"TURIKUNZA EXPERIENCE" PREMIUM Tour. Departure from SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

"TURIKUNZA EXPERIENCE" PREMIUM Tour

TURIKUNZA, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Hidden within the breathtaking landscapes surrounding San Pedro de Atacama, Turikunza is a remarkable desert oasis where nature, agriculture, and ancestral traditions have flourished in perfect harmony for centuries. Fed by crystal-clear underground springs descending from the Andes, this fertile area offers a striking contrast to the vast arid landscapes that characterize the Atacama Desert.

Surrounded by vineyards, fruit orchards, and traditional farmlands, Turikunza represents the resilience and ingenuity of the Atacameño people, who transformed one of the driest places on Earth into a thriving agricultural sanctuary. The area preserves the essence of the region's rural heritage, where ancient irrigation systems, sustainable farming practices, and a deep respect for nature continue to shape everyday life.

Visitors to Turikunza can experience the peaceful atmosphere of this extraordinary landscape while discovering the local culture, traditional agriculture, and emerging wine production that has become one of the hidden treasures of the Atacama. The spectacular backdrop of volcanoes, the Andes Mountains, and endless desert horizons creates a setting unlike any other in Chile.

Whether exploring its vineyards, learning about local traditions, or simply enjoying the tranquility of this unique oasis, Turikunza offers an authentic glimpse into the natural and cultural richness of San Pedro de Atacama—an unforgettable destination where history, sustainability, and extraordinary landscapes come together.

Itinerary

Discover an authentic cultural experience that invites you to connect with the ancestral traditions of the Lickanantay people through an immersive journey designed to awaken all five senses.
Over the course of approximately three to three and a half hours, you will be welcomed into a traditional family setting, where the stories, customs, flavors, and craftsmanship of one of the oldest cultures of the Atacama Desert come to life in a warm and personal atmosphere.
Your experience begins with a traditional welcome featuring herbal infusions and aromatic incense prepared from native desert plants. As you learn about the local flora, you will discover how these medicinal herbs and endemic species have been used for generations in everyday life, healing practices, and spiritual ceremonies.
The journey continues with a unique tasting experience showcasing the authentic flavors of the Atacama. Sample traditional fermented beverages, herbal macerations, natural syrups, native seeds, seasonal fruits, and a delicious dessert prepared with carob, one of the desert's most emblematic ingredients.
A highlight of the experience is the opportunity to explore the rich pottery traditions of the region. Inspired by the legacy of the renowned local artisan Isidora Ayavire, you will learn about the selection and preparation of natural clay, traditional techniques, and the evolution of ceramic craftsmanship. Guided by local artisans, you will also create your own clay piece, experiencing firsthand one of the most important artistic expressions of the Lickanantay culture.
To conclude the experience, enjoy a peaceful walk through the Ayllu, the traditional indigenous community, where you will interact with llamas while learning about the deep historical and spiritual bond between these remarkable animals and the Lickanantay people. This final encounter offers a meaningful perspective on the harmony that has long existed between the local communities, their environment, and the unique landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
More than a cultural visit, this is an invitation to experience the living heritage of San Pedro de Atacama through its people, traditions, flavors, and timeless connection with the desert.

Includes

Guide service in English and Spanish.
Transportation from and to Solor Ayllu. Where the tour takes place.

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 10 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 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM / 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM from accommodations located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.
Estimated Return: Approximately 12:00 M / 6:00 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.

Ratebook are express in US Dollars (USD) and may be changed without prior notice.
Services and programs may be changed or cancelled in its execution, sequence and contents; in order to offer a better service, or due to extreme conditions or majeure force reasons.
This tour operates with a minimum number of passengers., Holiplus will reconfirm 48 hours before departure. If the supplier decides to cancel, for reasons of force majeure or adverse weather conditions, Holiplus will offer an alternative tour or fully refund the cost of your trip.
This tour will not run on the following dates: December 25 to January 1.
The client must be aware that that modifications in the original booking may generate changes on the final quotation.
SIB: Transfer and excursion services shared with other passengers.
Holiplus will try to avoid cancellation charges, the client must accept expenses incurred and charges established by the supplier, which may add be up to 100% of the original.
No show policy: 24 hours before the start of the tour: 100%.

DOCUMENTATION:

It is the responsibility of each passenger to carry the relevant documents for the proper completion of their trip.
Passengers must be informed and prepared to comply with visa, vaccination, and other regulations specific to the countries they are visiting.
Therefore, passengers must bear the costs incurred due to non-compliance or misinformation regarding entry and mobility regulations within the different countries they are traveling to. In the case of Chilean and foreign passengers, they must present their foreign documentation, otherwise, VAT corresponding to 19% of the fare will be charged directly to the passenger.

CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOW POLICY:

For Individual Services (Up to 8 people)

Cancellations made up to 16 days before the start of the trip: No penalty applies.
Cancellations made between 15 and 9 days before the start of the trip: A penalty of 25% of the total reservation amount applies.
Cancellations made between 8 and 0 days prior to the start of the trip: A penalty of 100% of the total reservation value applies.
No-Shows: If a passenger fails to appear at the designated time and place, the service will be considered rendered, and no refund will be issued.

For Group Services (9 or more people)

Cancellations made up to 47 days prior to the start of the trip: No penalty applies.
Cancellations made between 46 and 32 days prior to the start of the trip: A penalty of 25% of the total reservation value applies.
Cancellations made between 31 and 0 days prior to the start of the trip: A penalty of 100% of the total reservation value applies.
No-Shows: If a passenger fails to appear at the designated time and place, the service will be considered rendered, and no refund will be issued.
Cancellations due to the passenger’s health condition will only be eligible for a refund upon presentation of a medical certificate issued by the corresponding CESFAM (Family Health Center).
Rescheduling requests are subject to availability.