Atacama Independent – Northern Chile on a Round Trip by Motorhome in 2 Weeks

Overview

Discover the Atacama Desert of Chile on a round trip in 2 weeks by motorhome. You visit the vibrant capital Santiago with its many faces, historical places and great city panoramas. Next, you travel by motorhome through the Great North of the country. 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. 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. Encircled by the breathtaking Andean Plateau, the Pacific Ocean and the Peruvian Tacna, Arica, the northernmost city of Chile, is full of glory. Finally, in the port city of Valparaíso, colorful hills, jolting elevators and outstanding street art are waiting for you.

Highlights

Simmering Tatio Geysers

Kilometers of sandy beaches

Volcanoes and Andean lagoons on the Altiplano

Grazing llamas, vicuñas and alpacas

Historic elevators and street art of Valparaíso

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 3-7: San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is your first stop of your tour by motorhome in the Atacama Desert. 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.

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 9-11: 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 11-13: Arica

You reach Chile's northernmost city. 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. In Arica ends your tour by motorhome.

Day 13-15: Valparaíso

You return to central Chile. Valparaíso is known for its colorful tin-clad houses, historic elevators and street art full of politics and irony. View the dazzling ocean in front of the broad mountain silhouette. Meander attentively through the winding sidewalks on the hills of this freedom-loving coastal metropolis. Go up the myriad, exhilaratingly designed stairways of the port city. And an entertaining cooking class gives you a taste of Chilean food culture.

What our Travel Packages Include

Travel service:

Basic package Full package

Individual travel planning, organization and advice

Accommodation:

Basic package Full package

4 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation (hotels during journey by motorhome are not provided)
Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast

Local transport:

Basic package Full package

3 national flights
8 transfer connections
Motorhome (see below)

Motorhome:

Basic package Full package

Rental motorhome for 10 days
Vehicle type: camper with cabin or similar
Pick up: Calama (Airport)
Drop off: Arica (Airport)
Kilometers: free
2nd driver: incl.
Border crossing: excl.
Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with basic protection against damage and theft without deductible (via refund)

Half and full day tours:

Basic package Full package

City tour Santiago (private)
Cooking class in Valparaíso (shared)
City tour Valparaíso (private)

Additional travel services:

Basic package Full package

Intercontinental flights
Travel insurance
Language course
Other travel services

Our Prices for your Journey through Chile

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Motorhome

Total price per person:

From 2.028,00 €

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, half and full day tours, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, meals not mentioned

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Motorhome
Half and full day tours

Total price per person:

From 2.217,00 €

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, meals not mentioned

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example:

Intercontinental flights from 977,00 € per person
Car hire for Santiago / Valparaíso from 45,00 € per day
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.