Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama
Description
We will begin this excursion having breakfast in the Tambillo forest, a particular forest of a tree called Tamarugo that grows in the middle of the desert. Then we will visit the Chaxa lagoon, located in the Salar de Atacama, a lagoon of spectacular beauty that is divided into several mirrors of water, where a large number of flamingos live. Then we will go through the towns of Toconao and Socaire, towns built with stone of volcanic origin. for later arrive at Los Flamencos National Reserve, where we will visit the altiplanic lagoons, two lagoons over 4,000 meters high at the foot of two large volcanoes, and finally the Salar de Aguas Calientes, a salt flat with beautiful contrasts of turquoise and calypso colors, and next to the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, a stone platform that owes its name to its reddish color product of iron oxidation.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your day trip from San Pedro de Atacama begins with hotel pickup starting at 08:00 a.m. Remember that the Hotel pick up and drop off is included only on Hotels located nearby San Pedro de Atacama urban zone. If your Hotel is located on Ayllus far away from the downtown, please let us know to arrange a meeting point for being picked up.
Then we visit the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile, where the flamingos national reserve is located. We will visit the Chaxa lagoon to observe the types of flamingos, as well as other species that inhabit the lagoons of the to Salt.
Our first stop will be after approximately 1 hour of trip in the high plateau Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons located at 4200 a.s.l. In these lagoons you can appreciate the fauna of the place. Amazing landscapes from the lagoons in company of the mountains, millennial history behind this incredible place.
Then we go to Piedras Rojas where we visit Salar de Aguas Calientes and Salar de Talar, where you can see the rock formations reddish colors. Enjoy the incredible landscapes from the Atacama Salt Flat, especially with the colors that the nature offers to us.
After our incredible experience in the Atacama Salt Flat, we will return our trip back to San Pedro de Atacama. The drop off will be at the same point as where you were picked up.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The pick-up time is between 06:00 to 06:40, it may vary from 07:00 to 07:40 in case we do not find entry availability to the park at the earliest times. We will confirm the pickup time the day before. Remember that the Hotel pick up is included only on Hotels located nearby San Pedro de Atacama urban zone. If your Hotel is located on Ayllus far away from the downtown, please let us know to arrange a meeting point for being picked up. Please reconfirm the pick up information (time and location) 1 day before the departure!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes including trekking pants and shoes, and a windbreaker or warm jacket
- It is recommended that you bring water, sunblock and sunglasses
- Note: Please bring cash to pay for the entrance fees and any additional expenses
- Note: The altiplano lagoons lie at more than 13,500 feet in elevation, which may cause mild altitude sickness for some; it is recommended that you drink hot tea or water prior to the tour and carry any necessary medication. Infants are allowed to visit the lagoons but be aware of the altitude before going, the responsability is under the parents in case of any inconvenient.
- Remember that the Hotel pick up and drop off is included only on Hotels located nearby San Pedro de Atacama urban zone. If your Hotel is located on Ayllus far away from the downtown, please let us know to arrange a meeting point for being picked up. Please reconfirm the pick up information (time and location) 1 day before the departure!
- Children over 8 years old are allowed
- Children over 8 years old are allowed
Reviews(87)
We decided to go by car, on our own, and it was the best decision! I went to the Tourist Information agency in San Pedro de Atacama, across from the Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama church, and they gave me all the needed information, including that we needed to book the time on the website and arrive at Socaire's ticket booth 1 hour earlier to retrieve the ticket.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Your satisfaction means a lot to our entire team, and we hope to see you again soon.
Very low-end cuisine without taste of uncooked salmon bland dishes uncooked rubarb pie and without sugar or any taste
Wonderful place for astrophotography and astronomy I have no words to describe this experience, it is something to live
We are lucky to have Pedro as our guide. He is funny and knowledgeable. I loved the stories he shared, the ideas he has for great photos shots, and the music he put on during the trip too!
Had the best time enjoyed it thoroughly. The driver was very good at what he did, and the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. Fun and courteous would recommend to anyone must do.
Albeit this is a long day with much driving, it is well worth it. The lagoons are beautiful but the red rocks asnd surrounding coloured mountains are spectacular!
It was a pleasant day with Jay. The Lagoons are beautiful with flamingos, colors and mountains. The Antiplanic part is at an elevation of about 14000 feet so you may have some breathing issues and a slight headache on the walk/hikes. They provided both a light breakfast and lunch. They drop you off at the beginning of Caracoles Street and not the hotel at the end!
Very good tour, got a bit of altitude sickness after a couple of hours above 4200 metres but returned to normal when coming back down to less extreme altitude. Good breakfast though didn't feel like eating too much. Lunch was a bit ordinary.
Pedro Rohas was an outstanding guide; communicative, informative, amusing, and helpful. Favi was a great driver, fully in command of the vehicle at all times. The tour covered a lot of ground but was one of the most beautiful landscapes and natural beauty I’ve ever experienced.
Our guide, Victor, was the best! Very knowledgeable, kind, and attentive to every need. The tour shows you many sides of the Atacama desert and keeps you in awe at every turn. Would gladly do this tour again!
