"TOCONAO WINE ROUTE + LLAMAS" PREMIUM Tour

"TOCONAO WINE ROUTE + LLAMAS" PREMIUM Tour

TOCONAO, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Located just a short distance from San Pedro de Atacama, the charming village of Toconao is a hidden gem where history, tradition, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Recognized for its unique architecture, the village is built primarily from liparite, a striking white volcanic stone that gives its streets and buildings a distinctive character found nowhere else in the region. In the midst of one of the driest deserts on Earth, Toconao flourishes as a true oasis. Thanks to natural underground springs, its fertile surroundings support vineyards, fruit orchards, and small agricultural fields, creating a remarkable contrast with the vast arid landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Walking through Toconao is an invitation to experience the authentic lifestyle of the Andean people. Its peaceful streets, historic church, artisan workshops, and warm local hospitality reflect centuries of cultural heritage. The village is particularly known for its talented artisans, whose volcanic stone carvings and traditional handicrafts preserve techniques passed down through generations. Toconao is also an ideal starting point for exploring some of northern Chile's most extraordinary natural wonders. Nearby are the spectacular Atacama Salt Flat, the Los Flamencos National Reserve, and the iconic Chaxa Lagoon, where flamingos can often be seen against a breathtaking backdrop of volcanoes, salt flats, and crystal-clear skies.

Whether you are discovering its rich cultural traditions, tasting regional products, or simply enjoying the tranquility of this remarkable desert oasis, Toconao offers an authentic glimpse into the soul of the Atacama and an experience that perfectly complements any journey through northern Chile.

Itinerary

• Experience a truly distinctive encounter where the traditions of winemaking blend seamlessly with the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Atacama Desert.
• Your visit begins at Ayllu, a cooperative winery that celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage and sustainable approach to viticulture. As you explore the vineyards, you will be accompanied by the gentle presence of llamas, iconic inhabitants of the Andes, creating an atmosphere unlike any other wine destination in the world.
• Surrounded by the spectacular desert scenery, you will discover how local producers have adapted innovative and environmentally responsible techniques to cultivate exceptional wines in one of the planet's most extraordinary climates. Every step through the vineyard reveals the dedication, passion, and resilience behind each bottle.
• The experience concludes in the winery's cellar, where you will enjoy a guided tasting of three carefully selected wines, each expressing the distinctive character of the Atacama terroir. As you savor their unique aromas and flavors, the peaceful beauty of the Andes and the warm hospitality of the local community create the perfect setting for an unforgettable journey through one of Chile's most remarkable wine regions.
• More than a wine tasting, this is an authentic celebration of nature, culture, and the extraordinary spirit of San Pedro de Atacama.

Includes

• Guide service in English and Spanish.
• Transportation from and to “plazoleta La Apacheta”.
• Stroll through the desert vineyards,
• Tour the winery,
• A walk alongside the vineyard's llamas.
• 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.