San Pedro De Atacama: Red Stones, Atacama Salt Flat, Lakes

San Pedro de Atacama, a renowned destination nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert, captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural wonders. From the striking crimson hues of Piedras Rojas to the expansive Atacama Salt Flat, this region offers a truly unique and awe-inspiring landscape. Nearby, the serene highland lakes of Miscanti and Miñiques reflect the surrounding volcanic peaks, creating a mesmerizing scene that lingers long after the journey. Delve deeper into the allure of this remarkable destination and uncover the secrets that make San Pedro de Atacama a must-visit gem for explorers seeking to enjoy the extraordinary.

Key Points

• The tour includes visits to the Piedras Rojas (Red Stones) trail, Salar de Atacama (the world’s largest salt flat), and the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques.
• Travelers can witness the striking reddish landscape of Piedras Rojas against the blue sky and the emerald waters of Salar de Aguas Calientes lagoon.
• The tour offers an immersive 12-hour experience in the Atacama Desert, showcasing the region’s unique geological features and natural wonders.
• Breakfast is included, and the tour provides flexibility for lunch options, catering to various dietary needs.
• The tour is available in both English and Spanish, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The San Pedro de Atacama tour is a comprehensive 12-hour excursion that immerses visitors in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this captivating region in northern Chile.

Priced from $75.68 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers are picked up in the morning and treated to a complimentary breakfast before exploring Toconao, an indigenous town with historic monuments, and the Chaxa Lagoon, home to vibrant flamingos.

The itinerary also includes hiking along the Piedras Rojas trail and visiting the stunning highland lagoons and volcanoes of Miscanti and Miñiques.

Itinerary Highlights

The San Pedro de Atacama tour kicks off with morning pickups between 6:00 and 6:40 a.m., allowing travelers to start the day with a complimentary breakfast.

The first stop is the indigenous town of Toconao, home to an 18th-century church and bell tower, both designated as national monuments.

Next, the tour explores the Chaxa lagoon, a habitat for stunning flamingos.

Hikers can then enjoy a one-hour trek along the Piedras Rojas trail, marveling at the unique reddish landscape.

The tour culminates with visits to the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, surrounded by their respective volcanoes.

Throughout the journey, participants may spot endemic fauna like vicuñas, foxes, and more flamingos.

Scenic Attractions

Breathtaking natural wonders punctuate the San Pedro de Atacama tour, captivating visitors with their striking visual appeal.

Among the highlights are:

• The Piedras Rojas, a unique reddish landscape created by the oxidation of the rocks, offering a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky.

• The Salar de Aguas Calientes lagoon, whose emerald waters reflect the surrounding volcanic peaks, creating an otherworldly scene.

• The expansive Salar de Atacama, the world’s largest salt flat, stretching out as far as the eye can see, a testament to the region’s dramatic geological history.

These natural marvels provide a truly unforgettable experience for those exploring the San Pedro de Atacama region.

Meals Included

Although breakfast is included in the tour, the lunch options provide flexibility for participants.

Guests can choose between a route lunch, which includes a main dish and a drink, or a restaurant menu with two dishes to select from and a beverage. This allows travelers to tailor their dining experience to their preferences and dietary needs.

The varied lunch choices ensure that everyone’s tastes are catered to, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the tour.

Whether opting for a quick meal on the go or a more leisurely dining experience, the lunch options on this San Pedro de Atacama excursion cater to the diverse preferences of the group.

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Tour Duration and Pricing

Comprising a 12-hour duration, this San Pedro de Atacama tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s natural wonders at a cost starting from $75.68 per person.

The tour is available in both English and Spanish, providing a seamless experience for international visitors.

Noteworthy features of the pricing include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility.
• Reserve now & pay later option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without an immediate payment.
• Competitive pricing that includes breakfast and transportation, making it an affordable adventure.

Tour Languages and Cancellation

The San Pedro de Atacama tour caters to international visitors with its availability in both English and Spanish. Cancellation policies are also flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives travelers peace of mind when booking their excursion.

	English	Spanish
Languages	✓	✓
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours	Free up to 24 hours
Payment	Reserve now, pay later	Reserve now, pay later
Return Time	Around 6:00 p.m.	Around 6:00 p.m.

Payment and Reservation Details

Travelers can reserve the San Pedro de Atacama tour online and pay later. The tour costs from $75.68 per person and is available in English and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The payment process is straightforward:

• Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later.
• Payment options include credit card or other online payment methods.
• The tour must be paid for in full prior to the departure date.

Transportation and Entrance Fees

How does the transportation and entrance fees work for this San Pedro de Atacama tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation via bus from your hotel or central location in San Pedro de Atacama.

Entrance fees are 23,000 CL$ (around $23.40 USD) for foreign visitors, and 20,000 CL$ (around $20.40 USD) for Chilean nationals.

These fees provide access to the protected natural areas and attractions visited during the tour, such as the Chaxa Lagoon, Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, and the Piedras Rojas ("Red Stones") trail.

The tour ensures a hassle-free experience by handling all logistics and transportation, allowing you to fully learn about the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour is typically sunny and mild, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C. Dress in layers to accommodate the changing conditions as the tour explores different high-altitude environments in the Atacama Desert.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour includes breakfast and lunch options, travelers can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if they prefer. However, the tour operator recommends relying on the provided meals for a more comprehensive experience.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer a customizable option, but travelers can choose between a route lunch or restaurant menu for their midday meal. The core itinerary and activities are fixed for all participants.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to include additional sites, though this may incur an extra cost. Travelers can discuss potential add-ons with the tour operator to create a personalized experience that meets their interests and time constraints.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, though children may require parental supervision. Participants should be able to handle the moderate physical activity involved, such as the one-hour hike.

The Sum Up

San Pedro de Atacama’s stunning natural wonders, including the Piedras Rojas, Atacama Salt Flat, and highland lakes, offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Atacama Desert. This tour provides a comprehensive itinerary to explore these breathtaking landscapes, with meals, transportation, and entrance fees included. The tour is available in multiple languages, and payment and reservation details are provided for a seamless booking process.

You can check if your dates are available here: