Caracoles: Red Stones of Atacama and Chaxa Guided Day Trip

Solor, Chile



Spend an entire day in the Chilean altiplano complete with volcanoes, lagoons, and wild animals. Discover the famous Red Stones of Atacama as well as the beautiful Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons.

Andes Wildlife and Altiplano Day Trip from San Pedro de Atacama

This guided full-day tour explores the Chilean Andes, altiplano lagoons, and local wildlife. It is suitable for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Highlights

  • Get closer to the wild animals of the Andes
  • Experience the Andes on a guided day trip
  • Walk through volcanic landscapes
  • Discover the Red Stones, volcanic rock formations
  • Learn about regional history from your guide

Description

Begin with a visit to the Atacama Saltflat, followed by the Chaxa Lagoon, where flamingos can be observed. Trek for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through the Red Stones, a volcanic terrain, leading to the peaceful Aguas Calientes saltflat.

Continue to the altiplanic lagoons of Meñiques and Miscanti, set beneath volcanoes. Explore the villages of Toconao and Socaire, and cross the Tropic of Capricorn.

Throughout the day, observe native wildlife including vicuñas, suris, and foxes among mountainous and volcanic landscapes. Breakfast and lunch are provided in scenic locations within the altiplano.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama city center
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • English-speaking guide

Excludes

  • Entry tickets for Red Stones and Altiplanic Lagoons: 15,000 Chilean pesos
  • Entry ticket for Chaxa Lagoon: 13,700 Chilean pesos

Important Information

  • Entrance fees (28,700 CLP total per person) must be paid to the guide on the day of the tour

Cancellation Policy

Full refund available if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.

Book in advance and bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and water. The best time to visit is during the dry months from March to November for clearer skies and mild temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see vicuñas, suris, and foxes native to the Andes region of Chile.
The trek passes through volcanic terrain including the Red Stones area and altiplano lagoons near San Pedro de Atacama.
Yes, the tour includes visits to the villages of Toconao and Socaire in Chile.
It is a full-day guided tour exploring various natural and cultural sites in the Chilean altiplano.
The tour features volcanic lagoons Meñiques and Miscanti, the Red Stones, and views of surrounding volcanoes.
Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking guide knowledgeable about local geology and history.
Yes, the tour crosses the Tropic of Capricorn while exploring the region.
The tour runs year-round; check the website for current availability and weather conditions in Chile.
Bring sun protection, comfortable trekking shoes, water, and layers for temperature changes in the altiplano.
The trekking involves moderate walking through volcanic terrain suitable for most fitness levels.

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