SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
Photographers we know your needs
Together we’ll have the chance to visit and enjoy locations that resemble the surface of the moon, incredible sunsets in the middle of the Atacama salt- flat, wildlife from the Andes wetlands, and the milky way in one of the best places in the world for Stargazing and Astrophotography.
Cornisas
Located on the northern side of the Cordillera de la Sal, Cornisas showcases striking water erosion, creating intriguing formations that we can photograph from the ledges above. This is a perfect place for panoramic and detailed shots.
We depart early in the morning from San Pedro, and after approximately 30 minutes of driving through the desert, we reach the top of the cornice. From there, we head north until we arrive at our destination, just in time for sunrise. As the first light of the day casts long shadows and warm tones over the rugged landscape, we’ll capture the dramatic contrasts and textures that make this location so unique. A 50mm to 200mm lens is recommended to frame both wide landscapes and intricate details of the eroded formations.
After shooting, we’ll enjoy breakfast with a hot coffee, taking in the breathtaking views.
Approximately 4 hr Tour
Departure Time 6:00 am
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
Vallecito
Located in the middle of the Salt Mountain Range, just 30 minutes from San Pedro, this area displays striking erosion from wind and water, creating intriguing geological formations that resemble the surface of the Moon. This makes it a perfect location for both landscape photography and astrophotography.
Before night falls, we’ll explore the different locations, and we’ll take a light hike through the surrounding hills, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the desert and stunning sand dunes, perfect for wide-angle shots and dramatic compositions.
As we wait for the right moment to capture the
stars, we’ll warm up by photographing the
sunset, taking advantage of the dramatic light
and shadows that enhance the rugged terrain.
Meanwhile, we’ll enjoy a picnic in this
breathtaking setting, immersing ourselves in the
stillness of the desert before turning our lenses
to the night sky.
Approximately 4 to 5hr tour
Departure Time 4:30 pm
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley is a stunning landscape where erosion has exposed layers of minerals in a spectrum of colors, giving the valley its name. The intense erosion has also shaped intriguing rock formations, creating a unique and otherworldly terrain that we can explore and photograph.
This location is perfect for panoramic and Astrophotography shots, capturing the vibrant contrast of reds, greens, and whites against the desert sky. Whether focusing on the sweeping landscapes or the intricate details of the rock textures, this is a must-visit spot for landscape photographers.
The best time to visit this location will depend on what you want, if you prefer astrophotography the time will vary depending on the milky way position, but if you want landscape photography with day light then the perfect light will be between 8am and 9am, to finish the morning we go to a nice spot for breakfast, after that we returned to San Pedro.
Approximately 5 to 7 hr tour
Departure Time 6:00 am
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
Chaxa Lagoon
(Summer Only)
Approximately **60 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama**, we reach a striking lagoon nestled within the vast expanse of the **Atacama Salt Flat**. This lagoon serves as a vital **summer habitat for South American flamingos**, attracting flocks of these elegant pink birds during the warmer months.
As we stroll along the lagoon’s edge, visitors will have the chance to observe and photograph a variety of **migratory bird species**, including flamingos in flight.
Approximately 4 hr tour
Departure Time 16:30 hrs
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
Tatio Geysers
We depart early in the morning and we drive north into the Andes Mountains, we we’ll be driving through and enjoying the landscape of the South American altiplano until we reach the geysers at 14,000 feet. After exploring the Geysers we stop at a beautiful location for breakfast with a panoramic view and hot coffee.
On the way back we stop at a high altitude wetland were we ‘ll have the chance to see Vicunas (south Americanacamel), Flamingos and other migrating birds. After the Machuca wetland, we head back to San Pedro.
Approximately 6 to 7hr tour
Departure Time 6:00 am
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
Laguna Lejia
is a stunning high-altitude destination, located approximately 2 hours south of San Pedro, deep in the Andes Mountains. After passing the town of Talabre, we ascend to 14,000 feet, arriving at this breathtaking lagoon, surrounded by towering volcanoes. The still waters of the lagoon create a perfect mirror effect, making it an exceptional location for landscape photography.
This remote and pristine environment is also an occasional stop for flamingos and foxes, adding a unique wildlife element to the
experience. After enjoying breakfast with a view, we continue our journey, driving around the crater of Overo Volcano, a fascinating
geological feature. Finally, we reach the Aguas Calientes wetland, where it’s common to spot llamas grazing in their natural habitat.
Given the high altitude, we recommend a two-day acclimation period before visiting.
Approximately 6 to 7 hr tour
Departure Time 5:00 am
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
La Pacana
We head east into the Andes Mountains Altiplano, reaching 14,000 feet, where we drive through a surreal Mars-like landscape shaped by volcanoes and unique geological formations.
Our first stop is the Quepiaco wetland, an excellent spot for photographing vicuñas and small birds in their natural habitat. From there, we continue to La Pacana, a massive caldera in the heart of the Andes, surrounded by intriguing rock formations created by ancient pyroclastic flows.
After enjoying lunch in La Pacana,
we take in the last views of this
otherworldly terrain before
returning to San Pedro.
If astrophotography is what you are looking for the departure time will depend on the milky way position at the time of your visit.
Approximately 6 hr tour
Departure Time 7:00 am
Departure time may vary depending
on the time of the year
Our Favorite Program
The price includes private vehicle, park fees, water, snacks and food according to the excursion needs.
The times can be arrange according to the persons preferences
The order of the excursions are arrange in order to favor the acclimatization process.
The Tatio Geyser and Lejia Lagoon require 2 days of acclimation before ascending to 14.000 ft.
The Price is for 1 or 2 persons is the same (1 extra person USD 250 per day)
The program can be adjusted according to the photographers needs.
The private tour is for a maximum of 6 photographers
We highly recommend that participants bring a digital SLR or Mirrorless camera, tripod and their own laptop computer with software for organizing your photos.
Suggested Clothing for San Pedro de Atacama
Travel light, but pack sturdy, wear outdoor trekking shoes, comfortable layered clothing such as fleeces, t-shirts, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Include an outdoor warm top for cold nights and cold altitudes as well as a warm hat and gloves, Lip balm, sun-screen cream and sun glasses.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE - Tailor made excursions. - Private 4x4 vehicle with A/C, - Bilingual guide, - Park fees, - Water and Snacks according to the excursion. - You can choose between a full-day excursion with lunch included (between 6 and 8 hours approx.) or two half-day excursions (between 2 and 5 hours approx.), returning to your hotel for lunch between both excursions.
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS - All reservations must be requested by email and will be confirmed in the same way. - To confirm the reservation, a payment of 50% of the full rate must be made. - Reservations will not be confirmed until the deposit has been received. - Forms of payment: Credit, Debit or Deposit - The balance must be paid 7 days before arrival. CANCELLATION FEE - Up to 91 days prior to arrival: No Charge. - 90 - 61 days prior to arrival: 25% of the reservation deposit. - 60 - 15 days prior to arrival: 50% of the reservation deposit. - 14 - 00 days prior to arrival: 100% of the reservation deposit.