The Alta Atacama hotel offers you complete indulgence in its rooms, pools, location and top quality excursions.
Enjoy fine wines and dining among a stunning setting, with attentive staff making sure your stay is as relaxing and comfortable as the beautiful rooms.
In the lap of this luxury lies adventures you choose. The hotel offers four or five day all inclusive programmes with a choice of daily excursions into the Atacama Desert.
Read more in our blog about this visit.
More on Alto Atacama and desert tours
Alto Atacama has been built in the fertile Catarpe Valley in the style of a traditional adobe settlement, complete with llamas and native crops, designed to integrate with the indigenous building patterns of the Likanantay people.
It has been crafted to blend into the Cordillera del la Sal (Salt mountain range) in which it rests.
Facilities include a complete Spa, Yoga fields, hot springs, six swimming pools, an international bar and a cosy common room with a big fireplace.
The spacious rooms are decorated with local crafts and have private terraces with great views. They follow the Alto Atacama concept – luxury, tranquility and space.
Alto Atacama is a fantastic hotel within a fantastic destination - the best of San Pedro.
Enjoy spa treatments, jacuzzis, swimming pools and opulent outside spaces.
Attentive staff and high quality guides make sure your stay is informative, comfortable and unforgettable.
Wonderful rooms - some with outside showers - so you can truly appreciate your surroundings.
Lovely Chilean wines are paired with fantastic cuisine, making meal times a treat.
Choose from a menu of activities so that you get the trip you want.
The Atacama stars were all I was hoping for. Some excellent shooting starts and clear nights.
G. Austin, Atacama
Reception at Calama airport, transfer to the hotel (1.5 hours approx.).
On arrival choice of excursion for that day will be dependent on arrival time.
Please see Practical Information below for more on possible excursions.
Choice of 2 half day excursions or one full day excursion.
Choice of excursion dependant on departure time.
Transfer to Calama airport, ends.
Prices From $1,957 / £1,591 per person
Enquire about booking
Transfer from and to Calama airport, full board (American buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner), open bar, two half day excursions or one full day excursion daily in small groups with other guests, use of pools, sauna and jacuzzi
Flights, tips, personal items, premium wines and vintage liquors, massages and therapies, extras, insurance
There are three types of room at the Alto Atacama hotel.
Suite Tilo: 10 rooms, located in the gardens of Alto Atacama, with an open view to the quiet lagoon and the Catarpe Valley. They are 70m2/770 sqft, private terrace, private patio with an additional outdoor shower, safe deposit box, minibar. Two of these suites are connected – ideal for families.
Standard Catarpe: 27 rooms located in the gardens of Alto Atacama. Slightly larger than the “Quitors”, with a more private terrace, offering an uninterrupted view to the Cordillera de la Sal Range and the Catarpe Valley, 51m2/550sq. ft, safe deposit box, minibar
Quitor: 5 rooms closest to the communal areas. The view from the private terraces of these rooms looks out on to the garden area of the hotel, framed against the Cordillera de la Sal in the background, 50m2/550 sq. ft, safe deposit box, minibar, one of these rooms is wheelchair accessible
Visual harmony
The first step towards a project that can be sustainable in time was to make it be harmonic with its surroundings, Alto Atacama blends with the landscape in a way that doesn’t interrupt the lines and features of the Catarpe valley and the Cordillera de la Sal.
Native plant species
Alto Atacama’s Andean Park was conceived as a way to restore and revive ancient agricultural techniques that still pulsate in the Altiplano. Veronica Poblete, our landscaper, used only local plant species in the park, the high endemism of the plants of Atacama naturally transform our park into a sanctuary of life.
Water treatment
Atacama is the driest desert in the world in when it comes to annual rainfall, but due to the special geologic conditions that rule here, there are large amounts of underground water that allow for the oasis of San Pedro to exist. We want our passengers to enjoy the luxury of water in the desert but always with responsibility. The pools in Alto Atacama have a discreet size and all water is treated to achieve maximum purity. Alto Atacama has a modern water treatment plant that allows the water to be re used for our park and that eliminates any trace of organic and non-organic elements when it goes back to the cycle.
Cultural sensitivity
Atacama has a human history of 10,000 years, therefore we encourage our guests to experience and enjoy local culture with respect in mind, understanding and appreciating local ways as an example of a culture that remains robust and proud, that welcomes visitors and that is open to show traditions and to tell stories, not just to be photographed. Humanity is the living conscience and memory of the Earth, let Atacama speak through its people.
Travel ethic and guides
Deserts are some of the most static surfaces in the World, eroded only by wind and the rare showers that fall in some parts of the desert. Therefore it is of absolute importance to be respectful with this terrain. Whatever mark is left behind will stay here for a long period of time. At Alto Atacama Hotel we are aware of this and we train our guides with the Leave No Trace principles
One of the top priorities is to minimise the impact on the environment, when we travel by van we only do it on marked roads, never off road and we do the same when mountain biking and hiking.
Qualified guides and drivers of the highest quality work for Alto Atacama, to ensure you get the most from your stay.
Hotel staff come from across the region and further afield in Chile.
The hotel works closely with local producers who provide fresh, organic products, that goes directly to your table.
A treat is sampling the locally grown Socaire potatoes, native quinoa, and Chañar-based sweets. All of these local plants can be spotted while we hike, and can be collected along the way.
There is a main indoor dining room and two outdoor dining rooms. There are also a variety of intimate indoor and outdoor settings, including a huge BBQ area.
This provides the opportunity to be in the company of interesting people from around the world while tasting fine dishes and recipes and sipping from our incredible selection of Chilean wines.
You decide! The hotel offers very low level activity tours to full days out and about, and you need to have a good level of fitness for those.
San Pedro and the hotel are at high altitude (2,408m/7,900ft) and so care is need if arriving from sea level.
The choice of excursions are as follows – please note that all activities / trips are subject to availability and change.
By van
Lickanantai Culture
Length: Half day Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2,440m/8,005ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: We head out from the Alto Atacama to the Pucará de Quitor parking lot. From here we go via Quitor to the municipal parking lot in San Pedro de Atacama. Visit the Gustavo Le-Paige Museum, the Church, main square, and handicrafts market. Ending with a visit to the Tulor Village. Return to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
Toconao – Atacama Salt Flats (Chaxas Lagoon)
Length: Half day Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2,300m/7,546ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in a van to the small village of Toconao, “Hidden Valley” in Kunza. We visit the church, square, bell tower, and local handicrafts. We continue the route to the Soncor sector of the National Flamingo Reserve. At the Chaxas lagoon, we see a 14 minute explanatory video (optional). We walk a 400 meter circuit in about 30 minutes to observe the flora and bird life of the area. Sunset with appetizers, return to San Pedro de Atacama to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
Sunset in the Valley of the Moon
Length: Half day Difficulty: easy Altitude: 2,550m/8,366ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out of the Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor, to the crossroads with Licancabur Street following the road to Calama, take road towards Kari Lookout, after we drive to the Tres Marías, central crater, and amphitheatre and continue to the Sunset spot, located in front of the amphitheatre or back to the Kari lookout.
Cave paintings
Length: Half day Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 3,250m/10,663ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in a van towards the Hierbas Buenas area, where we will see petroglyphs that reflect on the continuous movements of ancient shepherds. We continue to Santiago de Rio Grande (currently a pastoral-agricultural area), where we can observe the architecture, handicrafts, and crops, before continuing on to Matancilla and its Rainbow Valley ( great mineral reliefs made up of copper oxide, sulphur, iron, and gypsum crystals). Return to Alto Atacama Hotel.
Tatio Geysers
Length: Full Day Difficulty: medium Altitude: 4,321m/14,177ft Required acclimatisation: Yes. At least two full days, of having been in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel in a van towards the Tatio Geysers, easy walk on a trail within the geothermal field, where we can observe the geysers, fumaroles, springs, and local fauna. On the road, we will see beautifully contrasting landscapes. Very low (below zero) temperatures in the morning, on our return, we will visit the small village of Machuca, and then return to San Pedro de Atacama and to the hotel.
Trekking
Valley of the Moon to Kamur
Length: Half day, 9 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2,600m/8,530ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor to the crossroads with Licancabur Street, take the highway to Calama and detour to the Valley of the Moon, entering the park through main entrance. We will stop at a sand dune where the trek begins. We come down the dune and continue through the canyon to the left, at the first fork, we take the right hand path. We pass the first lookout, which looks upon the central crater in the Valley. We continue our route and at the second fork, we take the left hand path to get to the second lookout. We cross the great crater and continue to the Tres Marías Lookout, where we will see the sunset.
Valley of the Moon to Waterfall
Length: Half day, 4km Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2,600m/8,530ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor to the crossroads with Licancabur Street, take the highway to Calama and detour to the Valley of the Moon, entering the park through main entrance. After the Tres Marías, we begin our trek, heading north, and entering a canyon in the Cordillera de la Sal range, where we will be met with fresh juices and chocolate to recover lost energy.
Los Colorados
Length: Half day, 6 km. Difficulty: Medium. Not recommended for people with vertigo. Altitude: 2,550m/8,366ft Required acclimatisation: Not required. Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel via Catarpe to the old tunnel to Calama. Our trek begins here across the ridge of the Cordillera de la Sal range, to the Great Dune of the Mars Valley through which we descend, ending our trek.
Alto Katarpe
Length: Half day, 5 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude:2,550m/8,366ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel via Catarpe to the old tunnel to Calama. Our trek begins here, across the ridge of the Cordillera de la Sal range, almost to the end of the Catarpe Valley where our van awaits.
Kari Ravine
Length: Half day Difficulty: medium Altitude: 2,650m/8,694ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor, to the crossroads with Licancabur Street, taking the road to Calama, then the Kari Ravine detour. From here we walk along the path towards the Kari Ravine, until we reach the Kari Canyon. Return to Hotel.
Quezala Ravine
Length: Half day. 4.2 km Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2,810m/9,219ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Head out from the hotel in the van along the highway to Toconao, after crossing the border station, to the village of Talabre, at the foot of the Lascar volcano, with its constant fumaroles. South of Talabre, we come to the Quezala Ravine which we enter to observe its testimony of human existence more than 12,000 years ago. At the foot of the Lascar volcano, we come to the village of Talabre and south of it is the Quezala Ravine, where we will observe petroglyphs. The trek continues above the ravine for about 1 hour.
Los Cardones Ravine
Length: Half day. 6.1 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 3,166m/10,387ft Required acclimatisation: One night in San Pedro. Route: From the hotel drive in the van on the shortcut to Puritama highway, stopping at the Guatin entrance. From here, begin the trek down the Vilama river ravine. At the Apacheta, we break from the rivers path climbing to the top of the ravine to finish the trek.
Tambo – Katarpe
Length: Half day. 3 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2,510m/8,235ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Drive out in the van from the villa to the Katarpe Ayllu (20 minutes). Visit the church in Katarpe, and afterwards a walk over the plains and ravines up to the ancient Inca tambo of Katarpe. Return to the hotel in the van (10 minutes).
Katarpe – El Diablo Ravine
Length: Half day. 2.8 km Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2,530m/8,301ft Required acclimatisation: Not required. Route: Head out in the van from the villa to the Katarpe Ayllu (15 minutes). Visit the church in Katarpe and then walk through the spectacular Cordillera de la Sal range ravines. Coming out of the El Diablo Ravine, we will be in the midst of the high walls of salt, clay, and gypsum for the final 45 minutes of the trek. Return in the van to the Alto Atacama hotel (10 minutes).
Jere Valley
Length: Half day, 4 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2,475m/8,120ft Required acclimatization: Not required. Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in a van to the village of Toconao, “Hidden Valley” in Kunza. Then we take a detour that reaches the Jere Valley, where we can see small plots with fruits and vegetables being grown… we will also observe the flora and fauna of the area. Return to San Pedro de Atacama and to the hotel.
Mountain biking
Quitor Ayllu and San Pedro de Atacama Length: Half day, 10 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2,460m/8,071ft Route: We leave the hotel on the bicycles crossing the beautiful Quitor Valley, and its colourful cropland. Visit the town of San Pedro de Atacama. We continue to the Quitor Ayllu and back to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
Katarpe Valley
Length: Half day. 15 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude:2,460m/8,071ft Route: Head out from the hotel riding 500 meters, to the foot of the Quitor Pukara, where we will cross the San Pedro River, to enter the Katarpe valley, to the church 7 km away.
Cejar Lagoon
Length: Half day 21.6 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2,410m/7,907ft Required acclimatisation: Not required Route: Heading out from the Alto Atacama Hotel, we cross the Quitor Ayllu, passing by the town of San Pedro de Atacama, the Conde Duque Ayllu, continuing through Yaye and Solcor to the Solor Ayllu, and then to the Poconche Ayllu, taking the detour on a dirt road that takes us to the Cejar Lagoon (1 hour approximately) and returning to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
Inca Pass
Length: Half day, 29 km. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 2,600m/8,530ft. Required acclimatisation: Yes, two nights in San Pedro. Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel to the Katarpe Valley. We take the detour towards the old tunnel, where we will climb until reaching the base of the ridge. First point of interest. Here we begin a descent that takes us to the Coca Rock, second point of interest. We continue the descent to the Llano de la Paciencia, where we connect with the road that takes us back to San Pedro de Atacama through the Mars Valley. We will come down the dunes while observing the geological formations. Return to the hotel via an interior road of the Quitor Ayllu.
Desert Valleys
Length: Half day. 43 km. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 2,470-2,750m/7,776-9,022ft. Required acclimatisation: Yes, two days in San Pedro Route: We pedal out of the hotel at an altitude of 2470 m.a.s.l. Heading south east, to cross the San Pedro River after 500 meters and continue up through the Quitor valley, observing foxtails, breas, carob trees, and chañares, among other flora. At km 6, we take an old road at the fork that used to connect San Pedro de Atacama with Calama, with a strong grade for 2.5 km until reaching an old tunnel dating back to 1930. Inside, there is landslide material that does not allow motor vehicles to cross. It is, nevertheless, completely safe to ride through it. After crossing the tunnel and a well deserved rest stop, we continue our way down through the formations left by water that once flowed down the soft slope of the western face of the Cordillera de la Sal range, opposite the Llano de la Paciencia, until we reach the “Coca Rock” (where we observe that this great rock has small cavities where the ancient shepherds placed the coca leaves they chewed onto the rock). We continue pedaling south until we reach the current Calama-San Pedro Highway. Up to here, the route is the same as on the Coca Rock excursion, except that now, instead of taking the direction of San Pedro de Atacama, we cross the highway through the Llano de la Paciencia to the western entrance of the Valley of the Moon, so that we then cross the Cordillera de la Sal range, heading east, passing the Tres Marías (wind carved rock formation, named by Father Gustavo Le Paige), the central crater of the Valley of the Moon, and the great dune. We continue our route across the vichufita (compacted salt and mineral) road to the international highway, and arrive in San Pedro de Atacama after riding these 38 exhausting kilometres.
Descent from the base of Sairecabur Volcano
Length: 4 hours, 44 km. Difficulty: Hard. Experts only Average altitude: Between 2,470-3,800m/7,776-12,467ft. Route: We leave the Alto Atacama Hotel early, with the bikes loaded onto the van, while we drink water constantly. Drive to the base of the Sairecabur volcano, where we will see an old sulphur mine. We do a final check on our GIANT bicycles, before we go downhill on the Devils Hill to the Puritama hot springs.
High Andes Lagoons Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 4,200m/13,780ft. Required acclimatisation: Yes, at least two days prior in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: We head southwest out of the Alto Atacama Hotel in the van, passing the village of Socaire before reaching the High Andes lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques (Approx 2hrs 30 min.). The beauty of the area is given by the lagoons surrounded by the high points of the Andes mountain range and the flora that lends the wide variety of color. We can also observe local fauna here. A buffet lunch and return to San Pedro de Atacama and the hotel.
High Mountain Villages
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 3,322m/10,899ft Required acclimatisation: Yes, at least three full days in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: We head out of the Alto Atacama hotel in the van towards Guatin, taking the detour to Machuca. After doing at water crossing at the Putana Vado, we can observe its bird life; we then take another detour towards the Tocopuri police outpost, and the Chita pass to Caspana. On this road, we will see a large amount of fauna from this area. We will walk through the fields in this agricultural area, and see the liparita stone based architecture. Lunch will be in this village. We continue to the tiny village of Chiu- Chiu, its church, and if there is time, to the Lasana Pukara before reaching the El Loa airport in Calama.
Pujsa Salt Flat and Pakana Monks
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 4,300m/14,107ft Required acclimatisation: Yes, at least two days in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: We head out in the van from the Alto Atacama Hotel towards the Andes Mountains, passing the Quepiaco Vegas, and the rock formations known as the Pakana Monks. Afterwards, we go back 9 kilometres to the Pujsa Salt Flat where we can observe the flora, fauna, and landscapes of this area of the Andes. A buffet lunch and return to San Pedro de Atacama and the Alto Atacama Hotel.
Aguas Calientes and Salt Flat and Tuyajto
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude:4,300m/14,107ft Required acclimatisation: Yes, at least two days in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: From the hotel, we take the van on the highway towards the Sico Pass, passing Toconao and Socaire, then a dirt road about 70 kilometres to the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat, where a buffet lunch is prepared, while we enjoy the Andean scenery.
Route of the Shepherds (trekking)
Length: Full day 5 hours. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 4,015m/13,123ft Required acclimatisation: Yes, at least two days in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: We head out of the Alto Atacama Hotel to the village of Machuca, from where we descend alongside the river of the same name. The return to the hotel is from Rio Grande.
Route of the Llaretas (trekking)
Length: Full day. Walking 4.5 to 5.5 hours 8 km. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 4,000m/13,123ft Required acclimatisation: Yes. At least two days in San Pedro de Atacama. Route: Copa Coya is a hill 5000 m.a.s.l. West of the geyser area, which we will go around in a trek lasting 4 to 5 hours, passing through sandy ravines and in between native high mountain flora. The trek begins with a descent through a stony area, with a barely marked trail, which is in essence animal track. We come to the lowest point of the walk, in the ravine, to start back up a moderate uphill which becomes stepper near the end. The van will be waiting at the end of the walk with a picnic sandwich lunch.
Mountaineering
Toco Volcano – 5,604m/18,356ft
Description: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in the van to the abandoned sulphur mine (1 hour 15 minutes approx). It begins the rise through a steep trail all the way to the summit. Beautiful panoramic view of the Bolivian lagoons and of the volcanoes in the Andes Mountain range. Length: Half day. Walking 2 to 3.5 hours. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 5,604m/18,356ft Elevation change: 365m/1,198ft Acclimatization Required: Yes (at least 3 full days and have done at least one trekking excursion over 4,000m/13,123ft.
Mount Kimal – 4,280m/14,042ft Description: We leave early from the hotel, on the highway towards Calama, taking the detour to the Valley of the Moon through the Llano de la Paciencia. At kilometre 5, taking the road that goes right, through the antennas on the Domeyko range, following through to the base of Mount Kimal, where we can see the vestigial remains of old mountain camps, which is where we begin our ascent. Length: Half day. Walking 2 to 3.5 hours. Difficulty: Difficult Altitude: 4,280m/14,042ft Elevation change: 850m/2,789ft Acclimatization Required: Yes (at least 3 full days and have done at least one trekking excursion over4,000m/13,123ft.
Chile is the land of contrasts, from verdant vineyards to driest desert, deep fjords and towering glaciated volcanoes.
A narrow but incredibly long, snake-like country, Chile’s unusual geography features more than 5,000km of South Pacific Ocean coast. The country is almost 4,400km long but barely more than 160km at its widest.
It is best divided into general regions, all of which offer spectacular landscapes and identities of their own.
This variety means Chile is the land where almost every activity is possible. Hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking.
Or climbing, cruising, fishing, horse riding, wine tasting.
Or simply eating great food, relaxing and exploring.
Patagonia
Trekking heaven. Paine National Park lies in Patagonia and features some of the best trekking in South America. With no altitude worries here, hikers enjoy an unrivalled mix of access to wild flora and fauna that exists in this massif. It is at once windswept, and then balmy. Paine National Park is a must see for walkers visiting South America.
Northern Patagonia is the least densely populated part of the country – spectacular virgin scenery make this a hidden gem and superb area for trekking, boating and horse riding.
And that’s before you think about possibly cruising through fjords, or kayaking them, flying to Antartica or staying at a working hacienda.
Easter Island
Iconic, Easter Island is an archaeological treasure. Here you will find the famous Moai stone statues, as well as caves and rocks decorated with etched petroglyphs and painted pictographs.
Northern Chile
Northern Chile features the Atacama, the driest desert with the clearest skies in the world, is alive with active volcanoes replete with spitting geysers mixed with archaeological wonders and fantastic rock formations.
Central Chile is the heart of Chile and includes the capital Santiago. With its Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and mild wet winters, this central valley produces some of South America’s finest wines, Colchagua Valley to name but one.
Here, the Andean mountain chain soars more than 6,000m above sea level. Chile’s traditional symbols such as huaso (cowboy) and cueca (national dance) originate here, an area which is rich in agriculture and produces most of Chile’s export fruit.
In winter, skiers are attracted to this tasting the promise of some fabulous snow on the huge peaks which overlook Santiago.
Southern Chile and the Lake District
Lush and verdant, The Lake District area is the place to climb snow-capped volcanoes by day while relaxing next to stunning glacial lakes by evening. You can walk, bike, raft, cruise and drive your way around this beautiful region.
Central, southern and Patagonia Andes all present different challenges to mountaineers and trekkers. Options are varied in the central Andes with many of the Patagonian peaks remaining unexplored and unsummitted.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Overview
Chile has a wide range of climates from arid deserts to bracingly cold Patagonia.
When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Chile, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.
The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.
It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
Detailed kit list
Miscellaneous others
Andean Trails can book all your international and domestic flights for this trip and for UK passengers; we have full ATOL bonding and can book flights with most airlines.
International flight prices are variable and usually can only be guaranteed at the time of booking. If you would like to upgrade to business or first class, or even arrive at an earlier date/depart at a later date we can also arrange this for you.
Typically, you fly to a country’s capital city and then overnight there or make a connecting flight (if available) to your next destination.
Flight connections
Please contact us for flight advice especially if you do make a connection on the same day. It is important to purchase a through ticket and not separate tickets for connections, so that you are covered for any delays. Passengers with separate tickets that are delayed run the risk of having to buy an entirely new ticket to continue their journeys.
Please note all airline schedules are subject to change and are out of our control.
Tickets
Almost all flight tickets are now e-tickets. Any that are not will be handed to you on arrival in South America – this is most common for flights on smaller planes in Amazon areas such as Guyana/Bolivia.
The final travel instructions we send you some 2-3 weeks before departure will list the latest flight times, flight numbers etc as well as list your e-ticket numbers and booking reference code (6 characters i.e. GB75RK). This is what you will need to check in with.
How do I check in?
Depending on the airline, we can reserve some seats for you at the time of booking your international flights with us.
If we cannot reserve seats at the time of booking, you have to wait for online check in to open (usually 24-72 hours before departure).
To check in online you will need to go to the website of the airline you are travelling with, and have your e-ticket number/booking reference to hand. Click check in online, enter your details, and choose your seat.
Some flights will allocate seats at the check in desk at the airport and some may not allocate seats at all.
Help flying via the USA (ESTA form).
The United States (USA) has an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which all travellers to and via the USA must complete BEFORE travel to/via its airports and shores.
More information can be found on their ESTA website.
Passengers who have not completed the form will be denied boarding.
Before you begin this application, make sure that you have a valid passport and credit card available.
This application will only accept the following credit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover (JCB, Diners Club).
Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.
We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.
We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.
When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.
You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.
What is ATOL?
The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.
And ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.
Who is covered?
To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).
If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.
If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.
Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.
I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?
If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.
We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.
If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.
You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.
The Alto Parana region is to the east of Paraguay and its main city is Ciudad del Este on the shore of the Parana River.
Across the Parana River is where you will find Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and the Iguaçu Falls.
The Itaipu dam – one of the largest of the world – can be visited and just South of Ciudad del Este the Monday falls are worth a visit.
The Tati Yupi Biological reserve offers the outdoors enthusiast interpretative trails of the wildlife and fauna as well as bike trails for the more energetic.
2024 low season prices, double Quitor room, 4d/3n Upgrades available (Catarpe, Suite Tilo) Longer stays possible Single supplement applies Low season: 16 Apr-30 Sep, from USD 1,957pp High season: 1 Oct-19 Dec, 6 Jan-31 Mar, from USD 2,607pp Peak season: 21 Dec 2023 - 6 Jan, please enquire.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
What's a tailor made trip?
We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.
Prices From $2,920 / £2,374 per person
Dates: From October 2024 to April 2025
Duration: 4
Capacity: 16 people
Discover More Enquire about booking
Prices From $2,345 / £1,906 per person
Duration: 6
Prices From $2,730 / £2,219 per person
Capacity: 32 people
Prices From $2,574 / £2,093 per person
Dates: From June 2022 to December 2022
