"TOCONAO WINE ROUTE" PREMIUM Tour
TOCONAO, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Nestled on the edge of the Atacama Desert, Toconao is one of northern Chile's most charming and picturesque villages. Built almost entirely from the region's distinctive white volcanic stone, known as liparite, this peaceful oasis offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and fertile lands nourished by underground springs, Toconao stands in remarkable contrast to the arid landscapes that define the Atacama Desert. Its quiet streets, traditional adobe houses, artisan workshops, and welcoming atmosphere preserve the authentic spirit of the Andean communities that have called this region home for centuries. The village is also renowned for its local craftsmanship, particularly its beautifully carved volcanic stone sculptures and handcrafted textiles, reflecting generations of cultural heritage and artistic tradition.
Beyond its cultural appeal, Toconao serves as the gateway to some of the Atacama's most spectacular natural attractions, including the breathtaking Atacama Salt Flat, the Los Flamencos National Reserve, and the stunning Chaxa Lagoon, where graceful flamingos gather against an unforgettable backdrop of salt flats, volcanoes, and endless blue skies. Whether exploring its historic streets, enjoying local wines and traditional cuisine, or simply taking in the serenity of its extraordinary surroundings, Toconao offers an authentic and unforgettable experience—one that beautifully captures the timeless essence of San Pedro de Atacama and the remarkable landscapes of northern Chile.
Itinerary
- Step into an extraordinary world where fine wine, tradition, and the remarkable landscapes of the Atacama Desert come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
- Designed for wine lovers seeking authenticity and exclusivity, this premium journey invites you to discover one of the most unique wine-producing regions in the world. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the desert oasis, you will explore local vineyards, learn about the exceptional conditions that give life to these distinctive wines, and enjoy carefully selected tastings in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
- To ensure a highly personalized experience, participation is limited to a maximum of four guests. This small-group format allows for meaningful interaction, unhurried visits, and a deeper appreciation of the region's winemaking traditions, culture, and flavors.
- More than a wine tour, this is an exclusive opportunity to connect with the people, landscapes, and remarkable terroir of the Atacama, where every glass tells the story of one of the world's most extraordinary deserts.
Includes
- Guide service in English and Spanish.
- Transportation from and to “plazoleta La Apacheta”.
- Stroll through the desert vineyards,
- Tour the winery,
- Enjoy a tasting of 3 wines in total: 2 Ayllu wines and 1 premium vintage from the winemaker.
Note: Our PREMIUM collective excursion service provides personalized attention and the expertise of highly experienced tour guides, designed for groups from 1 up to a maximum of 7 passengers. This tour operates daily with a minimum of 2 passengers.
Does not include
- Tips and gratuities.
- Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
- Other services not described in the program.
Estimated Schedule:
- Pick-up: Between 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM / 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM from accommodations located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.
- Estimated Return: Approximately 12:30 M / 6:30 PM, subject to weather conditions, road conditions, visit durations, and daily operational coordination.
- Approximate Duration: 3.00 hours - 3.30 hours.
Transportation available for this excursion:
- 1 to 4 passengers: Toyota Hiace, Toyota 4Runner, or Toyota Hilux.
- 5 to 7 passengers: Toyota Hiace or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
- 8 to 12 passengers: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. (Shared services accommodate a maximum of 9 passengers.)
Availability:
This excursion does not operate with daily departures, as tour availability depends on several factors, including seasonal weather conditions, actual availability and minimum passenger requirements.
- December 25 and January 1: The excursion does not operate due to national holidays.
Reservation Deadline:
- We strongly recommend booking this excursion as early as possible. Ideally, reservations should be confirmed at least 10 days prior to the scheduled departure date, with no further reconfirmation required.
- As the operation of this excursion is subject to daily availability and operational conditions, bookings made less than 10 days before departure will be subject to confirmation. In such cases, the local operator reserves the right to decline the reservation if the minimum number of participants required to operate the excursion is not met.
Important Note:
Our agency strongly recommends that passengers follow an appropriate sightseeing schedule based on altitude levels. This gradual acclimatization helps the body adapt more comfortably to the region’s elevation and significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort during the trip. We recommend the following:
- High-altitude excursions should be scheduled from the second day of your stay onward. Our suggested order is: Piedras Rojas & Altiplanic Lagoons first, followed by El Tatio Geysers, and finally the Salt Flats Route, which reaches the highest elevations.
- For passengers continuing their journey to Uyuni, we strongly recommend completing at least two high-altitude excursions in San Pedro de Atacama before traveling to Bolivia in order to facilitate proper acclimatization.
- For volcano ascents, we recommend a minimum of three full days of acclimatization in San Pedro de Atacama. Guests should ideally complete the region’s higher-altitude excursions before attempting trekking activities such as Cerro Toco or Láskar Volcano.
Following these recommendations will help ensure a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable experience while exploring the Atacama Desert and the surrounding Altiplano region.
Notes:
- Level of difficulty: LOW.
- Maximum elevation during the excursion: 2,450 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level).
- PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Basic fitness level is sufficient. No trekking experience required. Suitable for most active travelers.
- Recommended minimum age: There is no official regulation that prohibits or restricts minors from participating in this excursion. However, our agency does not recommend the participation of infants or young children due to the long travel distances, the nature of the terrain, the desert's weather conditions, and the limited access to medical facilities, as the nearest hospital is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama.
- Children's rates: No special child fare applies. Under Chilean law, all minors must travel using an approved child restraint system or safety seat, occupying an individual seat inside the vehicle. Therefore, all children are charged the full adult fare.
- The activity takes place in a remote area with no shelter or restroom facilities available. Weather conditions may change rapidly, and stop durations may vary accordingly.
- Excursion days and schedules may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the groups forming.
- The pickup and return times depend on the season and will be confirmed upon booking confirmation.