Atacama Chile Tours Atacama Desert 3-Day Tour: San Pedro Highlights Experience
the Tour in San Pedro de Atacama and Piedras Rojas

Atacama Desert 3-Day Tour: San Pedro Highlights Experience

Complete Atacama tour from San Pedro: Baltinache hidden lagoons, Valle de la Luna sunset, Piedras Rojas + altiplanic lagoons & Chaxa flamingos, sunrise at El Tatio Geysers, daily hotel pickup, bilingual guides, breakfasts, lunches and sunset drinks included.

4.7
$ 288 per person
72 hours
577 + bookings
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Overview

Pack three intense days into the Atacama Desert from San Pedro de Atacama, where your bilingual guide (English/Spanish) picks you up at your hotel each morning and drops you back after each tour.

Day 1 starts with a morning float in the ultra-salty Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache (Dead Sea-style buoyancy), then shifts to an afternoon Moon Valley sunset tour with dramatic rock formations, salt dunes, and a snack at the viewpoint. Day 2 climbs to the Red Rocks of Piedras Rojas and turquoise Altiplanic Lagoons at 4,200 m, plus Chaxa Lagoon for flamingo spotting (all entrances included). Day 3 rises pre-dawn for the Tatio Geysers, watching steam erupt from dozens of fumaroles against a freezing Andean sunrise.

All excursions include hotel pickup/drop-off (within radius), breakfast (3 days), lunch daily, air-conditioned transport, and small-group pace (max 18).

Real talk: altitude reaches 4,300 m on Tatio—acclimatize on arrival, drink coca tea, move slowly.

Tatio excludes children under 7 due to height and cold. Book now.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup/drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama (within pickup radius; otherwise meet at Plaza Turistur).
  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Breakfast (3 days) and lunch daily.
  • Entrance fees to Red Rocks (Piedras Rojas) and Chaxa Lagoon (CLP 28,800/adult included).
  • All taxes and fees.
  • Entrance fees (payable cash/card on site in CLP): Moon Valley ≈ CLP 10,800/adult (buy online in advance) Tatio Geysers ≈ CLP 15,000/adult Baltinache Hidden Lagoons ≈ CLP 12,000/adult (card only)
  • Dinner or extra snacks.
  • Gratuities for guides/drivers.
  • Personal expenses.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Hidden Lagoons AM + Moon Valley PM Morning pickup 7:30-8:10 AM for Baltinache Hidden Lagoons: float in ultra-salty waters, walk trails, use showers at entrance. Return to Plaza Turistur by noon (breakfast included). Afternoon pickup 3:00-3:40 PM for Moon Valley: explore rock formations, salt dunes, and sunset viewpoint with snack. End 7:30-8:00 PM at Plaza Turistur.
  2. Day 2: Red Rocks, Altiplanic Lagoons & Chaxa Early pickup for full-day tour to Piedras Rojas (red rock formations), Altiplanic Lagoons (Miscanti/Miñiques), and Chaxa Lagoon (flamingos). Breakfast and lunch included. Return to San Pedro in late afternoon.
  3. Day 3: Tatio Geysers Pre-dawn pickup for Tatio Geysers (4,300 m): watch fumaroles and steam at sunrise (children under 7 not permitted). Breakfast on site. Return via Machuca village. Arrive back in San Pedro early afternoon.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your 3-day trip go well, based on common experiences with altitude, weather, and activities. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Warm layers for Tatio mornings (below freezing), sun protection (high UV), comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water aren't optional. Several guests said altitude headaches hit on Day 2—coca tea, slow pace, and hydration helped. One packed a light jacket that saved early starts.
  • Altitude notes. San Pedro at 2,400 m; Tatio at 4,300 m—acclimatize first day. Guests recommended rest on arrival, avoid alcohol initially.
  • Moon Valley sunset. Colors change dramatically—guests loved the snack at the viewpoint.
  • Tatio geysers. Steam spectacular at dawn—cold but worth it. Guests bundled up and stayed close to hot pools.
  • Hidden Lagoons float. Salt water makes you bob—stings cuts, shower after. Guests called it surreal with turquoise contrast.
  • Group setup. Max 18 per vehicle keeps it intimate. Past visitors said small size allowed personal guide chats and easy stops.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry) for clearest skies and Tatio activity. Guests early 2026 noted June-July mornings crisp with vivid colors. December-April hotter but greener.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Clear skies, best Tatio Colder nights Early mornings
Dec-Apr (Wet) Greener landscapes, fewer crowds Hotter days, possible rain Early to avoid heat

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—uneven trails. Guests found walking moderate but altitude tiring—pace yourself. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Do I need to acclimatize to altitude?

Yes—arrive in San Pedro a day early if possible. Tatio hits 4,300 m on Day 3—drink water, avoid alcohol first days. Guests felt fine with rest and coca tea.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Yes for children over 7 who handle long days and altitude (Tatio excludes under 7). Families said older kids loved floating in lagoons and stargazing, but monitor fatigue.

Vegetarian meal options?

Limited—notify early for swaps (more veggies/beans). Guests found lunches hearty with local ingredients, but confirm dietary needs.

How cold/hot does it get?

Mornings cold (especially Tatio), afternoons warm/hot. Guests layered up and peeled off—sun strong year-round.

Wildlife sightings?

Flamingos, foxes, vicuñas possible. Guests spotted condors and birds often—guide points them out.

Why this 3-day combo?

Covers top highlights (Moon Valley, Tatio, Hidden Lagoons, Red Rocks, Altiplanic/Chaxa) with hotel pickups, meals, and small groups. Past guests said the guided pace and transfers made it easier than self-driving the desert.

Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

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