Focus Atacama – Northern Chile on a Round Trip with a Rental Car in 3 Weeks

Overview

Discover the coast and the Andean region of the Atacama Desert on a round trip by rental car from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama. You visit the vibrant capital Santiago with its many faces, historical places and great city panoramas. Traditional Pisco culture, maritime nature with dolphins and penguins as well as fascinating outlooks into the starry world typify the region around La Serena. Get captivated by the contrast of the dreamlike beach bays in the middle of the Atacama Desert near Caldera. Antofagasta is home to world-known observatories and steep coastlines. San Pedro de Atacama is surrounded by sandy moonscapes, whose special rock formations shimmer golden-red. The crumbling earth of the dried salt lakes reaches to the horizon. Dense smoke rises from bubbling geysers and clouds the mountain scenery. Flamingos gather at blue Andean lagoons at over 4,000 meters. And back in central Chile, colorful hills, jolting elevators and outstanding street art are waiting for you in the port city of Valparaíso.

Highlights

Picturesque Elqui Valley

Penguins and dolphins at Isla Damas

Atacama scenery on the Pacific coast

Crusted salt lakes and powerful volcanoes

Sunset in the Moon Valley

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: La Serena

La Serena is the next stop on your journey. Sightsee old churches and green parks of Chile's second-oldest city. Explore the Valle del Elqui, which looks like a blooming oasis in the arid surroundings. At a local distillery, you get a special point of view on how the national drink Pisco is made. And a fishing boat takes you to the islands in front of Punta de Choros, where agile Humboldt Penguins trot on the rocks. Occasionally, even dolphins and whales keep you company.

Day 7-10: 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 10-12: 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 12-17: 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 17-20: Valparaíso

Valparaíso is known for its colorful tin-clad houses, historic elevators and street art full of politics and irony. Meander attentively through the winding sidewalks on the hills of the port city. An entertaining cooking class gives you a taste of Chilean food culture. In the Casablanca Valley, you gain interesting glimpses into local viticulture. And encircled by pine forests and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, you listen to the harmonious sound of the sea in Quintay.

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

19 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation
Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast

Local transport:

Basic package Full package

1 national flight
2 transfer connections
Rental car (see below)

Rental car:

Basic package Full package

Rental car for 16 days (SUV)
Car type: Nissan Kicks or similar
Pick up: Santiago (Airport)
Drop off: Calama (Airport)
Kilometers: free
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

Cooking class in Valparaíso (shared)
City tour Valparaíso (private)
Quintay and winery at Casablanca (private)

Our Prices for your Journey through Chile

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Rental car

Excluded:

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

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €2,880.00

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Rental car
Half and full day tours

Excluded:

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

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €3,150.00

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example:

Intercontinental flights
Family motorhome
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.