Full Desert. The most complete program you will find

Full Desert. The most complete program you will find offers an extensive look at San Pedro de Atacama’s highlights, with visits to geysers, valleys, lagoons, and a memorable night of stargazing. For $390 per person, this four-day adventure promises to cover the essential sights with the flexibility to customize your itinerary. The company, Ruta Chile, emphasizes a comprehensive experience, making it ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive into Atacama’s landscapes and natural wonders.

What we really appreciate about this tour is that all services are bundled into one reservation, simplifying logistics. Plus, the guides seem to know their stuff—though, as one review points out, communication with the operator could use some improvement. The tour includes transfers from Calama Airport, multiple sightseeing excursions, and an astronomical night tour. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see the major highlights without worrying about booking each activity separately.

A potential concern is that the tickets for parks and certain attractions are not included in the price, so you’ll need to bring cash for entrance fees. Also, some reviews highlight issues with communication and organization, so patience and flexibility are advisable. This experience suits travelers who appreciate a thorough, guided approach and are prepared for some logistical surprises.

If you love exploring iconic landscapes, value guided expertise, and want a well-rounded Atacama experience, this tour could be a great fit. It’s especially suited for those who prefer having everything arranged in advance and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Comprehensive four-day itinerary covering geysers, valleys, lagoons, and stargazing.
• All services in one reservation, making planning simpler.
• Includes transfer from Calama Airport and hotel pickup.
• Flexible scheduling to tailor the experience to your interests.
• Tickets for parks and attractions are paid separately, so bring cash.
• Small group size (limited to 14 participants) for a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Full Desert Tour

If you’re heading to San Pedro de Atacama and want to make the most of your time, the Full Desert tour offers what might be the most complete program you’ll find. Covering a wide array of highlights, from the famous Geyser del Tatio to the otherworldly Valley of the Moon and the shimmering Lagunas Cejar and Tebenquiche, this experience is designed to give you a broad yet detailed view of the region’s most iconic spots.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour is structured around a series of excursions spread over four days, with flexible scheduling options. You can choose specific days for each activity, which is helpful if you’re trying to coordinate with other plans or have particular interests. For example, the Geyser del Tatio tour runs early in the morning (from 4:30 a.m. to about 11 a.m.), taking you to witness the eruptions of geothermal activity before the sun gets too high. This is a highlight for many, offering surreal views of steam vents and bubbling pools in the cool dawn hours.

Later in the day, the Valley of the Moon is scheduled for late afternoon—likely to catch the sunset that turns the landscape into a glowing, lunar scene. The Rainbow Valley, with its colorful rock formations, offers another striking natural tableau, best appreciated in the morning (from 7 a.m. to noon), when the light enhances the vibrant hues.

Other stops include Red Stones (a vivid red rock formation), Cejar Lagoon and Tebenquiche Lagoon—famous for their high saline content and floating sensation—and the Ojos del Salar, a salt lagoon with unique white salt formations. The astronomical tour at night from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. provides a chance to gaze at the clear desert skies, which are renowned for stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution.

Transportation and Logistics

All transfers are included, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. The transfer times are reasonable, and the small group size (up to 14 people) ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The transfers from Calama Airport are about 1.5 hours each way, which is standard and convenient for travelers arriving at the airport.

One detail to keep in mind is that tickets to parks and attractions are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need cash to purchase them on-site. For instance, the Valley of the Moon entrance fee must be bought through your confirmation voucher before the tour, which adds an extra step but ensures you don’t face delays on the day.

Guides and Service

The guides are a crucial part of the experience. According to one review, the tour company “knows Atacama like no one else,” and the guides are described as professional and knowledgeable. However, the review also criticizes the operator’s communication, pointing out a lack of clarity about pickup times and a disorganized response to inquiries. That said, the guides on the ground seem to deliver engaging, insightful commentary, which makes the sightseeing more meaningful.

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Value and Price

At $390 per person, this tour offers solid value considering it includes multiple major excursions, transfers, and a star-gazing night. When you compare the cost to booking each activity separately, especially with transportation and guides included, it becomes a compelling option for those who prefer a structured, hassle-free experience.

Keep in mind that the tour does not include park entrance fees, which may add up depending on how many sites you visit. Planning ahead for these expenses by bringing cash will save you frustration during your trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Atacama without the hassle of organizing each activity separately. It’s perfect for those who value guided expertise and prefer a small group setting for a more personalized experience. If you’re okay with some logistical quirks and want to see all the major sights in a well-organized package, this is a good choice.

However, if you’re a solo traveler who might prefer more flexibility or if you’re traveling with very young children or mobility issues, you might want to consider other options. Also, since the tour involves early mornings and some long days, it’s best suited for active, adventurous travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a hefty dose of the Atacama highlights in just four days, making it an appealing choice for travelers looking to maximize their time. The inclusion of transfers, guides, and a mix of landscapes—from geothermal geysers to salt lagoons—means you’re getting a lot of value for the price.

While communication issues have been noted, many find that the guides’ knowledge and the convenience of having everything arranged outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re prepared to pay some extra for park tickets and to be flexible with organizational hiccups, you’ll likely come away with a well-rounded experience and stunning memories.

For travelers eager to see the region’s best sights without the stress of planning every detail, this comprehensive program should be high on your shortlist. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided tours, small groups, and the opportunity to stargaze in one of the clearest skies on Earth.

FAQ

Are park entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, tickets for parks and attractions are not included. You’ll need to bring cash to pay for these directly at each site, such as the Valley of the Moon.

What is the best time to do the geyser tour?
The Geyser del Tatio tour runs from about 4:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving you a chance to see the geysers erupting in the cool morning light—an experience many consider unforgettable.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels within San Pedro de Atacama.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to select which excursions to do on which days.

How many people will be in my group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 14 participants, enhancing the personal experience and guide interaction.

What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID. It’s also wise to carry cash for park tickets and extra snacks or water, especially on long days.

In the end, this tour offers a solid, guided way to see Atacama’s most iconic landscapes in a manageable package. With knowledgeable guides and all logistics arranged, you can focus on soaking in the scenery, learning about this incredible desert, and maybe even catching some stars. Just be prepared for some organizational quirks, and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby