Snails: Red Stones of Atacama and Chaxa Guided Day Trip

Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert lies an enchanting natural wonder – the "Snails: Red Stones of Atacama and Chaxa Guided Day Trip." This immersive 10-hour adventure promises to whisk nature enthusiasts away on a captivating journey through the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Priced at €98.80 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience, including hotel pickup, breakfast, and lunch, all led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. But beyond the practical details, this excursion beckons explorers to uncover the desert’s hidden gems, from the stunning Atacama Saltflat to the captivating Red Stones and the mesmerizing Chaxa Lagoon, where the sighting of flamingos could leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The tour explores the Atacama Saltflat and Chaxa Lagoon to observe flamingos, as well as the captivating volcanic landscape of Red Stones.
• Visitors can discover the serene Meñiques and Miscanti lagoons surrounded by volcanoes and spot native wildlife like vicuñas, suris, and foxes.
• The full-day tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, and an English-speaking guide, providing an immersive experience in the Chilean altiplano.
• The tour is not recommended for children under 4, wheelchair users, or those with altitude sickness, and has age restrictions for babies and the elderly.
• With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the tour is praised for its excellent value, knowledgeable guide, and comfortable transportation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering travelers a chance to explore the stunning Chilean altiplano, the "Snails: Red Stones of Atacama and Chaxa Guided Day Trip" is priced from €98.80 per person.

This 10-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, breakfast, and lunch, as well as an English-speaking guide. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour features highlights like the Atacama Saltflat, Chaxa Lagoon, the Red Stones landscape, and various altiplanic lagoons and villages, with opportunities to observe wildlife like vicuñas, suris, and foxes.

Itinerary and Highlights

The guided day trip takes travelers on an immersive exploration of the Chilean altiplano, showcasing its volcanic landscapes, serene lagoons, and diverse wildlife.

The itinerary includes:

1. Visiting the Atacama Saltflat and Chaxa Lagoon, where visitors can observe the mesmerizing flamingos.

2. Trekking through the Red Stones, a captivating landscape formed by volcanic material.

3. Exploring the altiplanic lagoons of Meñiques and Miscanti, surrounded by majestic volcanoes.

4. Discovering the villages of Toconao and Socaire, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn along the way.

Throughout the journey, travelers have the opportunity to spot wild animals such as vicuñas, suris, and foxes, while enjoying breakfast and lunch in scenic locations.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This guided day trip offers a comprehensive package, inclusive of hotel pickup, breakfast, and lunch.

The tour also includes an English-speaking guide and entry tickets to the Red Stones and Altiplanic Lagoons, as well as the Chaxa Lagoon.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4, wheelchair users, or those with altitude sickness or high blood pressure. Babies under 1 year and individuals over 95 years are also not allowed to participate.

Guests are advised to bring outdoor clothing, cash, water, and comfortable shoes, as well as refrain from using drones or feeding the animals.

What to Bring and Not Allowed

For the guided day trip, guests are advised to bring outdoor clothing, cash, water, and comfortable shoes.

The tour operator also recommends against bringing certain items.

Items not allowed on the tour include:

• Drones: To protect the natural environment and wildlife.
• Feeding animals: This is prohibited to maintain the animals’ natural behaviors.

Adhering to these recommendations will ensure a comfortable and responsible experience throughout the scenic Atacama landscape exploration.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Suitability Considerations

Not everyone may be suited for this guided day trip to the Atacama region.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 4 years old or wheelchair users. Individuals with altitude sickness or high blood pressure should also avoid this excursion, as it involves visiting high-altitude areas.

Babies under 1 year and those over 95 years old aren’t permitted on the tour. The trek through the Red Stones lasts 1.5 hours, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

Ultimately, this day trip caters to adventurous travelers who can handle the physical demands and environmental conditions of the Atacama Desert.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the 37 reviews, travelers have overwhelmingly praised this guided day trip to the Atacama region.

The tour received an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Customers were particularly impressed by:

1. The knowledgeable and engaging English-speaking guide.
2. The excellent value for money, with the tour offering a full day of activities and inclusions like hotel pickup, meals, and entry tickets.
3. The well-organized transportation, with the driver providing a comfortable and safe journey.
4. The stunning natural scenery and opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, from flamingos to vicuñas.

Across the board, reviewers described the tour as a highlight of their Atacama experience.

Hotel Pickup and Lunch Provided

The tour includes hotel pickup, ensuring a seamless start to the day.

Guests are transported in comfortable vehicles to the day’s destinations, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.

Breakfast and lunch are provided in scenic locations, offering a chance to refuel and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

The knowledgeable English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the excursion, sharing insights and facilitating a deeper understanding of the Atacama region’s natural wonders.

With all logistics handled, travelers can focus on seeing the unique landscapes and wildlife without the hassle of navigating on their own.

Explore Chilean Altiplano and Flamingos

On this guided day trip, travelers explore the majestic Chilean altiplano, a high-altitude plateau nestled between towering volcanoes.

The first stop is the Atacama Saltflat, where they observe flamingos gracefully feeding in the Chaxa Lagoon.

Next, they trek through the otherworldly Red Stones, a landscape sculpted by volcanic activity.

The journey continues to the serene Meñiques and Miscanti lagoons, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Along the way, they spot native wildlife like vicuñas, suris, and foxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point for the Tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup, so the traveler doesn’t need to worry about getting to the meeting point. They’ll be picked up from their hotel and transported to the start of the tour.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available at various stops throughout the tour, including the Chaxa Lagoon and some of the villages visited. Participants can use these facilities during the scheduled breaks and visits along the itinerary.

Can I Take Photos of the Flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon?

According to the tour information, visitors are allowed to take photos of the flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon. However, they’re advised not to feed or disturb the animals during the tour.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour for My Preferences?

There is no mention of customization options for this tour. The itinerary and inclusions are fixed, though travelers can bring their own camera to capture photos at Chaxa Lagoon within the tour’s guidelines.

What Is the Group Size for This Guided Day Trip?

The tour group size is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it’s common for such guided day trips to have small to medium-sized groups, typically ranging from 8 to 15 participants, to ensure a personalized experience.

The Sum Up

The "Snails: Red Stones of Atacama and Chaxa Guided Day Trip" offers an immersive experience in the Atacama Desert’s breathtaking landscapes. From the stunning Atacama Saltflat and Chaxa Lagoon to the captivating Red Stones, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural wonders with the guidance of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. With hotel pickup, meals, and a reasonable price, this excursion is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: