(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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Atacama Desert Travel Agent Expert

Explore the Atacama Desert: A Land of Wonder 


Step into the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, where otherworldly landscapes, crystal-clear skies, and stunning natural wonders await. Located in northern Chile, the Atacama offers breathtaking beauty, rich history, and incredible stargazing. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or an unforgettable astronomy experience, the Atacama Desert promises a journey to remember.    


 


Why Choose the Atacama Desert for Your Next Trip? 


Atacama is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and stargazing enthusiasts. Its surreal landscapes, including the Valley of the Moon and the Salar de Atacama, make it a photographer’s dream. It’s also one of the best places in the world for stargazing, with clear skies and high-altitude observatories. 


 


Top Things to Do in the Atacama Desert 


The Atacama Desert offers a wide range of activities that will fascinate nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to connect with the rich history of the region:


Visit the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon): A must-see in the Atacama, this surreal landscape looks like something from another planet. With its jagged rock formations, salt flats, and towering dunes, the Valle de la Luna offers stunning views, especially at sunset when the desert glows in shades of red and orange.


Stargazing at ALMA Observatory: The Atacama is one of the best places in the world for stargazing due to its crystal-clear skies and high-altitude location. Visit the ALMA Observatory (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) for an unforgettable experience, or join a local stargazing tour to see constellations and galaxies like never before.


Explore the Salar de Atacama: The Salar de Atacama is a massive salt flat, and it’s one of the largest in the world. Wander the vast expanse and take in the stunning contrast of white salt against the bright blue sky. Here, you can also visit the Laguna Chaxa, a salt lagoon that’s home to flamingos and a variety of wildlife.


Swim in the Altiplanic Lagoons: The Altiplanic Lagoons are high-altitude, crystal-clear lakes surrounded by stunning volcanoes. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques, which offer incredible views and peaceful surroundings.


Visit the Geysers of El Tatio: One of the most unique experiences in the Atacama Desert is visiting the El Tatio Geysers. Located at over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, these geysers release steam and hot water in a spectacular display, especially during the early morning hours when the temperature is coldest.


Cultural Exploration in San Pedro de Atacama: The town of San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway to the desert and offers a taste of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Pukará de Quitor—an ancient pre-Columbian fortress—or explore the Museo de Arqueología to learn about the Atacama people and their fascinating history.


 


Unique Accommodations in the Atacama Desert 


From luxurious eco-lodges to charming boutique hotels, accommodation in the Atacama Desert combines comfort with sustainability, allowing you to stay close to nature without compromising on luxury. Resorts like Explora Atacama and Tierra Atacama offer all-inclusive packages and guided excursions, making them perfect for those looking to explore the desert with expert guidance. For a more intimate experience, choose smaller boutique hotels like Hotel Altiplánico in San Pedro de Atacama for a cozy stay surrounded by desert landscapes. 


 


Perfect for Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, and Stargazing Enthusiasts 


The Atacama Desert is ideal for all types of travelers. Whether you're an adventure lover seeking to hike and explore, a photographer eager to capture stunning landscapes, or an astronomy enthusiast looking to stargaze, the Atacama offers an incredible range of activities. It’s also perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or families seeking an educational and unique experience in one of the world’s most fascinating environments. 


 


Best Time to Visit the Atacama Desert 


The best time to visit the Atacama Desert is during the dry season, from April to October. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with warm days and cool nights, perfect for exploring the desert. November to March is the wet season, with higher temperatures and occasional rain showers, though it’s also a quieter time for those who prefer to avoid crowds. 


 


Start Your Atacama Desert Adventure Today 


Are you ready to experience the unique beauty of the Atacama Desert? Let Travel Leaders Network help you plan the perfect adventure. Whether you want to explore the surreal landscapes, enjoy world-class stargazing, or experience the rich cultural heritage, we can craft a customized itinerary that suits your needs. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable journey into one of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations.

My Reviews

72 of 116 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 109 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 100 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Atacama Desert
  • Chilean Fjords

Travel Specialist:

  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Nature
  • Animals & Wildlife
  • Photography

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

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