From San Pedro De Atacama: the Salt Flats Route, Full Day

Exploring the stunning salt flats near San Pedro de Atacama is a must-do for any traveler visiting the Atacama Desert. This full-day guided tour takes you on an unforgettable journey, showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. From witnessing the vibrant colors of Salar de Tara to observing unique wildlife like flamingos, the itinerary promises an immersive experience. With convenient hotel pickup, breakfast, and bilingual guides, this tour ensures a seamless and safe adventure at high altitudes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to learn about the Atacama’s otherworldly landscapes, this salt flats route offers an opportunity to discover the region’s true essence.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Full-Day Tours in San Pedro De Atacama.

Key Points

• This guided full-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama explores the stunning Aguas Calientes Salt Flats, including a visit to Licancabur Volcano and observation of unique flora and fauna.
• The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and includes complimentary hotel pickup, bilingual guide, breakfast, and entrance fees to all visited sites.
• The itinerary highlights the Salar de Tara, a geological marvel at an elevation of 4,500 meters, showcasing the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert.
• The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or individuals with high blood pressure or other pre-existing conditions due to the high-altitude environment.
• The tour receives positive feedback, with some room for improvement in language support, especially for non-Spanish speakers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day guided tour from San Pedro de Atacama takes visitors to the breathtaking Aguas Calientes Salt Flats.

Lasting approximately 6 hours, the tour costs $78 per person and is available in Spanish and English.

Hotel pickup is included from downtown San Pedro de Atacama accommodations.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour highlights include panoramic views of Salar de Atacama, the oasis of San Pedro, and the Salar de Tara at an altitude of 4,500 meters, featuring unique flora and fauna like ostriches and flamingos.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour typically departs at 08:00 hrs from the hotel.

Participants will visit the majestic Licancabur Volcano, standing tall at 5,916 meters. Panoramic views of the Salar de Atacama and the Oasis of San Pedro de Atacama will take one’s breath away.

Along the way, unique flora and fauna of the altiplano, including ostriches and flamingos, can be observed.

Explorers will also venture into the Salar de Tara at 4,500 meters, a distinctive ecosystem with remarkable geological formations.

This immersive full-day excursion provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural wonders of the Atacama region.

Included Amenities

The tour includes shared transportation and hotel pickup, providing convenience for participants. A bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English accompanies the group, offering insights and translations throughout the experience. Breakfast and a snack are provided, ensuring travelers are nourished during the outing. Entrance tickets to all visited sites are included in the tour price, eliminating the need for additional purchases.

Included Amenities	Description
Transportation	Shared transportation with hotel pickup
Guide	Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Meals	Breakfast and snack provided
Tickets	Entrance tickets to all sites included

To complete the tour, tips for the driver and guide are optional.

Participant Restrictions

Certain individuals may not be suitable for this Salt Flats tour from San Pedro de Atacama. The tour involves hiking at high altitudes, which could pose risks for some participants.

The following groups are advised against joining this excursion:

1. Children under 10 years old, as the terrain and physical demands may be challenging for younger travelers.

2. Pregnant women, as the high elevation and strenuous activity could potentially impact their health and well-being.

3. Individuals with high blood pressure, as the altitude change could exacerbate their condition and lead to discomfort or medical complications.

It is important for potential participants to carefully consider their physical fitness and any pre-existing medical conditions before booking this tour.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have generally praised the Salt Flats tour from San Pedro de Atacama, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

Positive remarks highlight the stunning landscapes and the overall organization of the tour.

However, some customers found the guide’s translation effectiveness lacking, particularly for non-Spanish speakers.

While the majority of reviewers were satisfied, the mixed feedback suggests room for improvement in ensuring a seamless experience for all participants, regardless of their language proficiency.

Travelers should keep this in mind when booking the tour, especially if they don’t speak Spanish fluently.

Booking Information

Booking the Salt Flats tour from San Pedro de Atacama is straightforward. The tour offers several convenient features:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.

2. The option to reserve a spot without upfront payment, allowing travelers to secure their place without immediate payment.

3. Hotel pickup included from accommodations in downtown San Pedro de Atacama, simplifying transportation.

The tour is priced at $78.00 per person and runs for 6 hours, with a departure time of 8:00 AM.

It’s available in both Spanish and English, catering to various language preferences.

Travelers can easily book this immersive salt flats experience to explore the stunning landscapes of the Atacama region.

Getting to the Start

Once travelers have secured their spot on the salt flats tour, they’ll need to make their way to the starting point. The tour operator provides complimentary pickup from all accommodations within downtown San Pedro de Atacama. Guests should be ready at their hotel lobby by 8:00 AM, the scheduled departure time. Transportation to the first stop, the Licancabur Volcano viewpoint, is included in the tour package.

Pickup	Location	Time
Included	Downtown San Pedro de Atacama	8:00 AM
Not Included	Accommodations outside downtown	–
Duration	Approximately 30 minutes	–

What to Expect

After being picked up from their downtown San Pedro de Atacama accommodations, guests embark on a 6-hour guided tour that showcases the stunning landscapes of the Aguas Calientes Salt Flats.

Along the way, the tour visits several highlights:

1. The majestic Licancabur Volcano, offering panoramic views of the Salar de Atacama and the oasis of San Pedro.

2. The unique flora and fauna of the altiplano, including sightings of ostriches and flamingos.

3. The Salar de Tara at 4,500 m altitude, featuring a remarkable ecosystem and geological formations.

Participants enjoy a breakfast and snack, with bilingual guides providing commentary in both Spanish and English throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Restroom Facilities Like During the Tour?

The tour includes stops at designated restroom facilities along the route. Participants can use the basic but functional bathroom amenities at these locations during the tour. Specific details on the restroom facilities are not provided in the tour overview.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, the tour includes frequent stops for taking photos of the stunning landscapes and wildlife along the route. Participants have ample opportunities to capture the majestic scenery and unique flora and fauna of the Atacama Desert.

Are There Any Fitness Requirements for This Tour?

There are some fitness requirements for this tour. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with high blood pressure due to the altitude and moderate physical activity involved in exploring the salt flats and volcanic landscapes.

What Kind of Food Is Provided for Breakfast and Snacks?

The tour provides a breakfast and snack during the day. The breakfast typically includes pastries, juice, and coffee, while the snack is likely to be a light, portable item like fruit or granola bars.

Can We Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

Participants can bring their own water and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a provided breakfast and snack, but additional personal items are allowed to supplement the included amenities.

The Sum Up

The Aguas Calientes Salt Flats tour from San Pedro de Atacama promises an unforgettable exploration of Atacama’s natural wonders. With stunning viewpoints, diverse wildlife, and expert bilingual guides, this full-day adventure ensures a safe and immersive experience at high altitudes. Travelers can expect an exceptional opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of this unique landscape, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an adventure in the Atacama Desert.

You can check if your dates are available here: