San Pedro De Atacama: Canyon Swimming Pools Trekking Trip

The San Pedro de Atacama: Canyon Swimming Pools Trekking Trip offers a chance to explore the stunning Puritama River Canyon in Chile’s Atacama Desert. This 6-hour guided hike promises to immerse adventurers in the region’s unique flora and fauna, culminating in a relaxing dip in the natural thermal pools known as Purilibres. With breath-taking scenery, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to unwind in serene waters, this experience caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable journey. But what else can you expect from this adventure? Let’s dive in and discover the details that make this trek truly exceptional.

Key Points

• Puritama River Canyon offers a 6-hour guided hike to explore unique flora and fauna, and relax in natural pools (Purilibres) in the Atacama Desert.
• The experience is priced from £4,201 per person, including hotel pickup, and is available in English and Spanish.
• The trek is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or those with certain health conditions due to the high altitude.
• Participants should bring essential items like comfortable shoes, swimwear, sun protection, and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Customer testimonials highlight the spectacular scenery, knowledgeable guides, and the relaxation in the natural pools as the highlights of the trek.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

What does the San Pedro de Atacama Canyon Swimming Pools Trekking Trip entail?

It’s a 6-hour activity that takes visitors on a guided hike through the Puritama River Canyon. Priced from £4,201 per person, the trip includes hotel pickup from the San Pedro de Atacama urban area.

Offered in both Spanish and English, the tour allows guests to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Atacama Desert and relax in natural pools known as Purilibres.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and booking requires no upfront payment.

However, the trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or those with certain medical conditions.

Itinerary and Experience

The guided hike through the Puritama River Canyon offers trekkers a captivating 40-minute journey to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Atacama Desert.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to relax in the natural pools, known as Purilibres.

After the hike, the group will return to the van for drop-off.

This experience promises a chance to take in the breathtaking scenery of the region while enjoying the restorative properties of the natural pools.

Participant Guidelines

This trekking experience isn’t suitable for everyone.

Pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, altitude sickness, or high blood pressure should avoid this activity.

Wheelchair users and people over 70 years old are also not recommended to participate.

The high altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level can be challenging, and the terrain may be difficult to navigate for those with physical limitations.

It’s crucial to carefully consider your physical abilities before booking this excursion to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, and other essential items are necessary for this trekking excursion.

Sunglasses and a sun hat will protect you from the intense Atacama sun. Bring your swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sandals to enjoy the natural pools.

Don’t forget sunscreen, water, a jacket, and comfortable clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day. A garbage bag is also recommended to properly dispose of any waste.

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Important Information

At an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, this trekking excursion will challenge participants’ stamina and resilience.

The terrain is rugged, and the canyon’s natural pools, known as Purilibres, are the main attraction.

However, the tour has some limitations – no pickup service is available from accommodations outside the San Pedro de Atacama urban area or specific locations like Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, Coyo, and Toconao.

It’s important to keep in mind that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, altitude sickness, or high blood pressure, as well as wheelchair users and people over 70 years old.

Highlights of the Trek

The guided hike through the Puritama River Canyon takes trekkers on a 40-minute journey through the unique flora and fauna of the Atacama Desert.

Explorers will marvel at the diverse desert landscape, spotting rare plants and animals that thrive in this harsh environment.

The highlight of the trek is arriving at the natural pools, known as Purilibres, where guests can relax and unwind after the hike.

Surrounded by the rugged canyon walls, the tranquil pools offer a refreshing respite from the arid climate.

Trekkers can enjoy the serene setting, taking in the stunning scenery and soaking in the natural thermal waters.

Exploring the Atacama Desert

Trekking through the San Pedro de Atacama Canyon unlocks the captivating essence of the Atacama Desert. This harsh, arid landscape boasts diverse flora and fauna, adapting to the region’s extreme conditions. Visitors can marvel at the resilient plant life, from hardy cacti to delicate desert blooms. The canyon trek also offers glimpses of the desert’s unique wildlife, from scurrying lizards to soaring birds of prey. Exploring this extraordinary ecosystem immerses adventurers in the Atacama’s raw, untamed beauty, fostering a deep appreciation for the desert’s remarkable capacity to sustain life.

Atacama Desert Features	Description
Flora	Hardy cacti, delicate desert blooms
Fauna	Scurrying lizards, soaring birds of prey
Terrain	Harsh, arid landscape
Ecosystem	Resilient, adapting to extreme conditions
Experience	Immerses visitors in raw, untamed beauty

Customer Testimonials

Glowing customer reviews attest to the San Pedro de Atacama Canyon Trekking Trip’s remarkable appeal. Reviewers consistently praise the spectacular scenery, highlighting the diverse flora and fauna of the Atacama Desert.

Guests are thoroughly impressed by the knowledgeable guides, who expertly lead them through the stunning Puritama River Canyon. The opportunity to relax in the natural pools, known as Purilibres, is a particular highlight.

The experience earns a 5-out-of-5 rating from past participants, who describe it as a breathtaking adventure that far exceeded their expectations.

With such overwhelmingly positive feedback, it’s clear this trekking trip offers an unparalleled exploration of the Atacama’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

According to the participant guidelines, this trekking tour is not suitable for young children. The activity includes hiking at high altitudes and accessing natural pools, which may pose safety risks for young, inexperienced participants.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Price?

The price includes hotel pickup, guided trekking, and access to the natural pools. There don’t appear to be any additional costs mentioned, though travelers should bring their own personal items like food, water, and snacks.

Can I Leave My Luggage Somewhere During the Trek?

The tour company doesn’t provide luggage storage during the trek. Participants should plan to bring only the essential items they need for the hike and swimming. Any extra luggage should be left at the hotel or accommodation.

Is There an Option to Explore the Canyon Independently?

While the tour provides a guided hike through the canyon, there doesn’t appear to be an option to explore it independently. The trip is focused on the guided experience, including transportation and access to the natural pools.

How Much Water Should I Bring for the Hike?

The tour recommends bringing a sufficient amount of water, such as 1-2 liters, for the 40-minute guided hike through the canyon. Staying hydrated is important, especially when trekking at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level.

The Sum Up

The San Pedro de Atacama: Canyon Swimming Pools Trekking Trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Puritama River Canyon and unwind in the natural thermal pools of the Atacama Desert. With knowledgeable guides, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to take in the region’s flora and fauna, this 6-hour guided hike promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Priced from £4,201 per person, this adventure is not to be missed.

You can check if your dates are available here: