experiences tend to justify the cost, especially for those who want a hassle-free trip.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the additional costs for entrance fees — notably to Geyser del Tatio and Baltinache lagoons. Also, some travelers might find the early start on Day 2 challenging, but the stunning geysers make it worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This all-inclusive package is ideal for travelers who prefer to have a full itinerary planned out, without the stress of booking each site individually. If you’re interested in geology, scenery, and reliable guides, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially good for first-timers to Atacama or those with limited time but a desire to see the key sights comfortably.

Those looking for a more “off-the-beaten-path” experience with complete independence might prefer to arrange their own visits, but for most visitors, the ease and expertise here are hard to beat.

The Sum Up

This 3-day all-inclusive tour of San Pedro de Atacama offers a thoughtfully curated introduction to one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. The combination of stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations makes it a great value for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience without the logistical stress.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate natural wonders, want insight from local experts, and prefer a well-organized trip that covers the highlights efficiently. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy the desert’s dramatic vistas with a touch of comfort, this tour is a solid choice.

While the extra entrance fees and early mornings require some planning, the unforgettable landscapes you’ll see — especially the Geysers del Tatio at sunrise and the floating salt lagoons — make it all worth it.

FAQ

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is included for all excursions, from your hotel pickup to site visits and back, in modern vehicles.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication and local insights.

What should I pack for the Geyser del Tatio visit?
Bring warm clothes, as it can be very cold early in the morning, along with sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like Geyser del Tatio and Baltinache lagoons are not included in the package; you’ll need to budget for these separately.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the early start and the nature of the excursions when traveling with young children.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This package is pre-planned, but small groups often allow some flexibility — check with the provider if you have special preferences.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

In all, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance. For those eager to see the highlights of the Atacama in a manageable, organized way, it’s definitely worth considering.