Full-day Atacama highlights tour from San Pedro: Piedras Rojas red rocks, high-altitude Miscanti & Miñiques lagoons, flamingos at Chaxa salt flat, Socaire & Toconao villages, Tropic of Capricorn stop, with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch and all entrance fees included.
Rise early and climb into the high Andes for a full-day journey to the surreal landscapes of the Atacama altiplano, where red rocks glow against turquoise lagoons and flamingos wade in mirror-like waters.
Your bilingual guide picks you up from your San Pedro hotel and drives you past the Tropic of Capricorn for a breakfast stop, then on to Chaxa Lagoon, the heart of the salt flat where Andean flamingos feed in shallow brine. Continue to Piedras Rojas, an iconic viewpoint where blood-red volcanic stones contrast with electric blue lagoons at 4,200 meters. Finish at the Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, serene high-altitude pools framed by volcanoes and home to vicuñas and Andean geese.
This 10-hour classic tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, breakfast (fruits, bread, juice, coffee/tea, cookies, cheese, cake), lunch, and included entrances to Chaxa and Red Stones.
Real talk: altitude reaches 4,300 m—acclimatize in San Pedro first, move slowly, and children under 7 are not permitted due to cold and elevation.
Max 18 travelers keeps it comfortable; book early for peak season.
Here's practical advice to help your altiplano day go well, based on common experiences with altitude, weather, and stops. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—uneven trails. Guests found walking moderate but altitude tiring—pace yourself. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.
Yes—spend 1-2 days in San Pedro (2,400 m) before. Tatio area reaches 4,300 m—drink water, avoid alcohol first days. Guests managed fine with rest and coca tea.
Not for children under 7 due to altitude and cold. Older kids handle it with supervision. Families said teens loved the flamingos and lagoons, but monitor fatigue.
Limited—notify early for swaps (more veggies/beans). Guests found breakfast/lunch hearty regardless.
Mornings very cold (below freezing), afternoons warmer. Guests layered up and peeled off—sun strong year-round.
Flamingos at Chaxa, vicuñas/guanacos at altiplano. Guests spotted foxes and birds often—guide points them out.
Covers Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons, and Chaxa with included entrances, breakfast/lunch, and small groups. Past guests said the guided pace and scenic stops made it easier than self-driving the high desert.
Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.
