Lodge Ancar Atacama

• Valle del Arcoíris in San Pedro de Atacama:

The Rainbow Valley is located at 3,500 meters above sea level and is located in the Rio Grande basin, about 90 kms. Of San Pedro de Atacama. The access road must be connected on the route to Calama. The valley, like the rest of the attractions of San Pedro de Ataca and its surroundings, is well above 3000 meters above sea level.

The Rainbow Valley is located near Santiago de Río Grande or Rio Grande and very close to Petroglyphs of Hierbas Buenas, which like other attractions in the area is managed by the Atacameña Community of the place. The buildings of Rio Grande, are characterized by being built in stone, with thatched roofs and mud. They are also characterized by beams made of carob wood and sometimes in cactus wood, although at present there is a ban on using this wood, because it is in a vulnerable state. In Hierbas Buenas you can see petroglyphs drawn on rock walls.

The Valley of the rainbow owes its name to the great variety of tonalities that can be observed in the hills of the valley; colors of earth, reddish, beige, green, white, yellow, combined with white salts and blue sky, as well as combining in strange formations. The colors show the great richness of different concentrations of clay and mineral salts.

• Death Valley of San Pedro de Atacama:

Also known as the "Valley of Mars", this mysterious and confined trail is located near San Pedro de Atacama, along the road that leads to Calama. Surrounded by reddish brown hills of peculiar morphology, it is also part of the salt mountain range. Advancing between attractive geological forms appear beautiful dunes interrupted by sharp hills, rich in crystallized gypsum. This beautiful landscape recreates a planetary image, where in the hours of dawn and twilight, everything turns on a beautiful orange. Distance approx. 3 km of San Pedro de Atacama.

• Valley of the Moon of San Pedro de Atacama:

Located in the middle of the Cordillera de la Sal, it is a valley of sculptural rock formations whose salinity outcrops the surface covering the landscape with a whitish and dry mantle that gives the place a similar appearance to the lunar surface. Between dunes and extensions of crystallized gypsum stones, small hills and sharp ridges appear, in which erosion has created particular figures that, thanks to the effects of light, take on different aspects. Undoubtedly, in the twilight hour the landscape reaches its maximum beauty, dyeing the scene of a reddish hue that varies dramatically, according to the intensity of the sun.

At night under the light of the moon, the white blanket of salt glows and the planetary vision becomes almost unreal and deeply overwhelming. This, only 17 km. of San Pedro de Atacama.

• Village of Tulor of San Pedro de Atacama:

The village of Tulor is located near the Ayllus de Coyo and the Ayllú de Tulor, 10 kms. To the southwest of the town of San Pedro de Atacama. This place is part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

Tulor is currently managed by the Atacameña de Coyo community. Studies show that the village is about 2250 years old, which corresponds to the period of agriculture and early pottery of the Culture of San Pedro de Atacama. The Village of Tulor is one of the first settlements in the vicinity of San Pedro de Atacama and it is presumed that it was a great oasis. Life in this place was made possible by the presence of the San Pedro River, which passed through the vicinity of the village. In Tulor there is a consolidation of the economy of collecting seeds of carob and chañares, the cultivation of corn, the raising of cattle and hunting. In this place the archeologists found for the first time finding of agriculture, being the corn for the first time in this village. In this same place were found the first signs of sedentarism and the domestication of animals such as the llama, the alpaca, without stopping hunting in animals such as vicunas or guanacos.

The first studies on the site of Tulor were carried out by Father LePaige in 1958. There are several construction zones in Tulor, with several villages scattered over 4 square kilometers. The one that is discovered and studied by archaeologists is what is known as Aldea uno.

In 1980, the first archaeological investigations were made and a reconstruction of two buildings similar to the original ones is made. The emerged areas or headwaters are almost 2 meters from the base of the buildings. It is presumed that the landscape was very different from what it is today and a great change modified the structure of this village. Desertification and lack of water are presumed to have triggered the exodus from the village of Tulor. It is also presumed that wind storms later dragged saline sands from the salt mountain range to bury the village. The architecture of the buildings is round and is characterized by the fact that the buildings were oriented to the Licancabur volcano. The doors frame the volcano almost perfectly, who was a deity for the Atacameño people.

At present the rooms that are exposed are subject to erosion, product of the strong prevailing wind during storms that can reach 100 km. Per hour.

• Tatio Geysers in San Pedro de Atacama:

95 km. to the north-east of San Pedro de Atacama, the intense volcanic activity of the region surfaces to the surface in the form of spectacular geysers. This geothermal field is the one that is located at the highest altitude in the world (4,300 m.s.). It originates from the boiling subterranean waters of the Tatio volcano that erupt every dawn, throwing steam clouds of up to 10 meters. Tall. The fumaroles are produced by large thermal fluctuations of the environment (-10ºC before sunrise, and then, between 10 and 15ºC) and the contrast of the sun's rays, show bright colors among the nebulae. Several species of algae and mosses cover the humid soil and the beds of small streams that form between the pools.

The terrain is soft and the land is often brittle, because water runs beneath them. It is necessary to be very careful when walking. In the surroundings there are thermal pools suitable for bathing (54º), from which you can admire the spectacle of the geysers that reach their maximum expression between 06:00 and 07:00 hrs. It is necessary to leave San Pedro at approximately 4:30 a.m.

• Laguna Cejar of San Pedro de Atacama:

20 Km. From San Pedro de Atacama and 2,300 meters. Of height, is Cejar Lagoon of impressive crystallized white edges of salt and waters that emphasize by their intense turquoise color. Located before Tevenquinche coming from San Pedro along the same road, Cejar appears as a mirage inhabited by some flamencos and Taguas. It is possible to bathe and experience the gravitational effect of condensed salt water, where the body floats to a deep rest. The access must be careful and in no case barefoot, since the crystals are very sharp and can cut the skin.

• Laguna Chaxa of San Pedro de Atacama:

Located 38 Kms., From San Pedro de Atacama towards Toconao is this National Reserve, formed by a gigantic depression of more than 3,500 km2 located at 2,300 meters above sea level. The Salar de Atacama is the largest in Chile and its great salinity, makes it appear with a white and rough surface, in various forms, such as small peaks or perfect hexagons. This place is a gigantic source of deposits of mixed salts, Potassium, Borax and the largest lithium reserve on the planet. The dryness and height of the salt allow an excellent panoramic view of the place.

Its bottom corresponds to a huge lake with no outlet that receives waters from rivers and mountain snows, which is why it contains several lagoons. There is an official entrance near Toconao where one of the most visited lagoons is located: Chaxa; Lagoon formed by a large amount of salt that welcomes on the edges a special flora, which adapted to the saline and desert climate brings a golden color to the landscape, which stands out at dawn and twilight thanks to the effects of the sun. One of its main attractions is the vision of the colonies of protected flamingos that inhabit the lagoons and that at certain times of the day fly over the area in a beautiful display of color.

• Laguna Colorada:

It is classified as a lagoon "Alto Andina-Salina" presents islands of borax in the northeast and southeast sectors, the color is red, since the fine sediments of that tonality deposited on the surface and pigments of some types of algae that inhabit to more than 4,000 m. In addition to its natural fauna of flamingos.

• Lagunas Miscanti and Meñique de San Pedro de Atacama:

Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile, has one of the most important reserves of flamingos in the country, the Flamingos National Reserve. We will enter a small path to Laguna Chaxa, to recognize different species of flamingos in the area. Miscanti and Miñiques located at 4,220 meters, respectively, after 4 hours. of route from San Pedro de Atacama, are also part of the National Reserve and are managed by the indigenous community of Socaire.

The eruption of the Miñiques volcano, which occurred 1 million years ago, caused the stagnation of the waters that formerly flowed towards the Salar, giving rise to these two altiplanic lagoons of blue waters and white banks.

On the way back is Socaire, a town of pre-Columbian origin, now known for its typical Atacama cuisine.

• Salar de Atacama:

Located 38 Kms., From San Pedro de Atacama towards Toconao is this National Reserve, formed by a gigantic depression of more than 3,500 km2 located at 2,300 meters above sea level. The Salar de Atacama is the largest in Chile and its great salinity, makes it appear with a white and rough surface, in various forms, such as small peaks or perfect hexagons. This place is a gigantic source of deposits of mixed salts, Potassium, Borax and the largest lithium reserve on the planet. The dryness and height of the salt allow an excellent panoramic view of the place.

Its bottom corresponds to a huge lake with no outlet that receives waters from rivers and mountain snows, which is why it contains several lagoons. There is an official entrance near Toconao where one of the most visited lagoons is located: Chaxa; Lagoon formed by a large amount of salt that welcomes on the edges a special flora, which adapted to the saline and desert climate brings a golden color to the landscape, which stands out at dawn and twilight thanks to the effects of the sun. One of its main attractions is the vision of the colonies of protected flamingos that inhabit the lagoons and that at certain times of the day fly over the area in a beautiful display of color.

