Tour to El Tatio
Tour Start Time : Depending on the time of year, it varies between 5 and 6 am
The departure for the geothermal field begins 1 hour and 30 minutes before sunrise. The distance from San Pedro is almost 90 km, heading northeast, until reaching very close to the border with Bolivia and an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters above sea level.
The reason for visiting so early is that the low temperatures prevailing at that time on the high plateau cause water vapor to condense and generate intense fumarolic activity, which, complemented by the thermal manifestations and the sun, which little by little begins to rise behind the mountains of the geothermal field, creates a unique spectacle.
It is especially in that magical moment of dawn, which seems to be a place taken from a distant past, from the primordial Earth of billions of years ago.
Stops
Tatio Mallku Tourist Complex: The Tatio geothermal field is considered by the Atacameño or Lickanantay people to be a sacred spirit, a tata, a lord of the heights who protects and provides well-being to his people, within the Andean worldview. It is located above 4,000 meters in the Altiplano geological zone, where there is greater rainfall and biodiversity, so you can see more vegetation, vicuñas, and, depending on your luck, foxes, suris (Andean ostriches), birds, vizcachas (Andean rabbits), puna partridges, and others.
Once the tour of the geothermal field is finished, we will head to have breakfast in a place away from the crowds, with the most beautiful scenery, and afterwards, we will begin the return journey to San Pedro de Atacama, always above 4,000 meters above sea level, making all the desired stops, taking photographs and assimilating a considerable amount of information about the environment.
Putana River Ford: In this part of the journey we will travel through large plains, facing volcanoes, the Andes mountain range, and the wildlife that will be seen from time to time, until we reach the "Putana River wetland" and the mining camp of the "Putana Volcano Sulphur Mine", one of the many sulfur mines that operated in the province.
Machuca Village: Continuing along the route and a few minutes further on we will find ourselves in the Atacameño village of Machuca where we can visit its typical church, dedicated to its patron saint "San Santiago", built entirely with traditional ancestral materials, and we can also visit its museum if possible.
Laguna de los Flamencos: Along with Machuca we will also visit its lagoon of the same name, where depending on the season, we can see dozens of flamingos up close.
Cactus Valley: After this last stop and around midday, we will begin to descend from 4,000 meters above sea level, and make the last stop of the tour, in the "valley of the giant cacti", before finally returning to the oasis of San Pedro, and your place of accommodation.
Recommendations:
Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and/or cap, hiking boots, very warm clothing (several layers), gloves, and a hat. Get plenty of rest the day before, eat light meals, avoid alcohol the night before, and get a good night's sleep.
Updated Information
Hora Pick up
5:00 am
Approximate return time
13-14 hrs
Total distance to travel 200 km
Includes breakfast, snacks and water
2 km walk with 0% incline
Maximum altitude 4,300 meters above sea level
Wear a hat
Temperature between
-10°C and 20°C
Trekking shoes
several layers of clothing
Bring sunscreen
Bring ID
original or in photo
Restrooms at every stop
