Salar de Atacama, Altiplanic Lagoons, and Toconao Day Tour

El Loa, Chile



Visit the Salar de Atacama and the Laguna Chaxa to observe flamingos in their natural habitat. See the Altiplanics Lagoons up close with their rich fauna, which is a gift from nature for us to observe. Explore the villages of Socaire and Toconao.

This full-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama explores the Altiplanic Lagoons, Atacama Salt Flats, and nearby villages, suited for active travelers.

Highlights

  • Visit the Altiplanic Lagoons at 4,200 meters altitude
  • See the Atacama Salt Flats and Chaxa Lagoon, home to flamingos
  • Explore the villages of Toconao and Socaire

Description

The tour begins with a hotel pickup between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. Your first stop is at the Miñiques and Miscellanea Altiplanic Lagoons, located at 4,200 meters above sea level, where you can observe local wildlife.

Next, visit the Atacameño village of Socaire to see agricultural terraces and the village church. Then proceed to the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat and the site of the national flamingo reserve. At Chaxa Lagoon, watch for three types of flamingos and other bird species native to the area.

The final stop is Toconao, where you can appreciate the village church and bell tower architecture. The tour returns to San Pedro de Atacama around 2:30 PM.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from San Pedro de Atacama
  • Local guide
  • Breakfast

Excludes

  • Entrance fees
  • Optional gratuities

Important Information

  • Not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, hypertension, serious health conditions, children under 7, or adults over 70 due to altitude (4,100 meters)
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket or sweater
  • Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To ensure a comfortable experience, book early and prepare for high altitude conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to the Altiplanic Lagoons, Atacama Salt Flats, Chaxa Lagoon, and the villages of Toconao and Socaire, with guided commentary and hotel pickup from San Pedro de Atacama.
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama, usually between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM.
The Altiplanic Lagoons are located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
Yes, the Atacama Salt Flats and Chaxa Lagoon are habitats for flamingos and other Andean wildlife.
The tour is recommended only for travelers who are acclimated to high altitudes due to elevations above 4,000 meters.
The tour visits the villages of Toconao and Socaire, which offer cultural insights into the region.
The full-day tour typically lasts around 8 to 10 hours, starting early in the morning from San Pedro de Atacama.
You can take the tour year-round, but check the weather and daylight hours on the tour website for the best experience in Chile.
It’s advisable to bring water, sun protection, warm clothing, and any necessary altitude sickness remedies for the high-altitude areas.
Yes, transportation is included with hotel pickup and drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama as part of the guided tour.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again