Piedras Rojas, Atacama Salt Flats & Altiplano Lakes Trip
Description
Discover the majestic volcanic landscapes ofPiedras Rojas (Red Stones), situated in the heart of the Chilean altiplano. This tour includes visits to the Atacama salt flat and mountain lagoons at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
Piedras Rojas, Atacama Salt Flats & Altiplano Lakes Trip
After picking you up from your hotel, we will venture into the Atacama desert, with a breakfast stop along the way.
The first stop will beToconao, an indigenous village known for its traditional white adobe buildings. During this visit, you'll learn about the history and traditions of the Toconao people. Additionally, we will explore the Church of San Lucas and its bell tower, which date back to the 18th century and are recognized as national monuments.
If weather permits, our next destination will be theChaxa Lagoon, offering stunning views divided into several water mirrors where we can observe flamingos. We will hike for about an hour along thePiedras Rojas trail, admiring the impressive salt flat. This area also provides opportunities to see the highland lakes ofMiscanti andMiñiques, along with their respective volcanoes. If we're fortunate, we may spot endemic wildlife such asvicuñas,foxes, andflamingos.
At noon, there will be alunch stop to recharge. Lunch may occur en route or at a restaurant during our return to San Pedro. The lunch en route comprises a main course and a drink, while the restaurant menu includes two options (you can select one) and a drink. After lunch, we'll continue our journey to thePiedras Rojas, renowned as one of the most stunning locations in Chile. Here, the oxidation of iron in the altiplano rocks has created asurreal, scarlet-toned landscape that feels otherworldly.
We will also appreciate the emerald waters of thelagoon of theSalar de Aguas Calientes, a breathtaking site that captivates visitors from the first glance. Finally, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama and drop you off at a central point nearby. The arrival is scheduled within12-13 hours from departure.
Hotel Pickup
This activity includes pickup from hotels located within a radius of up to5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the center of San Pedro de Atacama. Depending on availability, we may also pick you up at hotels closer (maximum radius of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)) or further away (maximum radius of 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)). Always indicate accommodations located in the historic center of San Pedro. Note that pickups in nearby towns such asAyllus,Solor,Cucuter, andToconao are not included.
For those staying in more remote locations, we can arrange pickup from an alternative meeting point detailed in your reservation voucher.
Itinerary Changes
Be aware that due to planning purposes, theorder of visits in the itinerary might change.
What's included
- Hotel pickup
- Drop–off in city center
- Transport by bus
- English–speaking guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
What's not included
- Tickets: 29000CLP for foreigners and 21000CLP for Chileans
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
The tour includes hotel pickup between 7 and 7:40 am from hotels located within a radius of 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from the centre of San Pedro de Atacama.
If your hotel is outside this area, we'll pick you up at the Atacama Extrema office, located at unit 2, 429B Tocopilla Street. Please be punctual.
Tickets Not Included
Park admission fees must be paid in advance in Chilean pesos cash in person at the Atacama Extrema offices (Local 2, Calle Tocopilla 429 B), no later than the day before the excursion. Admission payments will not be accepted on the day of the tour, as the park does not allow on-site payments.
If you are unable to visit the offices in advance, please contact the local team and they will send you a link to pay by bank transfer.
Please note that the local team must make the park reservation online directly with the park the day before the visit.
Important Info
- Please note that this activity and its times are subject to possible changes due to force majeure, such as adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
- We advise against having any flights booked on the day of the activity. Please also bear in mind that this excursion is subject to the weather, so there may be changes in the route and duration of the tour. In addition, on some days we may be unable to visit the Chaxa Lagoon due to capacity restrictions.
- It's also important that you bring 1 liter of water per person, as well as plenty of layers of clothing for the different weather we may encounter, close-toed shoes, and sunscreen.
You might also like
Uyuni Salt Flat 4-Day Tour
Come join us for an unforgettable 4-day tour of Bolivia's stunning Uyuni Salt Flat. Experience breathtaking landscape...
Purilibre Hike
Are you in San Pedro de Atacama? Then don't miss the opportunity to explore its nature on this hiking route through P...
San Pedro de Atacama Hot Air Balloon Ride
On this San Pedro de Atacama Hot Air Balloon Ride, you'll have an incredible bird's eye view of Moon Valley, the Salt...
Atacama Desert: Day Trip to Moon Valley
Ready to delve into the Atacama Desert? Join us on this tour of Moon Valley, an other-worldly spot with landscapes th...