Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Tour
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
We'll start the tour with a visit to the pre-Hispanic town of Socaire, characterized by its cultivated terraces. Then we'll head to the Altiplano, where we'll visit Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques, habitat for aquatic birds and mammals such as red foxes and vicuñas. We will continue to the Salar de Talar (also known as Salar de Águas Calientes) and the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, from where we will see these reddish volcanic stones that will surprise you with their shape and the exceptional natural environment where they are located.
The tour continues to Salar de Atacama, the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world. There, we will walk along the paths of Laguna Chaxa, nesting place and habitat of the three species of flamingos present in Chile: Andean, Chilean and James. Finally, we will visit the village of Toconao, its Church of San Lucas and its characteristic orchards.
Available options
Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Lunch
Breakfast
Bilingual Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
We'll start the tour with a visit to the pre-Hispanic town of Socaire, characterized by its cultivated terraces. Then we'll head to the Altiplano, where we'll visit Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques, habitat for aquatic birds and mammals such as red foxes and vicuñas. We will continue to the Salar de Talar (also known as Salar de Águas Calientes) and the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, from where we will see these reddish volcanic stones that will surprise you with their shape and the exceptional natural environment where they are located.
The tour continues to Salar de Atacama, the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world. There, we will walk along the paths of Laguna Chaxa, nesting place and habitat of the three species of flamingos present in Chile: Andean, Chilean and James. Finally, we will visit the village of Toconao, its Church of San Lucas and its characteristic orchards.
*The order of visitation places is subject to change the same day as the tour.
*Since March 2018, pedestrian access or car access to the Piedras Rojas area is not allowed. On the tour we will have a panoramic view from a viewpoint, at a distance of approximately 1 km.
*The hotel pick-up service included, is not carried out in accommodations located outside the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama, located in ayllus near San Pedro de Atacama (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor and Coyo) or in accommodations in the town of Toconao.
What's not included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.7
7 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
1
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.9
34 reviews
5★
30
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
You will not need to present the printed Ticket for this activity
About San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a charming town in northern Chile, known as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. This unique destination offers stunning landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
Top Attractions
Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna is a surreal lunar-like landscape with sand dunes, rock formations, and salt formations. It's a must-visit for its stunning views and unique geological features.
Nature
Half-day tour
Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)
Laguna Cejar
Laguna Cejar is a unique saltwater lagoon where you can float effortlessly due to its high salt content. It's a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
Nature
Half-day tour
Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)
Geysers del Tatio
Geysers del Tatio is a geothermal field with boiling hot springs and geysers. It's one of the highest geyser fields in the world and offers a unique experience.
Nature
Full-day tour
Moderate (approximately $50-$70 for a guided tour)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cazuela
A traditional Chilean stew made with meat, potatoes, corn, and pumpkin. It's a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the cool evenings in the desert.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian versions are available
Empanadas de Pino
A popular Chilean snack, these empanadas are filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and a hard-boiled egg.
Snack/Appetizer
Vegetarian and vegan options are available
Popular Activities
Sandboarding
Dune buggy rides
Hiking
Mountain biking
Hot springs
Yoga retreats
Meditation
Visit to the Atacama Museum
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season)
The dry season offers the best weather for exploring the desert, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the day. Nights can be quite cold.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, Quechua (indigenous language)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Time Zone
CLT (UTC-4)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
San Pedro de Atacama is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides
Getting there
By air
- El Loa Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama
By bus
San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses connect San Pedro de Atacama to nearby attractions like the Valle de la Luna and Laguna Cejar. They are affordable but not very frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Cascadas
Day trips
Puritama Hot Springs
20 km (12 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Half-day to full-day
Puritama Hot Springs offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a stunning desert setting. The natural hot springs are surrounded by beautiful rock formations and lush vegetation.
Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris)
100 km (62 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Full-day
Rainbow Valley is known for its colorful rock formations and stunning landscapes. It's a popular spot for hiking, photography, and exploring the unique geological features of the Atacama Desert.
Festivals
Atacama Desert Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Valle de la Luna at sunset for the best views and photography opportunities
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong desert sun
- Dress in layers to accommodate the significant temperature variations between day and night
- Respect the environment and follow the principles of responsible tourism
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
