Piedras Rojas + Altiplanic Lagoons and Salar de Atacama
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Toconao (Kunza Rincón perdido) enchants for its simplicity, calm of its people, special climate, beautiful architecture and crafts; We will visit the marginal area of the Salar de Atacama known as Laguna Chaxa located in Sector Soncor R.N.L. F. Later we headed towards the South East (Cordillera de los Andes) to settle in a Socaire Altiplanic Town, we visited its Church and learned about its agriculture. Once installed in the cordon of the Andes we headed approx. At 4200 masl to meet the Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons. These lagoons belong to the R. N. Los F., characterized by volcanoes and mountainous reliefs such as the Miscanti hill and the Meñiques volcano. Both lagoons are born from groundwater from melting ice. Continuing along the slopes of the South Andes we head to the Salar de Talar Touristically known as Piedras Rojas, where the rocks are subjected to natural oxidation and weathering.
Available options
Piedras Rojas + Altiplanic Lagoons and Salar de Atacama
Pickup included
What's included
Shared Transportation
Drop off center
Pickup Hotel
Lunch en route
Breakfast
Driver/Guide (Spanish and English)
Detailed itinerary
1
Visit the Town of Toconao, crafts, square, church
2
Stop 2
Los Flamencos National Reserve is located in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region in northern Chile. The reserve covers a total area of 740 km
3
Stop on the Tropic of Capricorn route. The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the five major circles of latitude marked on maps of the Earth.
4
Stop 4
Visit to the Lagunas Miscanti and Meñiques National Reserve
5
Visit to the Town of Socaire, its church and general view
6
Trekking of approx 1 Hrs
What's not included
Entrance Ticket to Parks, Reserves or Sites to visit are NOT included in the Value of the Tour
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
40 reviews
5★
35
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
163 reviews
5★
155
4★
3
3★
3
2★
1
1★
1
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Minimum 12 years (Policies of our agency)
Maximum age 75 years (Policies of our agency)
Pregnant (Policies of our agency)
Does NOT include entrance ticket to sites or places to visit... the tourist pays directly there.
Important notes
If you purchased the Laguna Cejar or Piedras Rojas tours, the tickets for these services are NOT included in the purchased services.
We request advance payment of these tickets, to ensure your purchase... NON-showing for these tours does NOT give the right to a refund, since the parks do not allow changes.
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
