San Pedro de Atacama , Chile

Red Stones Tour Salar de Atacama

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the magic of Piedras Rojas: a journey to the heart of the Chilean highlands.

Embark on an unforgettable experience more than 4,000 meters above sea level, where nature expresses itself with overwhelming intensity. Your tour takes you to Piedras Rojas, a unique spot in northern Chile, where the contrast of the reddish-hued rock formations with the turquoise lagoons creates a visual spectacle that looks like another planet.

This tour begins in the imposing Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt deposit, home to Andean flamingos and other inhabitants of the highlands who move among mirrors of water and salt crystals. From there we go into the highlands to discover a series of lagoons that take the breath away, both for their beauty and their height. Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes, with their calm waters and volcanic landscapes, are a hidden gem of the world’s most arid desert.

Available options

Red Stones Tour Salar de Atacama

Pickup included

What's included

Tickets included for parks in the total sale

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Breakfast

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The first stop will be Toconao, an indigenous village with characteristic white constructions. During our visit we will learn about the history and traditions of the stumps, and we will discover the church of St. Luke and its bell tower, which date from the 18th century and have been declared national monuments

Stop 2

If the weather permits, we will travel to the lagoon of Chaxa, a scene of spectacular beauty that is divided into several mirrors of water and where we can see flamingos.

We will take a hike along the Red Stones trail. There we will contemplate a beautiful salt flat. In addition, we will have the opportunity to see the famous Miscanti and Miñiques highlands, and their respective namesake volcanoes. If we are lucky we can know fauna endemic to the place such as vicuñas, foxes and flamingos.

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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