San Pedro de Atacama

July 22, 2018

Calama and San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Cool (as it is winter there!)

My BFF and travel buddy Sandra has a special birthday this year, so we took a very special trip to Atacama and Bolivia.  Our first stop is Atacama – one of the driest spots on earth at about 7000 feet as it is in the Andes.  Although I arrived without any problems, Sandra's flight from LA was delayed AND they lost her luggage so not only was she delayed in arriving but had NO luggage.  Fortunately, we are staying at the posh Awasi Resort (which we highly recommend) and they took it on themselves to help track her luggage.

So on this first day, we didn't do much but enjoy the landscape as we drove the 100 kilometers from the airport in Calama to Atacama. Big Skies and snow capped mountains – quite a spectacular introduction to Atacama.  We also explored the "shopping" district which consisted of cute shops on a dirt road.

At the Awasi, 2 four hour tours a day and all meals, house wine and cocktails are included.  So on the first night we had a gourmet meal and as a surprise, a birthday cake for Sandra which eased the stress of not having luggage.  We had an early night, as we were both tired from the travel and on  the next day we have a full schedule so needed to rest up.