• Socaire:

At 3,500 meters above sea level, Socaire is known because it was once an outstanding area of ​​gold exploitation. This town has around 380 inhabitants, who are mainly engaged in agriculture and non-metallic mining.

At present, it is appreciated for its privileged view of the Salar de Atacama, its handicraft in sheep and camel wool, for its typical food and its constructions.

The oldest church has a historical background that traces its architectural origins to the colonial era. It highlights the picturesque bell tower that rose over edged stone and adobe. Inside the Church, the Sacristy and the stone Altar illuminated by a small window are distributed, where it is possible to recognize in its walls paintings with religious motifs and images of the Virgin of Lourdes, Santa Bárbara and Saint Bartholomew, Saint Patron of the town that is commemorated every August 24.

This border town, although it is not very developed touristically, has a good hostel for visitors that is attended by a member of the community. Due to its good climate it is advisable to visit throughout the year. The maximum temperatures border the 24, 5º Celsius and the minimum ones 17.1º Celcius, and the rains do not exceed 3 mm per.

• Termas de Puritama in San Pedro de Atacama:

From historical times the inhabitants of this area knew their medicinal properties, but it was not until 1999 that the 6 hot springs that make up the Termas de Puritama became open to all public and tourism by Explora.

Description:

As its name says, Puri: water and tama: warm in Kunza language, its waters reach pleasant temperatures of an average of 30º c, thanks to its volcanic origin. These come from a river that crosses the valley of San Pedro de Atacama, an area recognized as a meeting place for ancestral cultures such as the Diaguitas and Atacameños, who were the first discoverers of its healing properties.

Currently, the person who manages this site, Hotel Explora, has been concerned with enabling the site with a pool with water fall, sauna, wooden walkways, dressing rooms, among others to achieve a better service. Likewise, to protect the flora and fauna of the sector, certain public accesses in some sectors have been banned and secured.

Health benefits:

To classify as thermal water, the Puritama baths meet the requirement of having temperatures above 12º Celsius and have among their mineral compounds Sodium (Na), Copper (Cu), Lithium (Li), Magnesium (Mg), Nitrates ( NO3), Calcium (Ca) and Iodine (I) in prudent concentrations to achieve a beneficial result in the human body, stimulating the circulatory system, digestive and restoring the skin. It is for these reasons that immersion baths are recommended for people suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, osteoporosis, stress, physical exhaustion and other ailments.

How to get:

The trip can be made by air from Santiago to Calama. From there, you must travel along a paved road to San Pedro de Atacama and then head towards Las Termas de Puritama, a total of 30 kilometers. If you continue the same route you can reach the Tatio Geysers.

• The Pecan Monks in the Salar de Tara:

Also called the Salar Protectors.

Before going up to the Monks of the Pacana, we advise visitors to spend a couple of days in San Pedro de Atacama, before going up to altitudes above 4,000 meters, such as the Salar de Tara and its surroundings.

To access these natural monuments, you must take the road from San Pedro de Atacama to the Jama pass on route ch-27.

Monks of the Pacana are one of the attractions not so well known in San Pedro de Atacama, easy sighting, understanding, and can go on their own by car. It is on the international road to Paso Jama, to Bolivia and is the obligatory entrance for those who wish to venture into the Salar de Tara, one of the attractions next to the Laguna Legía (Huaitiquina), the toughest to visit in San Pedro de Atacama. This sector is part of the Flamingos National Reserve, which at this point should be a National Park, due to the superlative need for the protection of biodiversity.

The Monks of the Pacana Sentinels of Tara or Moais de Tara by the similarity of some formations with the Easter Island are imposing stone pillars, located vertically in the plain near the Salar de Aguas Calientes. Because of their thin and random shapes similar to the silhouettes of monks, they were called like that. There are those who defend the thesis that the name of sentinels was granted by walkers who saw erect sentinels, protectors of the place, due to their large size and many times resembling human figures.

These beautiful rock formations, with volcanic characteristics, were molded during millions of years by the erosion of the wind.

These Moais de Tara, as they are also called, as we said before, by the similarity with the Moais of Easter Island is the prelude to other phenomenal excursions such as the Salar de Tara, which can only be reached with guide and / or indication of GPS. Many people have lost their way and have had to be rescued from Tara, especially in summer when the Bolivian winter rages.

It is common for the sector to walk very characteristic animals of the highlands such as vicuñas and flamingos, because it is in that area, that of the Aguas Calientes salt flat, where they get their main food. Also in older times, the roads that led to this sector served as grazing routes for some camelids because there was a lot of fertile plains and bofedales.

Generally in the place there are excursions throughout the year, as there are no great climatic variations and it is very close to other tourist places such as the Salar de Tara, the salar de Puja, the Salar de Aguas Caliente.

We recommend visiting the Moais de Tara, the Monks of the Pacana or the Tara Sentinels, as these formations are called, due to the great beauty, the overwhelming aspect of these capricious formations, raised spaced in different sectors of the place, as distributed in a Huge outdoor museum, which can be accessed by any vehicle, without the need to use a 4x4. For the most daring, this can be the access to one of the most beautiful adventures of San Pedro de Atacama: the visit to the Salar de Tara.

• Machuca:

Very close to Rio Grande and the Geysers of Tatio, this small town of no more than 20 houses and a church, is located about 4,000 meters above sea level.

Although its main activity is the grazing of llamas, at present the few inhabitants of Machuca are beginning to participate in the tourist activity, already counting on a lodging and offering some crafts.

The fauna includes llamas, alpacas, ducks, Andean gulls and flamingos. Many of these animals live under the eaves of a leafy green bofedal near the village.

Among its greatest attractions, besides its proximity to the geysers of Tatio, are its typical northern houses made of adobe and straw, and its pristine skies that facilitate the realization of very good photographs at night.

It should be noted that despite the rusticity and simplicity of the town, it has a modern system of solar panels that gives it constant energy to carry out its daily activities without problems.

In culinary matters, their anticuchos of llama or alpaca meat are famous, as well as empanadas and sopaipillas of great size.

To get to Machuca, you can travel by air from Santiago to Calama. This trip takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. In case the trip is made by land, it can be done by bus, taking about 20 hours.

Once in Calama, you must travel to San Pedro de Atacama for 98 kilometers along a paved road.
Finally, the route that joins San Pedro de Atacama with Machuca is 80 kilometers.

• Pukará de Quitor (Fortified Town) - Ayllú de Quitor in San Pedro de Atacama:

The Pucará de Quitor is located just 3 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. Quitor can be accessed by vehicle, bicycle or on foot.

The ruins of Pukará de Quitor date from the 12th century and was declared a National Monument in 1982. The ruins are located on the hill of the same name. The pre-Inca fort was built by the Atacameño people to defend themselves from other towns that tried to colonize or conquer the Atacameñas land.

Pukará fortress of Quitor, like all pucará is made with stones that are distributed in a hill as a fortress with a defensive wall. These ruins of the Pukará are strategically established in the ravine where the waters of the San Pedro River or Río Grande run. The height of the Pukará together with its strategic location, implies a natural defense, with full view of the valley.

The Pukará de Quitor has buildings that have around 200 structures, distributed over an area of ​​2.5 hectares, which form sets of architectural unique in the area, separated by spaces marked by the various uses that were given.

Inside the Pukará there are constructions that were used for grazing or enclosure of animals and also for human use as kitchens, bedrooms and patios, constructions that additionally to the base of stones, contemplate beams of chañares, branches, straw, covered with mud or adobe .

Pukará de Quitor is an excellent archeology route. Each one of the corners allows to observe the omnipresent Licancabur volcano. Their constructions seem to be ready for their former inhabitants to occupy.

• The Church of San Pedro de Atacama:

The Church of San Pedro de Atacama is located next to the town square of the same name, located in the Atacama basin, in the II Region of Antofagasta.

San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis that, nourished by the San Pedro and Vilama rivers, served as a settlement for the Atacama culture during the pre-Columbian era, which influenced by the Tiwanaku culture and later by the Incas, reached a high degree of development.

With the arrival of the Spaniards, this town was dominated and evangelized, establishing Christianity in a process of cultural syncretism that has left its mark until today.

The temple of San Pedro was constructed in the year 1557, possibly in dependency of the Bishopric of Cuzco. However, the building that remains until today is the result of an extension over the previous temple, made in the mid-eighteenth century, on which, in turn, have been partial reconstructions required after earthquakes and fires.

The Church of San Pedro is the largest among the Atacameño churches. It was erected on a foundation of stones and for its construction was used mortar, mud plasters with straw, and woods of carob, chañar and cactus tied with leather strips.

Built on a Latin cross with a single nave that is 41 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, it has two lateral chapels that give it the shape of a transept; in addition to a baptistery near the access, a sacristy in the back, choir and an adobe bell tower dating from 1965, when it was built to replace another older built in wood.

It has all the characteristics of the Andean mestizo style, being of compact volumetry, with adobe walls almost one meter wide and a gabled roof that ends in continuous eaves.

Inside it has an altarpiece on the main altar, with stucco and painted motifs on the structure of wood, adobe and stone, baroque style.

The Church of San Pedro de Atacama was declared a Historical Monument in 1951.

As a result of the damage it has suffered with the earthquakes that have affected the region, important restoration work began in 2014, during which two ancient paintings of angels that were not known were discovered; besides ceramics, bone remains and tools. The works were inaugurated on June 26, 2015, shortly before the celebration of San Pedro and San Pablo.

• Río Grande:

Distant 90 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, the small town of Río Grande is located on the banks of the river of the same name.

In ancient times this village boasted of having a strategic location, it was a must for those who wanted to move between Chiu Chiu and San Pedro de Atacama.

The town is characterized by its houses armed with walls of carved stones joined with mud, straw roofing and mud with wooden beams of cactus and carob.

The main economic activities of the 96 inhabitants that make up this community are the agriculture of corn, garlic, onions, lettuce, alfalfa, potatoes among others, and the raising of animals such as sheep, llamas, poultry, rabbits and goats. The majority of these products are marketed in Calama.

Also some people in the sector are engaged in the development of textiles and handicrafts in clay, but to a lesser extent.

Although Rio Grande is not one of the main tourist attractions of the second region, the existence of petroglyphs from pre-Hispanic times makes this an interesting place to visit. Many of the drawings and carvings tell us about the life of guanaco hunters.

At the eaves of the river, small mammals such as vicuñas and chinchillas, as well as llamas, congregate.

The main festivals celebrated by the town are "La limpia de Canales" every July 28, "La Cruz" on May 3 and the festivity of San Santiago, patron of the place, on July 25.

To get to Rio Grande, you must travel from San Pedro de Atacama by the route that leads to Machuca, however halfway there you must take a deviation to the left that eventually leads to Rio Grande.

• Chuquicamata:

Surely you've heard about Chuquicamata. This mining site is 18 kilometers north of the city of Calama and is the productive heart of the Chilean region of Antofagasta.

Its most known feature is its size, being the largest opencast mine in the world, even visible from space. This mine is 4.3 kilometers long, 3 wide and one kilometer deep.

Did you know that you can get to know this wonderful mining project for free? So is. You can know the mine, its industrial facilities and the mining camp that is nearby. Codelco organizes a spectacular guided and free tour where you can visit Chuquicamata and surprise yourself with this work.

Although the tourist star of the area is San Pedro de Atacama, if your time permits, we recommend visiting Chuquicamata, which represents the heart of the mining Chile and its spectacular advance in engineering.

• How to get to San Pedro de Atacama:

To get to San Pedro de Atacama, it is almost inevitable to go through Calama first and from there travel the 104 km to San Pedro. This trip takes approximately 1 hour and a half and is done through a paved road in its entirety, which crosses the Domeyko Mountain Range.

By Air.

The flights arrive at El Loa Airport, located in the outskirts of Calama. There are daily flight frequencies from Santiago and Antofagasta. Once at the airport there are two possibilities to get to San Pedro de Atacama.

1. Take a transport to Calama and then a regular bus to San Pedro de Atacama. At the airport there is Transfer and taxis to Calama.

2. At the airport there is Regular Transfer directly to San Pedro de Atacama, but it does not operate permanently throughout the year. It is best to make a reservation in advance. Another alternative is to hire directly at the airport the particular services of a taxi to San Pedro de Atacama.

By land.

Regular buses depart from Santiago to Calama, with an approximate travel time of 20 hours. Buses also arrive from Arica, Iquique and Antofagasta. Once in Calama, you can take a regular bus to San Pedro de Atacama or hire a transfer in advance. From Antofagasta it is also possible to take a direct bus to San Pedro de Atacama, always passing through Calama.

From Salta, Argentina, there are buses to Calama that pass through San Pedro de Atacama. From Bolivia it is possible to cross the Salar de Uyuni. This trip is long and it is only possible to do it through the Agency. There are no regular services.

Mobilization.

Within the Public Transport Services, there is a regular traffic between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama. Transportation services are also offered to other locations in the country and abroad such as Argentina (Salta), Brazil (Iguazu Falls) and Bolivia. There are intercity buses that also reach other nearby towns. Within San Pedro de Atacama there are no collective mobilization services.

It is possible to use the services of some taxis within the town and to nearby areas. They are usually found in the bus arrival sector or it is possible to request them by telephone. There is also the possibility of private transportation contracting the services of a local tourism company, or Calama. Also in Calama it is possible to rent vehicles, in San Pedro de Atacama there are no companies that provide this service.