Atacama Independent – Northern Chile on an Atacama Round Trip by Motorhome in 3 Weeks

Overview

Discover the Atacama Desert and the Little North of Chile on an Atacama round trip by motorhome in 3 weeks. You visit the vibrant capital Santiago with its many faces, historical places and great city panoramas. Next, you travel by motorhome through the north of the country. Encircled by the breathtaking Andean Plateau, the Pacific Ocean and the Peruvian Tacna, Arica, the northernmost city of Chile, is full of glory. On the Altiplano, you are embraced by authoritarian volcanoes, mountain lagoons and hot springs. You encounter vicuñas, llamas and alpacas and get to know the unvarnished everyday life of the residents of the Andean Altiplano. The pleasant desert city of Iquique has excellent beaches and interesting colonial architecture. At San Pedro de Atacama, sandy moonscapes and salt lakes, bubbling geysers and starry skies surround you. The pleasant desert city of Iquique has excellent beaches and interesting colonial architecture. Let yourself be captivated by the contrast of dreamlike bays set amid the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert near Caldera. The Elqui Valley is known for traditional Pisco culture and breathtaking views into the star-filled sky. And trek along the rocky coastline of hidden Los Molles and hark to the gushing fountains of the sea.

Highlights

Volcanoes and Andean lagoons on the Altiplano

Simmering Tatio Geysers

Coastal fog at the Chilean Sugarloaf

Picturesque Elqui Valley

Harmony of the coastal village of Los Molles

Itinerary

Day 1-3: Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Here in Santiago beats the heart of Chile. And at the same time, at the foot of the snow-covered mountains and not far from the mighty ocean, you feel what gave this country its name according to a legend: Chilli - where the world ends. Glorious buildings and busy commerce on the streets, flourishing parks and modern high-rise complexes come together in Santiago. Here, Chile's past, present and future collide directly.

Day 3-5: Arica

You reach Chile's northernmost city and pick up your motorhome. Take a stroll along the enticing beach of Arica or marvel at the first-class panorama of the desert town from the city hill Morro, while the warm sunlight tingles on your skin. The steady crash of the Pacific Ocean sets the pace for slowing down, and the vast sea invites you to take a refreshing swim or ride the waves.

Day 5-7: Putre

It goes up to the Chilean Altiplano. On your way you pass the iconic Azapa Valley and mummy relics, Inca ruins and the Lluta Valley. In Lauca National Park, authoritarian volcanic cones at over 6,000 meters and Lago Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, create a stunning portrait. And on a hike, you can come into contact with grazing lamas, vicuñas and alpacas.

Day 7-9: Iquique

The desert town of Iquique combines scenic elegance, Chilean history and modernity like few other places in the country. Examine the interesting architecture of the city center. Switch off at the beach promenade flanked by palm trees. And in the inland, the abandoned mining town of Humberstone, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a reminder of the blessings and curses of natural resources.

Day 9-13: San Pedro de Atacama

Pink-feathered flamingos gather on the shores of Andean lagoons. Between small desert settlements with traditional adobe architecture stretches the crusted salt field of the immeasurable Salar de Atacama. The fascinating desert scenery of Valle de la Luna looks like the ground of an alien planet. And smoke rises from the bubbling geysers of El Tatio while vicuñas and rheas roam the mountains. This and more is presented by the Atacama Desert around the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 13-14: Antofagasta

It hosts you the desert city of Antofagasta, located on the Pacific Ocean. Check out the city landmark La Portada on the perplexing cliff. The natural monument resembles a maritime entrance gate made of rocks and is one of the country's classic postcard motifs. And a drive through the surrounding countryside allows you to fathom the economic importance of the region, with its numerous mines and quarries.

Day 14-17: Caldera / Bahía Inglesa

The scenery of the coastal area around Caldera is engaging: you are secluded in the Atacama Desert, the remarkable variety of cacti adorns monotonous sandy plains, while the powerful Pacific Ocean rushes along the picture-perfect beaches. And in the hinterland, the huge Andean mountains and volcanoes tower over 6,000 meters in altitude. Admire the great panoramas of Chile's Sugarloaf and relax under the sun on the gorgeous beaches of Inglesa Bay.

Day 17-19: Pisco Elqui

Explore the Elqui Valley, which appears like a blooming oasis amidst the arid surroundings. Framed by rolling hills and vineyards at the foot of the Andes, tranquil villages such as Pisco Elqui with their narrow alleys and local handicrafts reflect the valley’s gentle charm. A visit to a local distillery offers unique insight into the production of the brandy known as Pisco. And turn your gaze to the fascinating world of the stars: from here, in Chile’s Little North, the night sky can be studied like in few other places on Earth.

Day 19-20: Los Molles

The pleasant coastal village of Los Molles is marginally noticed by tourism, although its beauty is peculiar. The sea crashes vigorously against the rocks, patient anglers fish in the bay, rustic cottages line unpaved roads and blend into an engaging harmony. On easily accessible trails, you can individually walk the beguiling coastal landscape in the Mediterranean Puquén Bioreserve.

Day 20-21: Santiago

You return to the capital of Chile. Take a breath and stroll through historic streets and new hip neighborhoods. Spotlight the delicate work of creative potters, painters and jewelry designers at original market stalls. And sum up the past days on one of the many viewpoints overlooking the restless metropolis and the five- and six-thousand-meter peaks of the snow-covered Andes.

What our Travel Packages Include

Travel service:

Basic package Full package

Individual and professional advice about your journey
Tailor-made travel planning and organization

Accommodation:

Basic package Full package

3 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation
Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast
Hotels during journey by motorhome are not provided

Local transport:

Basic package Full package

1 regional flight
4 transfer connections
Motorhome (see below)

Motorhome:

Basic package Full package

Rental motorhome for 17 days
Vehicle type: camper with cabin or similar
Pick up: Arica (Airport)
Drop off: Santiago (branch)
Kilometers: 200 km/day
Border crossing: excl.
Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with basic protection against damage and theft with deductible (€2,100.00)

Half and full day tours:

Basic package Full package

City tour Santiago (private)
Valle del Arcoíris (shared)
Valle de la Luna (shared)
Lagunas Altiplánicas, Salar de Atacama and Piedras Rojas (shared)
Geyser del Tatio (shared)
Mamalluca Observatory (shared)

Our Prices for your Journey through Chile

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Motorhome

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, half and full day tours, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, local taxes, tips and other services not listed

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €3,120.00

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Motorhome
Half and full day tours

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, local taxes, tips and other services not listed

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €3,550.00

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example:

Intercontinental flights
Car hire for Santiago
Free adjustment of destinations and order of your journey through Chile

Chile Central promotes sustainable and solidarity tourism. By booking your trip, you support CO₂ offset as well as a social project for disadvantaged children in Santiago.

Decided in advance? We offer attractive special rates for early bookers.