Bike and Hike Women: Atacama Desert

Bike, hike and connect beneath the vast skies of the Atacama Desert on this seven-day women-only adventure based in San Pedro de Atacama. The journey begins by bike through the Likan Antai ayllus of Solcor, Sequitor and Tulor, visiting the Tulor archaeological site and sharing lunch with a local family, before watching sunset over Chaxa Lagoon.

The days that follow are mostly on foot: from Guatín's Cacti Valley to the Puritama hot springs, through the Ckari Gorge in Moon Valley, along an old caravan trail to Río Grande and the Las Cornisas trail in Mars Valley. You'll meet weaving families in Socaire, see rock art in the Kezala gorge, ride to Cejar Lagoon for a float and rise early for the Tatio Geysers. Yoga, telescope stargazing and six nights at the Atacama Loft glamping lodge complete this restorative desert escape.

Highlights:

• Hiking from Guatín's Cacti Valley to the Puritama hot springs

• Ckari Gorge in Moon Valley and the Las Cornisas trail in Mars Valley

• Floating in Cejar Lagoon and salt flat wildlife at Chaxa Lagoon

• Sunrise at the Tatio Geysers and its thermal pools

• Meeting Likan Antai women, families and Socaire weavers

• Telescope stargazing and yoga at a desert lodge

• Surface and terrain: Desert tracks, salt flats and village backroads by bike. Hikes cover gorges, an old caravan trail, a steep dune descent and high-altitude puna and geothermal ground, with elevations of 2,300 m and above throughout.

Weather:
June to November is the dry winter and spring. Expect clear, sunny days of around 18 - 25°C, nights below 0°C in San Pedro and as low as -10°C at El Tatio at dawn. Intense sun and very dry air at altitude.

Suitable for:
Women of moderate fitness who enjoy hiking more than cycling, with hikes of up to 14 km a day at altitude and two short rides. Suits those seeking a sociable, culturally rich and restorative trip with yoga and stargazing.