By rental car from the Atacama Desert to Lauca National Park
The unknown high-altitude north of Chile is home to a very desolate landscape with beautiful national parks. You will feel small in the landscape of huge volcanoes and salt flats. In this inhospitable area, you will be introduced to typical Andean settlements. For the adventurous among you, the route from the Atacama Desert via Colchane and Salar de Surire and through Las Vicuñas National Park and Lauca National Park is an unforgettable experience. The scenery is breathtaking; from the high volcano Isluga to the salt flats of Surire and hundreds of llamas and alpacas, groups of vicunas and proud flamingos. During this trip you will reach high altitudes above 4,000 meters and will have to cross a small river by car. Easier route is possible via several pre-cordillera villages in the Copda Valley.
This trip can be booked in different accommodation categories. Please note that only basic accommodations are available at Colchane.
Tips & Tops Northern Chile:
- Visit the world's largest copper mines near Calama on Day 5. Along the way, you will also often see abandoned cemeteries of the many miners who died over time. Or abandoned villages like the ghost town of Humberstone.
- On day 8 you will have time to visit the charming Andean settlement of Parinacota and the world's highest lakes Chungara and Payachatas against the backdrop of the 6,000-meter Parinacota volcano
- This trip can also be incorporated into our combination trip of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Desert, high peaks and good wine
- Or end with a special stay on Easter Island or Robinson Crusoe Island
- Please note our recommended accommodations: San Pedro de Atacama: Tierra Atacama Hotel, Awasi Hotel, Alto Atacama, Explora Hotel
- This adventure tour by rental car is not suitable from mid-December to March.
