San Pedro de Atacama (San Pedro for short) is a small village located in one of the many oases which are founded in the altiplano of the second region of Chile.

Along this geographic zone rise some of the highest volcanoes of the Los Andes cordillera.

Formerly the center of the Atacama culture, today San Pedro\'s population is about 2.500.

Nowadays this small town has a big importance becouse it is considered as the archeological capital of Chile and also becouse of its extreme geographic position , the beauty of the landscape and its eternal blue sky.

The main economic activities are tourist trade followed by small farming (small cultivation, breeding of sheep and goats).

Due to the amazing landscape of this zone, San Pedro has turned into the start point of the touristic activity and the excursions around the region. So we can find a big variety of services for the visitors such as lodging, restaurants, tourist agencies, handcraft, telephone office, internet, post and police station.

Another characteristic of San Pedro is its cosmopolitan atmosphere, becouse it is a destination that cannot be lost by all the tourists that come to Chile, specially from Europe.

Sights

A full-day exploration to the highest Geothermal field, (14,000 feet above sea level) in the Andean Mountain range.

The fumaroles of steam, that reach 165 feet, are mixed with the imposing beauty of the Andes. There is a varied fauna, including the Vicunas, American camels that walk elegantly and are adapted to live in extreme climatic and geographic conditions. The geothermal field has its origin in the Earth\'s magma, the cordilleran waters originated by the defrosting filters between the cracks of the soil, getting to deep and warm zones, and, finally, when contacting the magma, violently raise in the form of steam and boiling water, causing the fumaroles and spurts that rise because of the abrupt change of temperatures. On your return, you will see a stirring landscape of mountains and volcanoes that raise over 18,000 feet above sea level, as well as an important fauna of birds in the small rivers that follow their way to the great Salar de Atacama.

The thermal Spas of Puritama are a deserved rest when returning from a day of exploration. Pools with water which are rich in minerals and at 95ºF allow visitors the relaxation that they require after a day that begins very early and that lasts the whole day.

In the evening, one of the most spectacular moments is the Sunset and the best place to appreciate it is the Mountain range of the Salt. With its Mars and Moon Valleys that are salt and clay formations (a product of the mineralogical folding that took place hundred of millions of years ago and that originated small mountains of capricious and sculptural forms) it resembles a Lunar landscape at sunset.

A cocktail is included in this tour.

A full day excursion including box lunch.

These lagoons, that are at 14,750 feet above sea level, are of great beauty. in their landscapes, varied shades of cordilleran colors can be appreciated. The flora and fauna are unique, since they only exist in these protected areas. The height allows you to be close to mountains and volcanoes, some of which are sacred and have inspired beautiful legends of the Atacama Desert. On the way is the town of Socaire, a place in which the ancestral traditions of their inhabitants have lasted through time, shepherds and agriculturists who cultivate the pachamama using the old system of Andean terraces.

A half day tour through the most extensive plain in the area to the Great Salar de Atacama, a white and rough surface where the lagoons house flamingoes. They choose these waters as the place to build their nest because of the abundance of the Atacaman Puna. This Salar has the most important reserve of Lithium of the planet. Due to the protection of weak water streams, small towns are born, Toconao being one of the most colorful ones. Here original architecture in Liparita stone can be appreciated, particularly in its old Church. It is a town that invites you to cross its streets and to know the villagers who work in fine artisan wool.

This half day tour takes you to Bolivian territory to see the Blanca and Verde Lagoons. Here there is a rich bird life including a large number of Andean Flamingoes and Jergon Ducks. They swim to feed very near the visitors allowing a spectacular photographic safari. At noon, when the wind blows, the rich mineralogical magnesium sediments that are deposited at the heart of the Verde Lagoon move, dyeing the water with an intense turquoise color.

On this half day tour Into the heart of the Andean Mountain range, we find the Monks of the Pakana, imposing volcanic sediment columns that standing in a great plain. These Monks look after the tranquility of the Salar de Aguas Calientes where the Vicunas, Flamingo and other typical animals of the Plateau walk and feed themselves.

San Pedro de Atacama is considered the Archaeological capital of Chile due to the human settlements that developed in these zones 12,000 years ago. On this full day tour, we will see how the excavations of Father Le Paige led to the discovery of important ceramic pieces and mummies. These pieces led to the creation of the Archaeological Museum and allows to understand the different evolutionary stages of the Atacama culture.

In the XII century, the natives built the fortress of Quitor to defend themselves from possible enemy attacks of foreign invaders or border natives. The village of Tulor is the oldest archaeological place of human settlement of the region; it was used between the years 300 A.C. and 500 B.C

A box lunch is included in this tour.

On this half day tour, you will explore important examples of rock art expressed in Petroglyphs with sign forms and religious and magical expressions left by the Andean caravans on their mercantile roads.

Caspana is an important town on the plateau that maintains the agricultural and water canalization techniques inherited from the Inca Culture. During this half day tour, you will learn about its terraces and gain an appreciation of the culture of diverse fruits of the soil that are commercialized in the nearby cities.