Atacama Chile Tours Red Stones – Altiplanicas – Chaxa Experience
our tour to Piedras Rojas Atacama

Red Stones – Altiplanicas – Chaxa Experience

Full-day Atacama three-park tour from San Pedro: Piedras Rojas red rocks, Miscanti & Miñiques highland lagoons, flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon, Toconao & Socaire villages, breakfast + lunch, all fees and bilingual guide included, max 12 guests.

4.9
$ 78 per person
12 hours
1.028 + bookings
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Overview

Spend a full day climbing from San Pedro de Atacama into the high Andes, where the desert gives way to crimson rock formations, mirror-like altiplanic lagoons, and flamingo-filled salt flats in a single sweeping loop.

Your bilingual guide picks you up early from your hotel and leads you first to the Tropic of Capricorn for a hearty breakfast with mountain views, then to Chaxa Lagoon in the Los Flamencos Reserve, where pink Andean flamingos feed in shallow brine. The highlight is Piedras Rojas at 4,200 meters: electric red volcanic stones contrasting against turquoise lagoons, one of the desert's most photographed scenes. Finish at the serene Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons, framed by volcanoes and dotted with vicuñas and Andean geese.

This 10-hour classic tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off in San Pedro (within radius), air-conditioned transport, breakfast, lunch, and entrances to Red Stones and Chaxa.

Real talk: altitude reaches 4,200 meters—acclimatize in San Pedro first, move slowly, and children under 7 are not permitted due to elevation and cold.

Small groups max 12 for a personal pace; book early for clear days.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama (within pickup radius; otherwise meet at Plaza Turistur).
  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Breakfast (fruits, bread, juice, coffee/tea, cookies, cheese, cake) at Tropic of Capricorn.
  • Lunch.
  • Entrance fees to Red Stones (Piedras Rojas) and Chaxa Lagoon (CLP 28,800/adult included).
  • All taxes and fees.
  • Gratuities for your guide.
  • Additional snacks or drinks beyond provided.
  • Entrance fees to other optional sites (if added).

Itinerary

  1. Early hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama (around 6 AM).
  2. Drive through scenic routes, stopping at Tropic of Capricorn for breakfast and photos.
  3. Continue to Chaxa Lagoon: observe Andean flamingos and salt flat ecosystems.
  4. Head to Piedras Rojas viewpoint: admire red volcanic rocks and turquoise lagoons at 4,200 m.
  5. Explore the Altiplanic Lagoons (Miscanti and Miñiques): walk short trails, spot vicuñas and birds.
  6. Lunch break with altiplano views.
  7. Return drive to San Pedro de Atacama, arriving late afternoon.

What to Expect from the Tour

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.

  • Gear essentials. Warm layers (thermal base, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, gloves) aren't optional—mornings at altitude drop below freezing. Several guests said wind chills fast—wool socks and sturdy boots help. Sunscreen and hat protect during sunny afternoons.
  • Altitude management. Up to 4,200 m—acclimatize in San Pedro 1-2 days first. Guests used coca tea/leaves and moved slowly to avoid headaches. Guide monitors closely.
  • Breakfast stop. Hearty and warming at Tropic of Capricorn—fruits, cheese, cake fuel the day. People loved the mountain views while eating.
  • Lagoon highlights. Chaxa flamingos wade close; Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons offer postcard-perfect reds and blues. Guests said the contrast feels unreal.
  • Group setup. Max 12 spreads nicely. Past visitors said the size allowed personal guide attention without crowding trails.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry season) for clearest skies and stable roads. Guests early 2026 noted June-July mornings stayed crisp with vivid colors.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Clear views, firm roads Colder mornings 6 AM early
Dec-Apr (Wet) Greener altiplano Possible rain, muddier 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—spend 1-2 days in San Pedro (2,400 m) before. Tour reaches 4,200 m—drink water, avoid alcohol first days. Guests managed fine with rest and coca tea.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

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.

Vegetarian meal options?

Limited—notify early for swaps (more veggies/beans). Guests found breakfast/lunch hearty regardless.

How cold/hot does it get?

Mornings very cold (below freezing), afternoons warmer. Guests layered up and peeled off—sun strong year-round.

Wildlife sightings?

Flamingos at Chaxa, vicuñas/guanacos at altiplano. Guests spotted foxes and birds often—guide points them out.

Why this altiplano tour?

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.

Reviews

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