Piedras Rojas Salt Flats & Altiplanic Lagoons Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Piedras Rojas Salt Flats
- Visit the picturesque Altiplanic Lagoons
- Experience the unique Atacama Desert landscapes
- Learn about local flora and fauna from expert guides
- Capture breathtaking photographs of natural wonders
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from San Pedro de Atacama
- Guided tour of Piedras Rojas Salt Flats and Altiplanic Lagoons
- Bottled water and snacks
- Meals
Itinerary
Pass by: Our adventure begins early, between 06:00 and 06:30 hrs, from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, to make the most of the day and immerse ourselves in the amazing diversity of landscapes that await us.
We will ascend to an impressive 4,000 meters above sea level until we reach the Piedras Rojas, a unique geological formation characterized by its intense red rocks that contrast spectacularly with the turquoise waters of the lake that surrounds them. Here you will have the opportunity to explore this surreal landscape and capture stunning photographs.
We will continue ascending until we reach almost 4,200 meters above sea level, where the impressive Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons await us. These beautiful high mountain lagoons, located in the Los Flamencos National Reserve, offer dreamlike panoramic views, surrounded by majestic mountains and habitat for a variety of wildlife. It will be a perfect time to watch birds and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Then, we will go to the town of Socaire.
Our next destination will be the fascinating Laguna Chaxa, part of the vast Salar de Atacama. This salty lagoon is home to flamingos and other aquatic birds, attracted by its high salt and nutrient content. Here you will have the opportunity to observe these beautiful birds in their natural habitat and marvel at the uniqueness of the fauna and flora of the place.
The Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile and one of the largest in the world, will welcome us with its impressive salt landscapes and wide horizons. We will enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch in a unique setting, while we explore the fascinating salt formations and marvel at the immensity of the landscape.
Pass by: At the end of our exploration, we will return to San Pedro de Atacama, where we will drop you off near the municipal parking lot so you can continue exploring the charming town or return to your hotel on your own. If you prefer, our private service can take you directly to your hotel.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is conducted in Spanish; English-speaking guides may not be available.
- Meals are not included; consider bringing a packed lunch or purchasing food during the tour.
- The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces; ensure you are comfortable with light physical activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Good to know
- Due to the height this excursion can only be done by people from 8 to 75 years old
- If you have any health questions, consult your doctor before booking the excursion.
- Bring clothing suitable for cold, hat, sunscreen and water.
Traveler reviews
Atacama Desert
I want to preface this by saying I have never travelled in Chile so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The guide didn’t seem to spread her attention around the group. Focussing on only a few. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. The included meals were ‘ok’ and not very well organized in their set up.
Great experience in Atacama Desert
Great experience in Atacama Desert Chile, see what we have expected, tour guide is very nice, excellent service by Viator
Excellent guides and timings/pacing
The colours and grandeur of the landscape were unparalleled but this you can see on any tour- what was unique was how the guides (Francesca and Lucas) went above and beyond to translate everything into English for us. They timed everything perfectly along the way and made sure to give us information before or after the main group on the side so it didn't interrupt the flow. Breakfast set up and take down was also accompanied by information so we were always interested and food was great (set up a table of pre-prepared items parked up with spectacular desert views/ the Tropic of Capricorn). It was much more informative than tours we have recently been on (in Peru) so I may have to rethink how I rank other tours :)
Jay is a superstar!
It was a very long day. However, our guide Jay was absolutely amazing. She took a lot of time to explain things to the group in multiple languages. Her knowledge of the animals, plant's, and terrain; is very extensive. I would 100% recommend Jay as a guide.
Best tour in Atacama
The best tour in the Atacama desert, it looks like a painting with no flaws... from photos and videos we don't have the size of the volcanoes and lagoons