Spend 8 days driving through the arid Atacama Desert
The 8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour offers a unique combination of two fascinating regions in Chile and Argentina, providing an insight into the way of life of its native people: The Atacameños on the Chilean side, and the Kolla Indians on the Argentine side.
Take in the natural beauty of the arid Atacama Desert and experience the rich history and culture of the people who call this remote region home, while driving across an unforgiving landscape that will certainly make for an unforgettable experience!
Highlights of the 8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour
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8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Calama to San Pedro de Atacama
Begin your journey in the mining city of Calama, where you pick up your rental car right at the airport upon arrival. Your first ride takes you through the driest desert of the world to your hotel in the nearby desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. There are a lot of places of interest nearby; if you arrive early enough, we recommend visiting the Moon Valley at sunset.
From the highest dune of the valley, enjoy fantastic views over its bizarrely shaped desert rocks and observe how the last rays of sunshine bathe the valley in bright shades of orange, red and violet. Overnight at a hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Distance: 105km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 San Pedro de Atacama to Purmamarca
Today you leave San Pedro and continue your journey to Argentina. The Andes crossing via the Jama Pass takes you through spectacular landscape. The day ends in the colorful village of Purmamarca, which is mainly inhabited by the Kollas people, descendants of the Inca. Overnight at a hotel in Purmamarca.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Purmamarca
Distance: 450km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Purmamarca to Iruya
Continue north to the village of Iruya, situated in the midst of majestic rock faces. The Kolla people that live here have kept their traditions alive for more than 250 years until today, including costumes and houses. The village with its narrow-cobbled streets lined by brick, stone and straw buildings possesses its very own charm. Overnight at a hotel in Iruya.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Iruya
Distance: 140km/87mi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Iruya and the Inca fortress of Pukara de Titiconte
Enjoy Iruya’s relaxed atmosphere and take things slow today. We recommend visiting the old Inca fortress Pukara de Titiconte. Overnight at a hotel in Iruya.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Iruya
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Iruya to Tilcara
Get on the road again and drive through stunning Andes landscape to the historic village of Tilcara. A visit to one of the many handicraft markets is obligatory here! Overnight at a hotel in Tilcara.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tilcara
Distance: 115km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Tilcara to Coyo
After crossing the Andes via the Jama Pass once again, you return to Chile. Continue on to San Pedro de Atacama, where a special experience awaits: Stay with a local family in the nearby Atacameño community of Coyo for two nights. Overnight at a family house in Coyo.
Overnight Location: Family-run accommodation in Coyo
Distance: 480km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Hike Ancient Inca Trails in Coyo
Today you have the opportunity to participate in a two-hour-hike with llamas on ancient Inca Trails. The Atacama Salt Lake is a worthwhile destination for a day trip as well. Overnight at a family house in Coyo.
Overnight Location: Family-run accommodation in Coyo
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Coyo to Calama
After breakfast, drive back to Calama Airport and drop off your rental car here. You have the option to continue your journey from here or to take a connecting flight back home via Santiago.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 90km
Meals: Breakfast
8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This partial-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only and the prices depend on the type of the room you choose.
The prices below are per person:
- Price per solo traveller: $2,855 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $1,425 USD per person
- Price per person staying in a single room (travelling with a group): $2,180 USD per person
Accommodation on 8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based in hotels and family-run accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplemental fee to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire for the pricing). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Stay in a simple, but comfortable and friendly hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to explore the beautiful desert.
Hotel in Purmamarca
Relax in the picturesque town of Purmamarca, which is situated at 2,324m and surrounded by colourful mountain scenery.
Hotel in Iruya
Spend time at a charming hotel in Iruya, a small town in northwest Argentina that is surrounded by mountains.
Hotel in Tilcara
Enjoy your evening in a lovely hotel in the Argentine city of Tilcara, which is surrounded by a stunning desert landscape.
Family-run accommodation in Coyo
Spend several nights with a local family in the Atacameño community of Coyo, learning about their culture, customs, and daily life.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included in the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Calama are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
7 Days of vehicle rentals are included on the tour, unlimited mileage, and programmed GPS.
Also Included
- Car Rental:
-
- Pickup 4WD vehicle of category J3 (Toyota HiLuxe or similar)
- Airport charge
- Unlimited mileage
- Second driver
- Partial guide services
Not included
- Flights to and from Calama
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-Day Atacama Desert Self-Drive Tour
In Andes Nativa, their name says it all. Their highest priority are authentic travel experiences in Chile, where the mighty Andes Mountains are a steady companion. NATIVA represents the pristine and fragile, worthy of protection.
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