Family-Friendly Adventures in San Pedro de Atacama!

Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), Chile

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your adventure early by heading to Moon Valley, located about 13 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama. Rent a car or join a guided tour from San Pedro for convenience, as public transport is not available. Once at the valley, purchase your entry tickets at the main gate (note: credit cards often aren"t accepted, so bring cash).

Begin with the Dinosaur Valley & Salt Caves exploration. These fascinating rock formations resemble the surface of the moon and provide a great playground for imaginative young minds. The caves, formed by salt deposits, create an otherworldly experience. Remember to bring headlamps for a better view inside the caves.

Midday: Picnic & Relaxation

Around noon, enjoy a family picnic at one of the designated areas. Bring plenty of water, sun hats, and sunscreen as the desert sun can be intense, even in cooler months.

Afternoon: Grand Dune & Coyote Stone

Post lunch, trek to the top of the Grand Dune for a panoramic view of the valley. This gentle hike is suitable for kids and offers a perfect photo opportunity. Later, head towards the Coyote Stone, a famous rock formation that looks out over the vast landscape. It’s an ideal spot for unforgettable family photos at sunset.

Evening: Sunset & Stargazing

Conclude your visit by watching the sunset, which paints the lunar-like landscape in hues of red and orange. As dusk falls, prepare for some stargazing. The clear desert skies offer one of the best stargazing experiences in the world. Observing constellations and shooting stars will captivate the entire family.

Tips

- Wear comfortable walking shoes.

- Check the local weather and road conditions before visiting.

This itinerary ensures a memorable family day out exploring the natural marvels of Moon Valley, blending adventure with awe-inspiring scenic views.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

El Tatio Geysers

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to El Tatio Geysers

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

- Location: El Tatio Geysers, located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile.

- Getting There: Fly into Calama, the closest major city, and take a 2-hour scenic drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Spend your evening here to acclimatize to the high altitude (4,320 meters above sea level).

Day 2: Adventure to El Tatio Geysers

- Early Morning Departure: Wake up early (around 4 AM) to embark on your journey. Rent a car or book a tour from San Pedro de Atacama. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours. Tours are advisable as they provide knowledgeable guides and safer transportation.

- Sunrise Spectacle: Arrive just before sunrise. The early morning hours are magical as the cold highland air meets the boiling water creating dramatic steam columns that are best seen at dawn.

- Touring the Geysers: Explore the geyser field with your guide. Learn about the geothermal science behind the geysers and how El Tatio represents one of the highest geyser fields in the world.

- Family Fun Fact: El Tatio has over 80 active geysers. Kids can learn about geothermal activity in a real-world setting, making it a thrilling and educational experience.

- Safety First: Always follow the marked paths and heed your guide’s instructions to enjoy the geysers safely.

- Thermal Pool Dip: After walking around the geothermal field, take a relaxing soak in the naturally heated thermal pools. It’s a perfect spot for the family to unwind and enjoy the warm waters amidst the cool air.

- Picnic Breakfast: Enjoy a picnic breakfast by the geysers. Most tours offer breakfast, or you can bring your own.

- Return to San Pedro de Atacama: Head back to town by midday. Spend your afternoon resting or exploring other gentle attractions in the area.

Day 3: Departure

- Leisure Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning in San Pedro de Atacama before heading back to Calama for your departure.

Tips

- Dress in layers; mornings are chilly but it warms up quickly.

- Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and snacks.

This fun-filled expedition to El Tatio Geysers offers both adventure and educational intrigue, perfect for a family outing!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Atacama Desert

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure in Chile"s Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, offering landscapes that resemble Martian plains and lunar valleys.

Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama

Fly into Calama’s El Loa Airport and take a shuttle for the hour-long ride to San Pedro de Atacama, the charming desert town that serves as your base. Check into a family-friendly hotel and spend your afternoon acclimating to the altitude. Stroll through the town, visit the local craft markets, and enjoy dinner at one of the cozy eateries.

Day 2: Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

After breakfast, join a guided tour to Valle de la Luna, located just 13 kilometers west of San Pedro. This valley, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, offers stunning, moon-like landscapes. The tour usually includes climbing sand dunes and exploring salt caves, perfect for adventurous kids. Catch the breathtaking sunset, which paints the valley in vibrant colors, before heading back to town.

Day 3: El Tatio Geysers and Machuca Village

Rise early for a guided tour to El Tatio Geysers, departing around 4:30 AM to catch the steam columns at sunrise. This geothermal field at 4,320 meters above sea level is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. Kids will be amazed by the hissing geysers and boiling mud pools. Afterward, visit the quaint Machuca Village, where you can try local llama meat and interact with the indigenous Atacameño people.

Day 4: Cejar Lagoon

Spend your last day at Cejar Lagoon, about 30 kilometers from San Pedro. The lagoon"s high salt concentration allows for effortless floating, a novel experience for both kids and adults. Surrounding the lagoon are the stunning Andes and salt flats—a perfect backdrop for family photos.

Departure

After a final night in San Pedro, head back to Calama airport for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of the mystical Atacama Desert.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cejar Lagoon (Laguna Cejar)

Why Visit?

Welcome to your family adventure to the breathtaking Cejar Lagoon, nestled in the heart of Chile"s Atacama Desert!

Morning Departure

Start your day early by driving from San Pedro de Atacama, which is about 30 kilometers away from the lagoon. You can rent a car or book a guided tour for convenience. The journey is scenic, so keep your cameras ready!

Arrival at Cejar Lagoon

Once you arrive, marvel at the stunning contrast of the bright blue waters against the backdrop of the salt flats and arid desert. The lagoon"s water has a high salt concentration, allowing you to float effortlessly. It"s a magical experience, especially fun and safe for kids!

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the Cejar Lagoon is often compared to the Dead Sea because of its high buoyancy levels? This is due to its salt content, which is similar to that of the famous sea in the Middle East.

Snack Break

After some floating and swimming, enjoy a family picnic by the shore. There are areas designated for visitors to relax and enjoy the landscape. Pack light snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Visit to Ojos del Salar

In the afternoon, take a short drive to the Ojos del Salar, two deep freshwater pools formed in the middle of the desert. Here, you can freshen up with a dive into the cooler waters — a refreshing contrast to the salty Cejar Lagoon.

Return Journey

Conclude your day with a leisurely drive back to San Pedro de Atacama. If time and energy allow, stop by to watch the sunset over the desert — a perfect end to an exciting day.

Tips

- Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.

- Bring swimwear that you don’t mind getting salty.

Embark on this unique desert adventure that combines natural beauty, fun, and learning — a perfect day out for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Los Flamencos National Reserve (Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival & Valle de la Luna

Start your adventure at Los Flamencos National Reserve by arriving in the nearest town, San Pedro de Atacama. Rent a car or book a guided tour for convenient travel within the reserve. First, head to Valle de la Luna, about 13 km west of San Pedro. This valley, known for its moon-like landscapes, offers stunning views of stone and sand formations that glow at sunset. Take the family on a gentle hike to the Grande Dune to watch a breathtaking sunset. Don’t forget a camera to capture the panoramic views and the changing colors of the sky and landscape.

Day 2: Laguna Chaxa - Flamingo Watching

Drive about 45 minutes south from San Pedro to Laguna Chaxa in the Salar de Atacama sector. This is a fantastic spot for observing three species of flamingos: the Andean, Chilean, and James’s flamingos. The best visiting time is early morning when the birds are most active. The visitor center offers insightful exhibitions on flamingo life cycles and the importance of salt flats. Walk along the marked trails and use the observation platforms to enjoy these majestic birds and the stunning backdrop of the Andes.

Day 3: Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons

Spend your day at the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, about a 1.5-hour drive from San Pedro. Set at high altitudes, these blue water bodies contrast beautifully against the yellow pampas and surrounding volcanoes. It’s a serene place for family picnics and gentle walks along designated paths. Learn about the local wildlife and how these lagoons are vital for their survival.

End your visit to the Los Flamencos National Reserve with delightful memories of diverse landscapes and unique wildlife interactions, making it a perfect getaway for nature-loving families.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.