San Pedro de Atacama offers a wide variety of day-long trekking circuits, and circuits lasting 2 or more days, for you to enjoy astounding and varied landscapes of 2500 meters (8202 ft) above sea level in the area surrounding the Salt Mountain Range, up to 4000 meters (13123 ft) in the Chilean High Plain, with a beautiful view of the mountain tops towering at over 5000 meters (16404 ft.) 

It is a wonderful way of experiencing the silence and immensity of the desert, and truly finding yourself.  You will be in true contact with nature, the environment and the local cultures.

This high plains desert has very contrasting climates and requires us to use sun block, sunglasses and hats during the day as well as consuming lots of bottled water. On the other hand, the low temperature at night demands warm clothing.

We recommend trekking with specialized companies because these paths are not clearly marked and the altitude and climate conditions require a specialised guide.

Some recomended trekking are:

Las Cornisas  

Distance: 7.5 km (4.7 miles) to Death Valley and 10.5 km (6.5 miles) to San Pedro de Atacama

Duration: 1/2 day (3 to 4 hours)

Description: It starts out at the tunnel of the old road to Calama, and then goes uphill to the cornice where you’ll have a spectacular view. The expedition ends at Death Valley. 

Altitude: About 2600 m (8530 ft)

Skill level: Medium

Moon Valley 

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) 

Duration: 1/2 day - (3 to 4 hours)

Description: Start visiting the Tres Marias, and then set out towards the great dune, following a route right across the Salt Mountain Range.

Altitude: About 2500 m (8202 ft)

Skill level: Easy

Guatin to Puritama thermal pools 

Distance: 7 kms (4.3 miles)

Duration: 1/2 day (4 to 5 hours)

Description: It starts at the Guatin gorge to then climb up a beautiful rocky canyon embellished by huge foxtail millet. The route ends at the Puritama thermal pools.

Altitude: starting at 2800 m (9186 ft)

Skill level: Easy

Guatin to Gatchi 

Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles)

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Description: It starts at the Guatin Gorge, and goes down through a beautiful grove of cacti (Cardones) that are over 400 years old.

Altitude: Starting at 2800 m (9186 ft)

Skill level: Easy

Machuca to Rio Grande 

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Description: It starts at the Machuca village, descends along the Peñaliri river and reaches the astounding Rio Grande gorge. This is the starting point on the way to Rio Grande. 

Altitude: Starting at 4000 m (13123 ft)

Skill level: Medium

High Plateau Trekking, from Lejia lagoon to Miscanti lagoon 

Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)

Duration: 11 hours

Landmarks: High-altitude trekking, over 4000 m (13123 ft) high deep in the heart of the Chilean high plain, with a beautiful landscape embellished by mountains, volcanoes and lagoons. Plan ahead to stay one night in the shelter of Laguna Miscanti or at Socaire. 

Altitude: Over 4200 m (13779.5 ft)

Skill level: Hard