San Pedro De Atacama: Red Stones

Nestled in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Red Stones of San Pedro de Atacama captivate visitors with their striking copper-hued rock formations and serene turquoise waters. This unique geological landscape, part of the Salar de Aguas Calientes, offers a mesmerizing contrast that beckons exploration. Guided tours unveil the area’s vibrant colors and otherworldly scenery, immersing adventurers in a natural wonder that showcases the Atacama’s remarkable diversity. From stunning photography opportunities to insightful commentary, the Red Stones promise an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to uncover the region’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• The Piedras Rojas lagoon, located in the Salar de Aguas Calientes, features striking red rock formations that contrast with the turquoise waters.
• A guided 1 hour and 15-minute walk allows visitors to explore the unique geological features of the Piedras Rojas lagoon.
• The vibrant colors and otherworldly landscapes of Piedras Rojas provide excellent photography opportunities for visitors.
• The Piedras Rojas lagoon is one of the highlights of the 11-hour tour that also includes the Flamingo Reserve and Altiplanic Lagoons.
• The tour’s bilingual guide provides insightful commentary on the local ecosystem and inhabitants, enhancing the visitor’s understanding of the Piedras Rojas lagoon.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

San Pedro de Atacama is a popular activity in the region, offering visitors the chance to explore the stunning red stones and lagoons of this arid landscape.

Priced at $90 per person, the 11-hour tour takes guests to various highlights, including the Flamingo Reserve, Piedras Rojas park, and the Altiplanic Lagoons.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking options make this tour a convenient choice.

With a small group size limited to 10 participants, travelers can expect personalized attention from a bilingual guide and shared transportation to and from their hotel near the city center.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Flamingo Reserve, where guests can observe the vibrant pink birds in their natural habitat.

Next, the group will photograph the stunning red rock formations at the Piedras Rojas park.

Venturing further, the tour explores the Altiplanic Lagoons, surrounded by the breathtaking Andes mountains.

Stops at the Piedras Rojas Lagoon and Chaxa Lagoon allow for more stunning photography opportunities and observations of the local flora and fauna.

The journey also includes brief photo stops at the towns of Socaire and the Tropic of Capricorn, providing a well-rounded experience of the region’s diverse landscapes and natural wonders.

Tour Experience

This small-group tour offers a personalized experience, with a maximum of 10 participants.

A knowledgeable, bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing commentary in both Spanish and English.

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and shared transportation, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

Key highlights of the tour experience include:

• Live tour guide available in Spanish and English
• Pickup from hotel located near the city center
• Shared transportation for the group

Detailed Tour Description

The tour begins with a pickup from hotels located near the city center, then travels to the Piedras Rojas Lagoon, also known as the Salar de Aguas Calientes.

Visitors will embark on a 1 hour and 15 minute walk to view the stunning copper-colored rock formations and lagoons.

Next, the group will visit the Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, where the guide will provide commentary on the local flora and fauna.

The final stop is the Chaxa Lagoon, where flamingos can be observed.

Throughout the tour, the English and Spanish-speaking guide will share insights and information about the unique landscape and wildlife of this remarkable region.

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Inclusions and Fees

Included in the tour price are a bilingual guide, breakfast and lunch, and shared transportation.

Plus, the tour includes the following entrance fees:

• Chilean residents: Laguna Chaxa ($6.00), Lagunas Altiplánicas and Piedras Rojas ($11.00)
• Non-Chilean residents: Laguna Chaxa ($9.00), Lagunas Altiplánicas and Piedras Rojas ($16.00)

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, providing transportation, knowledgeable guides, and access to the stunning natural attractions of San Pedro de Atacama.

Travelers can expect a well-organized and inclusive day trip that showcases the region’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife.

Flamingo Reserve Visit

A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to observe the graceful flamingos at the Chaxa Lagoon. These vibrant pink birds thrive in the saline waters, feeding on tiny shrimp and algae that give their feathers their distinctive hue. Visitors can witness the flamingos’ elegant movements and social behaviors up close. The lagoon provides an ideal habitat for these magnificent creatures, as evidenced by the following statistics:

Habitat Characteristics	Value
Average Water Depth	30 cm
Water Salinity	5%
Nesting Sites	Many

Exploring the Chaxa Lagoon is a truly memorable experience, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Atacama Desert.

Piedras Rojas Lagoon

Situated within the captivating Salar de Aguas Calientes, the Piedras Rojas Lagoon enchants visitors with its copper-hued rock formations.

Formed by the gradual erosion of the surrounding volcanic terrain, these striking red stones create a mesmerizing contrast against the serene turquoise waters.

The Piedras Rojas experience includes:

• A 1-hour and 15-minute guided walk to explore the lagoon and its unique geological features
• Opportunities to photograph the vibrant colors and otherworldly landscape
• Insightful commentary from the bilingual guide on the local ecosystem and its inhabitants

Undoubtedly, the Piedras Rojas Lagoon is a must-visit destination, offering a truly unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of the San Pedro de Atacama region.

Altiplanic Lagoons Exploration

After exploring the captivating Piedras Rojas Lagoon, the tour next ventures to the serene Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques.

Surrounded by towering volcanoes, these high-altitude lagoons boast stunning turquoise waters that reflect the dramatic Andes peaks.

The guide provides insightful commentary on the local flora and fauna, pointing out the unique adaptations of the plants and wildlife that thrive in this extreme environment.

Visitors have the chance to admire the serene beauty of these remote lagoons, capturing breathtaking photos that will forever immortalize the enchanting Atacama landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom stops at various locations throughout the day, providing ample opportunity for participants to use the facilities. Restrooms are available at the starting point, as well as during the stops at the different attractions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the San Pedro de Atacama: Red Stones tour. The tour includes a lunch, but individuals are free to supplement with their own provisions as desired.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. The tour generally accommodates small groups, with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience for all guests.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

Unfortunately, the tour’s itinerary can’t be customized to focus on specific areas of interest. It’s a pre-set group tour with a fixed schedule that covers the main highlights around San Pedro de Atacama. Travelers must follow the standard tour program.

Are There Any Additional Optional Activities Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer optional activities, but travelers can inquire about adding extra stops or extending the duration to explore areas of personal interest. The itinerary focuses on the key highlights of the Red Stones region.

The Sum Up

The Red Stones of San Pedro de Atacama offer a captivating natural wonder, where striking copper-hued rock formations contrast with the serene turquoise waters of Piedras Rojas Lagoon. This unique geological landscape, part of the Salar de Aguas Calientes, invites visitors on a guided exploration filled with stunning photography and immersive experiences in nature’s breathtaking scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here: