What to do and see in Antofagasta Region, Chile: The Best Bus Tours

August 5, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

The Antofagasta Region (Spanish: Región de Antofagasta, pronounced [antofaˈɣasta]) is one of Chile's fifteen first-order administrative divisions. It comprises three provinces, Antofagasta, El Loa and Tocopilla. It is bordered to the north by Tarapacá and by Atacama to the south and is the second-largest region of Chile. To the east it borders Bolivia and Argentina. The capital of the region is the port city of Antofagasta, another important city being Calama. The main economic activity is copper mining in the giant porphyry copper systems located inland.
Restaurants in Antofagasta Region

1. Tatio Geysers

Full Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The land of water and fire. The heat generated by the active volcanoes of the region warms the underground waters. In contrast with the freezing temperatures of the surface, generous amounts of water vapor are produced. The result is a true spectacle of nature. A geothermical field with hundreds of geysers whose eruption throws bolling water and vapor to about 10 meters high. We arrive to the region before sun rise, reason why the temperatures could reach -20ºC, besides the fact that we will be at over 4.000 meters above sea level. That is why we recommend a night of full rest the day before and very warm clothes.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Reviewed By TchayraS

My aunt and I went on a tour to Viña Del Mar & Valparaíso with Daniel and the driver Alejandro. They are friendly, funny and extremely patient. Not only do they do their jobs well done, but they are always giving pertinent tips on the cheapest market, where to eat and the better deals. Daniel not only takes us roaming through the two cities but also makes remarks about the smallest details, as well as historic and geographical context. He’s the full package, he even takes great pictures of all the tourists in group (in our case nicknamed the “mafia simpática” ????????????)! Congratulations on a job done with excellence, we can tell how much you do it with passion. I recommend the tour with these guys, it’s a great time guaranteed and p.s. they make extra stops to take advantage of the great landscape so we can take great pictures). I was simply enchanted!

2. Altiplanic Lagoons

Sernatur, Toconao con Padre Gustavo Le Paige - Toconao, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile Full Tour
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Get to know with Full tour the beautiful lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. They continue to amaze everyone not only because of their beauty, but also because they are located 4.000 meters above sea level. Their beauty is complemented by the inmensity of the Miscanti and Miñiques volcanoes

Inclusions: Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Reviewed By TchayraS

My aunt and I went on a tour to Viña Del Mar & Valparaíso with Daniel and the driver Alejandro. They are friendly, funny and extremely patient. Not only do they do their jobs well done, but they are always giving pertinent tips on the cheapest market, where to eat and the better deals. Daniel not only takes us roaming through the two cities but also makes remarks about the smallest details, as well as historic and geographical context. He’s the full package, he even takes great pictures of all the tourists in group (in our case nicknamed the “mafia simpática” ????????????)! Congratulations on a job done with excellence, we can tell how much you do it with passion. I recommend the tour with these guys, it’s a great time guaranteed and p.s. they make extra stops to take advantage of the great landscape so we can take great pictures). I was simply enchanted!

3. Red stones

Tour Connection SPA
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We will begin the excursion with a visit to the pre-Hispanic town of Socaire, characterized by its cultivation terraces. Then we will go to the high plateau, where we will first visit the Miscanti Lagoon and Miñiques Lagoon, habitat of aquatic birds and mammals, such as culpeo foxes and vicuñas. We will continue to the Salar de Talar (also known as Salar de Aguas Calientes) and the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, from where we can see this extension of reddish volcanic stones that will surprise you with their shape and the exceptional natural environment where they are located. The excursion continues in the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile and the third largest salt flat in the world. There we will walk along the paths of Laguna Chaxa, nesting place and habitat for the three species of flamingos that inhabit Chile: Andean flamenco, Chilean flamenco and James flamenco. Finally, we will visit the town of Toconao, its Church of San Lucas and its characteristic fruit orchards.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle

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4. Salar de Uyuni with Lodging - 2 full days - With Minor Lagoons

Intiraymi Expediciones
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Explore the Salar de Uyuni on a 4x4 tour, with a reliable agency and years of experience that overwhelm us. We know the special tastes of each tourist who comes to visit us! Our tour covers all the highlights of the city and its surroundings, from the train cemetery, the largest salt desert in the world, lagoons with volcanoes that give a unique view, valley of volcanic rocks and giant cacti that demonstrate a vegetation admirable. You will be able to enjoy meals, lodging, guide, all the entrances and special stops. Time to take classic photos in perspective on the huge salt flats and many surprises that you can only see LIVING THIS MAGICAL MOMENT, with people you know about the place, its people, history and culture. You will find some more details below.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Accommodations, Foods, First aid box, Oxigen bottles, All entries

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Reviewed By Lalitha A

The best tour, We felt very safe and was easy to organise! We traveled with a 3 year old and this was by far the best tour agency and they are not expensive too! She also organises private stargazing tours in the salts. Our guide spoke english and he was a wonderful photographer. He took a million pictures and helped us with those perspective photos and videos too! They don't pack you in a big group. We were a group of four and it was perfect! I like that this tour agency is not money minded. In fact we had to chase her to pay the money. She was very kind and I would absolutely recommend her!

5. Hiking Cerro Toco

Sorbac
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We climb 5,600 meters above sea level, to the top of the most accessible mountain in Atacama, to discover what lies behind the Andes mountains. We start the hike at 5,200 meters above sea level to reach the summit after almost 2 km of ascent with 400 meters of unevenness. A beautiful view of the volcanoes and altiplano lagoons invite us to enjoy this summit.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, trekking equipment, poles and helmet, Sporty snack for promotion

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By lucasbabadopulos

Our trip to San Pedro de Atacama, with wife and two friends, was one of our best ever. Much of this great success was thanks to the wonderful day tours (we did 6 of them) and experience provided by SORBAC. We had time to enjoy each of the attractions, very good information (from Culture to Nature) to learn a lot. Food was great as well, and the staff was super friendly!! Thanks a lot!

6. Astronomy Tour in San Pedro de Atacama

Astronomy Atacama Lodge & Tours
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5.0 based on 84 reviews

The cosmos vision and traditions from the ancient people seamlessly combined with technology, computerized telescopes, augmented reality tablets & current catalog with the best deep sky objects. We are located in the first settlement where the Atacama people emerged, with privileged clear night skies and a noise and light free experience. Magical moments that will be immortalized with Professional Astrophotography under the southern night sky.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop, Parking Fees, Astrophotography (individual, couples & group pictures), Use of Binoculars & Telescopes, Astrophotography Tutorial (bring your own DSLR camera & we'll teach you how to take great pictures), Ancestral Ceremony & Farewell

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Reviewed By Joseph L

Excellent. Alex is a superior abs exceedingly caring guide! I did others and his is by far the best.

7. Astronomic tour

Observatorio Etno-Astronomico Licanantay
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4.6 based on 8 reviews

Los cielos de San Pedro de Atacama son únicos en el mundo debido a la baja humedad en el cielo lo que permite ver muchas estrellas de gran claridad visual

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By 830hernanm

This was a great experience! Felipe and Paz (the guides) were excellent, friendly and knowledgeable and took very good care of us! They had blankies, hot chocolate, coffee and tea and snacks available, were punctual and very professional! My three friends and I all left feeling very satisfied with the service provided. The guides took the time to answer all questions and each of us had plenty of time to look at this amazing sky through their telescope. I highly recommend taking this tour; it was one of the highlights of our visit to San Pedro de Atacama. Thank you Paz and Felipe for this wonderful experience!

8. San Pedro de Atacama: Half day Valle de la Luna, Afternoon Tour

Ruta Chile - Whole Saler Tour Operator
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4.4 based on 29 reviews

Enjoy one of the most popular tours in San Pedro de Atacama as you visit the famous Valley of the Moon. Enjoy a tour at this place which offers beautiful forms and colors and you can walk and observe a spectacle of geological sculptural forms, similar to the lunar surface. Your tour includes transport from San Pedro de Atacama.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Tickets, Food and Drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Vinit S

This tour included airport pickup and dropoff. Mine was a shared shuttle from Calama airport to San Pedro De Atacama and back. Ruta Chile had coordinated my 4 day trip with a local guide in San Pedro De Atacama called "Desert Adventure". There was a lady standing with my name card at the airport. She helped me with where to go and enter name for transport registration. I did not know how to speak Spanish and most of the people at airport did not know how to speak English so coordinating where to wait for shuttle was difficult. I had to ask 4-5 times about it and finally figured it out through hand actions. On the way we had some spectacular views of the region. It was a 1.5 hours journey. The driver dropped me at the hotel. Later in the afternoon they picked me up again to visit Valle de la Luna and Mars. Desert Adventure picked my up and dropped me off at some other tour guides office for this tour. Many tour guides there collaborate in this manner when they have few people registered for a tour. Note make sure you atleast 1L drinking water with you anytime you go for a tour. The remaining 2 days of my tour to Atacama were spectacular with Desert Adventure themselves. The detailed itinerary looked like below, This program doesn't include ASTRONOMIC TOUR (night service) or VALLE DEL ARCOIRIS TOUR (Half-day AM service). DAY 1: TRANSFER IN. Transfer from Calama airport to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. You must send the complete information of your arrival time (Aerolinea - Number of hours - arrival time). Suggestion: I pick you up before 10:00, so you can do a service in the afternoon. VALLE DE LA LUNA TOUR Average service day PM. Valle de la Luna is located approximately 10 kms. from San Pedro de Atacama and situated within the salt range, where he had walked and observed a geological show such as the salt statues "The Three Marias", the Salt Caves and the Great Dune. * Summer time 16:00 return 20:00 hrs. at 20:30 * Invierno Hours 15:00 return 18:30 to 19:00 Admission not included: $ 4,000 per person (approx) - You must pay in cash before entering the park. Recommendations: Llevar pullover, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, mineral water and comfortable walking shoes. DAY 2: MIRADOR ROJAS ROJAS, ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS AND SALAR DE ATACAMA We will visit: - Miscanti and Miñiques highland lagoons located at 4200 m.a.s.l. and you can appreciate the fauna of the place. - Piedras Rojas Viewpoint where you can see the Salar de Aguas Calientes and Salar de Talar, where you can see the reddish rock formations. - The Atacameno town of Socaire where you can see the cultivation terraces and the village church. - Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile and the Chaxa lagoon to observe 3 types of flamingos and other species. - Toconao town where we will appreciate the fantastic architecture of the bell tower and the village church. The tour includes breakfast and lunch. * Departure from 06:30 to 07:00 return approx. 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets not included: $ 5,500 per person (approx) - must be paid in cash before entering the parks. Recommendations: Bring warm clothes, light clothes, sunscreen and mineral water and comfortable walking shoes. Excursion not recommended for: children under 7 years, pregnant women and people with heart problems and hypertension. DAY 3: TATIO GEYSER EXCURSION Departure at dawn towards the Geiser del Tatio located at a distance of 97 Kms from San Pedro and at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Upon arrival, a walk is conducted directed by the geothermal field, and then finish in the thermal pool sector with water at 40º approx; and where passengers can take a restful bath. It includes breakfast * Departure from 04:30 to 05:30 return approx. 12:00 to 12:30 Entrance not included: $ 10,000 per person (approx) - must be paid in cash before entering the park. Recommendations: Eat light dinner the night before and do not drink alcohol. Bring warm clothes (freezing temperatures), swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water and fresh clothes for the return. Tour not recommended for: People with hypertension, heart problems, pregnant women and children under 7 years. TOUR TO LAGUNA CEJAR Turquoise lagoon, which due to its great salinity allows us to float in it. Later, we will visit the Ojos del Salar, lagoons with almost fresh water, where it is also possible to bathe. This tour ends at the Tebinquiche Lagoon, to enjoy a beautiful sunset with a snack. * Summer hours 16:00 return 20:30 hrs. at 9:00 p.m. * Winter hours 15:00 return 19:00 to 19:30 Entrance not included: $ 17,000 per person (approx) - must be paid in cash before entering the park. Recommendations: Bring pullover, sunscreen, bathing suit, water, towels and sandals for the bathroom due to the salt crystals. DAY 4: TRANSFER OUT Transfer from your Hotel San Pedro de Atacama - Calama Airport You must send the complete information of your departure flight (Airline - Flight number - departure time). The pick-up time is coordinated between 3 to 4 hours before the departure of your flight.

9. Valle de La Luna

Caracoles 101, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile Chile Conectado 123 Andes
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4.3 based on 15 reviews

A few kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, in the denominated salt mountain range, is the valley of the moon and valley of death. Geological formations that date back more than 25 million years and have been carved by erosion of wind and water giving way to a truly lunar landscape.

Inclusions: Local guides, National Park fees, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By michalakigalexandra

We loved everything minute of this tour! Our guide was amazing - we followed the itinerary and we had time to explore and photograph all the places we stopped. Our guide provided all the background information and answered any questions we had, including information on animals, plants and local communities. Breakfast and lunch were also very tasteful. Highly recommended!

10. Tatio Geysers and Machuca

Ignacio Carrera Pinto 451, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile Turistour
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3.7 based on 22 reviews

On this exciting tour, we will visit the impressive Tatio Geysers, at 4000 meters above sea level on the Andean plateau.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Professional guide, Pick up and drop off at the hotel with departure from the main hotels in San Pedro de Atacama. If your hotel is not within the internal list, we will look for a place close to your accommodation as a meeting point between you and our company.

Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Tickets to the park

Reviewed By Maris Z

I experienced a storm and rain in the driest desert in the world. Sights are amazing. You really like to think you're on a moon.

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