An unforgettable journey through the heart of the Atacama Andes, discovering remote high-altitude lagoons, vast salt flats, natural hot springs, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints in one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
Discover the most spectacular and least explored side of the Atacama Desert on an experience designed for travelers who want to explore some of the most extraordinary landscapes of the Chilean Andes—without the need for technical mountaineering experience or previous high-altitude expeditions.
Vive Atacama is a unique High-Altitude Mountain Tour that takes you deep into the breathtaking scenery of Chile’s Atacama Andes. During this two-day adventure, you’ll visit colorful high-altitude lagoons, expansive salt flats, Andean wetlands, natural geothermal hot springs, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking some of the highest volcanoes in the world, including the majestic Ojos del Salado Volcano (6,893 m / 22,615 ft)—the highest mountain in Chile, the second-highest peak in the Americas, and the highest active volcano on Earth.
Each destination offers a unique opportunity to experience the immense beauty of the Atacama Desert, observe native wildlife in its natural habitat, and immerse yourself in some of South America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Throughout the journey, you’ll reach elevations above 4,300 meters (14,100 ft), allowing you to experience the grandeur of the Andes without undertaking demanding hikes or technical ascents.
Experience the authentic essence of the Atacama Desert while combining adventure, nature, comfort, and safety in a carefully designed itinerary. Every aspect of the journey is led by a certified local mountain guide and includes private 4WD transportation, meals, mountain accommodation, and professional logistics, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the experience.
If you’re looking to discover places that few travelers ever have the opportunity to visit, admire landscapes that seem to belong to another planet, and experience the Andes from a completely different perspective, this adventure is made for you.
Destination: Mountain regions surrounding Copiapó, Chile.
Region: Atacama Region.
We offer personalized pick-up and drop-off at the location that is most convenient for you. For this Mountain Tour, we can pick you up and drop you off anywhere within Copiapó or at another location along the tour route. This may include your home, hotel, accommodation, airport, or a pre-arranged meeting point. At the end of the experience, we can return you to the same location or another previously coordinated destination, provided it is within the operating area of this activity.
Starting Elevation: Copiapó (390 m / 1,280 ft).
Maximum Elevation: Laguna Verde (4,300 m / 14,108 ft).
Approximate driving distance: Copiapó – Laguna Santa Rosa – Laguna Verde – Salar de Pedernales – Copiapó: approximately 680 km (423 miles) by private 4WD vehicle.
Tour Type: A high-altitude mountain tour through the spectacular Andes of Chile’s Atacama Region.
Altitude: Travel through breathtaking landscapes ranging from approximately 3,300 m to over 4,300 m (10,827–14,108 ft) above sea level.
Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park: Explore one of Chile’s most spectacular protected areas, renowned for its high-altitude lagoons, wetlands, unique biodiversity, and extraordinary mountain scenery.
Laguna Santa Rosa: Visit this beautiful high-altitude lagoon and Ramsar Wetland, surrounded by volcanoes and home to flamingos and a wide variety of native Andean wildlife.
Salar de Pedernales: Discover one of the largest salt flats in the Atacama Region, surrounded by impressive volcanoes, mountains, and vast desert landscapes.
Laguna Verde: Admire this iconic turquoise-colored lagoon nestled in the high Andes. Every climbing season, it serves as the main base camp area for expeditions attempting Ojos del Salado and other surrounding peaks.
Laguna Verde Natural Hot Springs: Relax in natural geothermal hot springs while enjoying panoramic views of Laguna Verde and the surrounding Andes Mountains.
Ojos del Salado Volcano: Enjoy privileged views of Ojos del Salado (6,893 m / 22,615 ft), the highest mountain in Chile, the second-highest peak in the Americas, and the highest active volcano on Earth.
High-Andean Wildlife: Opportunities to observe flamingos, vicuñas, guanacos, culpeo foxes, and numerous bird species specially adapted to life at high altitude.
Photography: Capture some of the most spectacular and remote landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, making this an unforgettable destination for nature and landscape photography.
Experience: Perfect for travelers seeking to explore the spectacular high Andes of the Atacama Region in comfort, safety, and with the guidance of a certified local mountain guide.
This Mountain Tour can be enjoyed throughout the year. Each season offers unique landscapes and different opportunities to experience the spectacular scenery of Chile’s Atacama Andes.
Previous Experience: No previous mountain or trekking experience is required. However, please note that this is a High-Altitude Mountain Tour that takes place above 3,000 m (9,843 ft) and reaches elevations exceeding 4,300 m (14,108 ft).
Health Condition: Participants should be in good general health and physically capable of traveling to high-altitude mountain environments.
Personal Clothing & Equipment: Appropriate technical clothing suitable for high-altitude weather conditions is required. A recommended equipment list will be provided before the tour.
Mandatory Documentation: All participants must complete and sign a Medical Information Form and an Assumption of Risk Agreement prior to the activity.
Availability: Reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking and to favorable weather and road conditions.
Itinerary Changes: The itinerary may be modified whenever necessary to ensure the safest and best possible experience, taking into account weather conditions, road accessibility, park regulations, or any other circumstances beyond our control.
Restrictions: This Mountain Tour is not suitable for pregnant women.
Minimum Age: 10 years old.
Clothing
Footwear
Copiapó – San Andrés Wetland – Salar de Pedernales – Laguna Turquesa Circuit – Laguna Santa Rosa (Overnight at Mountain Refuge).
Our journey begins with departure from Copiapó at 6:00 AM, heading deep into the spectacular Andes of the Atacama Region to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano.
Throughout the day, we’ll visit San Andrés Wetland (Vega San Andrés), an important high-altitude ecosystem home to native Andean flora and wildlife. We will then continue to Salar de Pedernales, one of the largest salt flats in the Atacama Region, surrounded by majestic volcanoes and vast mountain landscapes.
Later, we’ll explore the spectacular Laguna Turquesa Circuit, internationally recognized for the intense turquoise color of its waters and its extraordinary high-mountain scenery. The day concludes with a visit to the beautiful Laguna Santa Rosa (3,780 m / 12,402 ft), located within Nevado de Tres Cruces National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe flamingos and other native Andean wildlife in one of Chile’s most pristine natural environments.
In the afternoon, we’ll settle into our mountain refuge, where you’ll have time to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the second day of this unforgettable high-altitude adventure.
Laguna Santa Rosa (Mountain Refuge) – Laguna Verde & Natural Hot Springs – Ojos del Salado Volcano Viewpoint – Río Lamas Waterfall – Salar de Maricunga – Copiapó.
After breakfast, we’ll continue toward Laguna Verde (4,300 m / 14,108 ft), one of the most iconic destinations in Chile’s Atacama Andes. Here you’ll have the opportunity to relax in its natural geothermal hot springs while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes.
We’ll then visit the Ojos del Salado Volcano Viewpoint, offering outstanding views of Ojos del Salado (6,893 m / 22,615 ft), the highest mountain in Chile, the second-highest peak in the Americas, and the highest active volcano on Earth.
On our return journey, we’ll stop at the beautiful Río Lamas Waterfall, an unexpected oasis in the heart of the Atacama Desert, before crossing the impressive Salar de Maricunga, a remarkable salt basin surrounded by towering volcanoes and dramatic Andean landscapes.
Our adventure concludes with the return to Copiapó, with an estimated arrival between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
⚠️ Mountain activities take place in dynamic natural environments that are constantly subject to change. Therefore, the itinerary, schedule, and destinations visited may be modified whenever conditions require it. Our guides continuously evaluate weather, road conditions, access, and other factors to ensure the safest and highest-quality experience possible.
⚠️ If you plan to travel onward on the same day the program ends, we recommend booking evening flights or bus departures from Copiapó, allowing sufficient flexibility for possible schedule adjustments associated with mountain travel.
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*For private groups of more than 4 participants or customized itineraries, please contact us for a personalized quotation to info@allmountain.cl.
To reserve your spot on this adventure, simply pay a 50% deposit. Reservations can be made via bank transfer (national or international), Mercado Pago (WebPay), or PayPal.
You may choose any of our scheduled departures. If you are browsing from a smartphone, available dates are displayed at the bottom of this page. If you are using a desktop computer, departure dates can be found in the left-hand column.
As our prices vary depending on the number of confirmed participants, the final price per person will be determined by the total number of participants confirmed for each departure date. Promotional rates may also be available—follow our social media channels to stay informed.
The remaining balance is paid directly to your guide at the time of pick-up, either in cash (Chilean Pesos) or by debit or credit card using our portable Transbank/Getnet payment terminals available in our vehicles.
For international reservations, deposits are processed through PayPal. Please note that PayPal’s international transaction fees will be added to the reservation amount. Currency conversions from Chilean Pesos (CLP) to foreign currencies are calculated according to the exchange rate applicable on the day each payment (deposit and remaining balance) is made.
We operate exclusively with fully equipped 4WD vehicles designed for mountain travel, providing comfort, safety, and excellent performance on mountain roads.
We work with small groups that generally do not exceed six participants per departure, allowing us to provide a more personalized experience in a friendly, relaxed, and attentive environment.
Allmountain is officially certified and registered by Sernatur (Chile’s National Tourism Service) for Adventure Tourism activities, including High Mountain Expeditions, Hiking, Trekking, and Rock Climbing. We are also listed in the National Registry of Tourism Service Providers.
Our guides are experienced mountain professionals who hold internationally recognized certifications, including the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, which is regularly renewed to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
During every activity, we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. We use recyclable and environmentally friendly products whenever possible, follow the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT), and actively support local tourism and communities.
If you’d like to join one of our trekking adventures or expeditions but don’t have the required technical equipment, Allmountain provides it whenever needed, including tents, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and other essential mountain gear.
Every trekking adventure, mountain expedition, mountain tour, and climbing experience we organize is guided by our commitment to sustainability through the following principles:
Cultural Sustainability
We encourage our guests to support local artisans by visiting cultural centers, museums, and craft markets. This allows travelers to experience the traditions, gastronomy, and cultural heritage of local communities while contributing directly to their local economy.
Environmental Sustainability
We use biodegradable soaps and environmentally friendly cleaning products that help protect the soil, rivers, and natural environments we visit.
Whenever possible, we prioritize reusable and glass containers. After every activity, we separate and recycle the waste generated during our trips.
Whenever possible, we also leave every place cleaner than we found it by collecting litter along the way.
Energy Sustainability
We use portable solar chargers to power our mobile phones, cameras, GPS devices, satellite communication equipment, and other electronic devices during our mountain adventures.
