Atacama Desert tours begin in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. Located in northern Chile, the Atacama sits on the Andean plateau between the Pacific coast and the Argentine border, shaped by volcanic activity, ancient salt formations, and near-total aridity. The landscape shifts constantly, from white salt flats and rust-coloured rock formations to dark blue lagoons set against a wide open sky.
Geysers, Salt Flats and High-Altitude Lagoons
The Atacama's geological contrasts are what make our small group Atacama Desert tours so compelling. Geyser del Tatio, located within the Andes of northern Chile, holds over 80 active geysers and is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world. To the south, flamingo-filled lagoons such as Miscanti and Miniques offer vivid colour against the dark volcanic backdrop. Salt formations across the region, including the mirror-flat surfaces of high-altitude salares, give the desert a quality found nowhere else in South America.
San Pedro de Atacama
The town of San Pedro de Atacama serves as the main base for exploring the region. Set on the plateau, it provides access to the Valley of the Moon, the Cordillera de Sal, and the surrounding volcanoes — including the perfect cone of Licancabur. The night skies here rank among the clearest on Earth, making the desert one of the world's premier stargazing locations.
Visiting with Undiscovered Destinations
On a guided group tour in Chile with Undiscovered Destinations, we approach the Atacama as part of a broader Andean journey rather than a single-destination trip. The 14-day Argentina and Chile Puna & Atacama Experience (maximum 12 people) crosses the Andes from Argentina via the 4,200m Jama Pass, arriving in San Pedro de Atacama at sunset. Departing in May and September (from £5,750 per person), the itinerary visits Geyser del Tatio, the Miscanti and Miniques lagoons, and the Vallecito sunset point.
For a more extensive adventure, our 28-day Argentina, Chile and Bolivia Explorer (from £8,295 per person) extends the journey further, travelling from the Atacama onward through Bolivia to the Uyuni Salt Flats—ideal for travellers wanting a complete South American Altiplano experience.
