Altiplanic Lagoons Salar de Atacama Villages and Red Stones
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Live a unique experience in the Atacama highlands, exploring stunning high-rise landscapes and connecting with nature in its purest form. Accompanied by a bilingual guide (Spanish and English), you will learn about the history, culture and geography of this incredible region.
The tour includes hotel pick-up, shared transportation along scenic routes, as well as breakfast and lunch during the day. Lasting approximately 10 hours, it is an ideal choice to discover the highlands in comfort and professional organization.
Book ahead and secure your place in one of Atacama’s must-see experiences.
Available options
Altiplanic Lagoons Salar de Atacama Villages and Red Stones
Pickup included
What's included
Lunch
Breakfast
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Salar de Atacama is famous for its elegant flamingos, which captivate visitors with its unique beauty, delicate pink feathers and long legs, which leave soft footprints on the salt flat.
2
Then, already at height, at the foot of the volcanoes : the dark blue lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques, a route in which you can visualize the Andean mountain range feeling a cold that will leave you paralyzed for a moment, until you realize that you are 4000 km above sea level.
Two lagoons surrounded by a solid and a beautiful sky that contrasts perfectly with the crystal clear water. A somewhat particular vegetation and wonderful fauna adorn this beautiful place.
3
We head to the Aguas Calientes wetland, also known as Piedras Rojas : these stones are red due to the oxidation of iron, their various shades, sizes, will leave you for a while puzzled, the landscape that surrounds us is a pastel color painting.
4
Villages: The villages of Socaire and Toconao serve as short stops along the way, interesting are their churches and orchards. A tour with ample time, for hiking, photography, in short : to enjoy some very nice contrasts.
5
Stop 5
The day begins in the Los Flamencos National Reserve, at dawn we visit the Chaxa Lagoon in the Salar de Atacama (habitat of endemic and migratory birds).
What's not included
Travel Insurance
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Under 7 years
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
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