Included
Transfer from and to the Calama Airport on a preset schedule; accommodations; all meals, plus snacks and open bar; two half-day explorations or one full-day exploration with guides daily; horseback and bike riding gear, trekking poles; star-gazing sessions from the hotel’s observatory; entrance to nature reserves, national parks, archaeological sites and Puritama hot springs; access to pools, hot tubs and leisure areas; WiFi in common areas.
Exclusions
International airfare, insurance of any kind, discretionary gratuities, spa or massage service, laundry, premium wines or other items of a personal nature; peak season/holiday surcharges (please contact AdventureSmith for details).
Payment & Cancellation
Low, Shoulder & High Season: Jan 2-Feb 16, 2023; Feb 26-Apr 30, 2023; May 1-Dec 21, 2023; Jan 2-Feb 8, 2024; Feb 18-Apr 30, 2024
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 30 days – full refund
29 to 15 days – 50% of total trip cost
14 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Peak Season: Feb 17-25, 2023; Dec 22,2023-Jan 1, 2024; Feb 9-17, 2024
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 60 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Peak Season cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 60 days – full refund
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
Through May 31, 2023:
The Explora Atacama adventure begins and ends in Calama, Chile (CJC). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Calama—about a two-hour flight from Santiago—anytime on Day 1; a representative will meet you based on your flight schedule and transfer you to Explora Atacama. An estimated 10:00-11:00am pick up from your independent hotel in Calama can also be arranged, as can a TBD transfer from San Pedro de Atacama’s hotels and bus terminal. Plan flights to depart Calama anytime after 2:30pm on the final day (a representative will depart the hotel with you between 7:00am and 12:30pm, roughly two hours prior to your flight out of Calama). Please inquire for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Starting June 1, 2023:
The Explora Atacama adventure begins and ends in Calama, Chile (CJC). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Calama—about a two-hour flight from Santiago—anytime on Day 1; a representative will meet you within 30 minutes of Noon, 2:00pm, 4:00pm or 6:00pm and transfer you to Explora Atacama. An estimated 10:00-11:00am pick up from your independent hotel in Calama can also be arranged, as can a TBD transfer from San Pedro de Atacama’s hotels and bus terminal. Plan flights to depart Calama anytime after 2:30pm on the final day (a representative will depart the hotel with you within 30 minutes of 8:00am, 10:00am or Noon). Please inquire for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities cover every corner of the Atacama Desert, either by horse, bike, foot or van. Prior horseback riding experience is not required. Hikes range from easy to expert mountain ascents. A bilingual English or Spanish guide will accompany each group of up to eight guests. Provided gear includes walking sticks and leg protectors for hikes; helmet, bike and water bottle for two-wheeled excursions; and all the necessary equipment for horse riding.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at one of the following supplements of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability:
– Low & Shoulder (15%): Apr 9-Oct 31, 2023; Apr 1-30, 2024
– High (34%): Jan 2-Feb 16, 2023; Feb 26-Mar 31, 2023; Apr 1-8, 2023; Nov 1-Dec 21, 2023; Jan 2-Feb 8, 2024; Feb 18-Mar 31, 2024
– Peak (70%): Feb 17-25, 2023 (Carnival); Dec 22, 2023-Jan 1, 2024; Feb 9-17, 2024
Christmas programs have fixed check-in dates with stays of 6 days.
New Year programs have fixed check-in dates with stays of 7 days.
Carnival programs have fixed check-in dates with minimum stay of 5 days.
Peak Season programs require a 5-day stay.
Families & Children
There are additional beds for children 3 to 11 when sharing their parent’s room. Maximum one extra bed per room and two children per adult. Children under the age of 3 are complimentary when sharing room with their parents. Please inquire for special rates for children ages 3-17 years old accompanying their parents, which are subject to availability. Rates for children aged 3-17 traveling with their parents are not valid during Peak Season.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique. Between mid-December and the beginning of March, occasional rains and snow in higher areas result in what is called the Altiplano Winter. During these months and due to unstable weather conditions in the area, some explorations could be subject to changes or even cancelled in order to protect travelers’ safety.
