This Tour is no longer available

Unfortunately we no longer offer this Tour, but we haven't removed the information so you can have more ideas for your trip. If you want something similar contact us

In this tour, we'll visit the mine where 33 miners where rescued from the earth after being trapped underground for 77 days. We'll also go to one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire Atacama desert.

Day 1: Arrival at Copiapó and transfer to hotel

Transfer: Airport Hotel in Copiapó

Reception at Copiapó airport and transfer to hotel

Day 1: Copiapó

San José Mine Tour, 33 miners Rescue

  • Departure: 12:50
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Pickup / Dropoff: Copiapo Hotel

In this tour you will know in depth the history of the rescue of the 33 miners who were trapped in the San José Mine.

 Upon leaving the hotel in the city of Copiapó, we will head to the San José Mine, located 29 km northwest of Copiapó and 33 km from Caldera, where 33 miners were trapped for 69 days. Along the way, we will see the place where the Dakar sets up its camp, while observing the wonderful dune landscape. We will make a stop to climb a dune and admire the colors of the scenery. Once at the San José Mine, we will be welcomed by one of the 33 miners, who will accompany us to the Interpretation Center, where he will explain firsthand the events of the terrible accident on August 22, 2010, showing us different items and articles that recount the feat of the rescue.


 
  • Physical
    Very low
  • Cultural
    Medium
  • Nature
    Medium

Day 2: Nevado Tres Cruces National Park - Copiapó

Nevado Tres Cruces National Park Tour

  • Departure: 08:00
  • Duration: Full day
  • Includes: Boxlunch

We'll visit the beautiful salt flat of Marcunga, the impressive Tres Cruces massif and the beautiful lagoons of the park that attract pink flamingos, different types of ducks, geese, and vicuñas.

We will depart at 7:00 am from your hotel in Copiapó, heading toward the Andes Mountains to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, an area created to protect the high-Andean ecosystem and its unique wildlife, including foxes, vicuñas, flamingos, and the characteristic vegetation of chañares, wetlands, and high-altitude grasses.

Our journey begins with a visit to the ruins of the Puquios mining town, a significant historical site of the region. We will continue to the Lautaro Formation, where we will make a contemplative stop to appreciate this remarkable paleontological area. Our route then takes us to Vega La Junta, a high-altitude wetland that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding desert environment.

Around midday, we will arrive at the heart of Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, where you will be able to admire the vivid colors and peaceful atmosphere of Laguna Santa Rosa, an important sanctuary for Andean flamingos. The tour continues toward the impressive Salar de Maricunga, an enclosed basin surrounded by mountains and volcanoes rising above 5,000 meters.

Along the way, you will enjoy an on-route breakfast and a balanced box lunch, specially designed for high-altitude conditions to ensure proper energy throughout the day.

We will return to Copiapó around 7:00 pm, after a full journey filled with nature, history, and unforgettable altiplano scenery.

  • Physical
    Very low
  • Cultural
    Very low
  • Nature
    Very high

Day 3: Transfer to Copiapo Airport

Transfer: Hotel Airport in Copiapó

Transfer from the hotel to Copiapó airport

Included
  • Transfer to and from the hotel in Copiapo
  • Tour to the San José Mine, rescue 33 miners. (includes drink, route guide and site guide)
  • Tour to Tres Cruces National Park (includes guide, water bottle and picnic lunch suitable for height, oxygen)
NOT Included
  • Services not mentioned

Recommendations

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, camera

Notes

Intermediate level walks, not suitable for people with limited mobility