San Pedro de Atacama: Red Rocks & Altiplano Lagoons Day Trip
El Loa, Chile
Discover the gems of the Atacama Desert on a guided day trip from San Pedro de Atacama with a hotel pickup. See the Tropic of Capricorn, Red Rocks or Piedras Rojas, and the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons.
Atacama Desert Nature Tour from San Pedro de Atacama
This guided tour explores the flora, fauna, and geological features of the Atacama Desert, suitable for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Highlights
- Learn about the unique fauna and flora of the Atacama Desert
- Walk on distinctive red rocks shaped by geological forces
- See high-altitude lagoons over 3,000 meters above sea level
- Explore diverse desert landscapes including salt flats and lagoons
Description
The tour starts with a hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama and visits the Tropic of Capricorn with panoramic views. Next, you travel to Red Rocks (Salar de Aguas Calientes), where you will hike for about 1 hour and 15 minutes at 3,800 meters altitude to observe red-hued rock formations, lagoons, and salt flats.
The tour continues to Chaxa Lagoon to observe flamingos, then proceeds to the Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, where the guide explains local flora and fauna. A photo stop is made at the town of Socaire before returning to San Pedro de Atacama, ending at Plaza Turistour.
Note: The sequence of visits may vary on the day of the tour.
Includes
- Hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama
- Breakfast and lunch
- Bilingual guide
- Transportation during the tour
- Entry fees to Red Rocks and Altiplanic Lagoons
- Entry fee to Chaxa Lagoon
Excludes
- Hotel drop-off
- Warm clothing
Important Information
- The tour reaches altitudes up to 4,200 meters; not recommended for people with respiratory or heart conditions.
- Pickup service excludes accommodations outside San Pedro de Atacama’s urban area, including nearby ayllus (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, Coyo) and the town of Toconao.
- Pickup time is between 7:00 and 7:40 AM (exact time confirmed before the tour).
- The tour concludes between 4:00 and 4:30 PM at Plaza Turistour.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring layered warm clothing, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and water. Booking in advance is recommended due to limited availability.
