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 that slowly 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 world taken from the reality of the primordial earth of billions of years ago, in which the first forms of extremophile life were just beginning to appear, similar to those we can find today in the geothermal field, within and around its hot springs.
The geothermal field is located in the Chilean highlands above 4,000 meters, in a geological zone with higher rainfall and biodiversity, so you may see more vegetation, vicuñas and depending on your luck, foxes, rheas (Andean ostriches), birds, vizcachas (Andean rabbits), puna partridges, and others.
The main difference between this area and the geothermal fields of Kamchatka, Yellowstone, or Iceland is that the high-altitude environment of the Atacama Desert is uniquely beautiful, with spectacular colors, textures, and shapes that make it a very special place. Furthermore, the "Tatio Mallku" 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.
Once the tour is finished, we will head to have breakfast in a place away from the crowds, but close to the geothermal field and with the most beautiful landscape, 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 what we see along the way.
In this part of the journey we will travel across vast plains, facing volcanoes, the Andes mountain range, and the wildlife that will occasionally appear, until we reach the Putana River wetland and the abandoned mining camp of the same name, from one of the many sulfur mines that operated in the province.
Schedule: Departure approximately at 5:30 - 6 am, return at 1 pm.
Included services: Breakfast, drinks, and snacks (please specify any dietary restrictions). Breakfast may include baguette, chocolates, cheese, ham, coffee, coca tea, cookies, etc. All appetizers are included.
Recommendations: Use 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, drink in moderation (one glass of wine), and follow the guide's recommendations.
+/- 7 horas
Distancia total 180 kms
Altura máxima 4.300 msnm
Desayuno, snacks y agua
Caminata 2 kms 0% inclinacion
Pasaporte, Doc. Identificación o foto
Traer bloqueador solar
t° -10°C +20°C
En todas las paradas
Continuing along the route, a few minutes further on we'll reach the Atacameño village of Machuca, where we can visit its typical church dedicated to its patron saint, Saint James, built entirely with traditional ancestral materials. Near Machuca, we'll visit its lagoon of the same name, where, depending on the season, you can see dozens of flamingos up close.
After this last stop, and around midday, we will begin to descend from 4,000 meters above sea level, and make the last stop in the valley of the giant cacti, before finally returning to the oasis of San Pedro, your place of accommodation.
