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

May 31, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

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. On the trail of the Inca messengers

Avenida del Inca 353, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile Ando Libre
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Night hike in the Atacama desert

Inclusions: Food and drinks, Transport to San Pedro on the way back., We will have an aperitif at the end of the hike.

Exclusions: Frontal torch, hiking sticks. We can rent it to You.

Reviewed By Angela P

the tour was great! I would definitely recommend it. Just couple of things that nobody told me when I booked the tour. I asked a lot of agencies in San Pedro and here we go: most of them do the same tour (they stop in the same places, make sure they give you a paper with all the stops so you can check everything out), never mind what they tell you, DO NOT pay extra for hot water in advance because you will need to pay at the hostels as well ( none of the agencies include hot water for your shower). In my opinion, I would definitely book the cheapest one as I said before, they all do the same.

4. Baltinache Hidden Lagoon

San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile Viajando Comigo
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visit the hidden lagoons of Baltinache or Sete Lagoas, one of the secrets of the Atacama desert. Includes shared transportation.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes

5. 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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6. Ethno-Gastronomy Tasting menu, 5 or 9 times with Pairing.

cKelar Gastronomía
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

With the ethno-gastronomic experience, travelers discover Atacama through the sense of taste. Each dish brought to the table is presented by Chef Lickan antai, explaining the reason for each preparation, both traditional and signature cuisine.

Inclusions: Private transportation, 9 or 5 Tasting dishes, depending on the reserved times, plus pairing., Bottled water, Pairing

Exclusions: Gratuities

7. 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!

8. Tour Tatio Geyser Safari style by Grade 10

Grado 10
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

With us you will have a unique experience. Touring spectacular places and that will leave you surprised. In our exclusive safari-style bus, with reclining seats and an unparalleled panoramic view, we will take you to the most spectacular places in the Atacama Desert. In the Tour geyser del Tatio you will travel through magical desert places with our safari bus, you will have a buffet breakfast with tables and chairs for you to enjoy, a guide with extensive knowledge of the area and maximum safety

Inclusions: We offer a breakfast buffet pancakes with delicacies and ham and cheese sandwiches, hot tea or coffee, milk, juice, cake and cookies and fruits

Exclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Reviewed By isabellaaparicio

i booked the 4 tours grado10 offered after a friend recommended me. worth it! even though it’s a bit more expensive than the other companies, it’s much better. the bus/truck is very comfortable, with big reclining chairs (which is a must since some tours leave at 5am and you will want to sleep until you get to your destination), and also very nice during the tours (in some of them you can go on top of it). breakfast is the best as well. the tours are very well organized, leaving earlier than the other companies so you won’t get the places crowded. they also create whatsapp groups to facilitate communication and to send pictures afterwards. our guide George gave us a beautiful picture of the sky when going to the geysers and our guide Barbara was very professional and clear to understand. as a bonus, Luis was a very good chat when we were on the road. their tours were my favourite and i definitely recommend it!

9. 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.

10. Astronomical Tour with Guide and Pick Up to San Pedro de Atacama

Astrotour
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4.8 based on 30 reviews

We will make observation of the deep sky through high-end, computerized and manual telescopes with which we will make an equatorial and azumuthal sweep of the objects visible during the night in Atacama, depending on the time of the year we can observe: planets, open clusters and closed, galaxies and stars. Where we can distinguish its shape and colors with great ease. Add to the explanatory scientific talk of our astronomy guides Patricio and Nathan who seek to dynamically and didactically deliver the scientific information of the universe. We can also relate the visible constellations of the southern hemisphere with the help of a laser pointer. If you like to know about the Andean archeology-astronomy of Latin America, you should ask for an explanation from Patricio, who is the speaker in the explanatory talk about how our American ancestors related the cosmos to the geographical and cultural zone.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick up from accommodation, Astronomy conversation by guides in Spanish or English languages, Blankets - Chairs, Astro Photography (Without Moon)

Exclusions: Pick up in ayllu de Coyo, Solor or Quitor

Reviewed By SarahYoda

This excursion started off slow as we had to wait for an English-speaking guide. After a 30 min. wait, we ended up having a private session with Nathan who was very knowledgeable and did a great job explaining the cosmos's. Thanks Nathan!

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