Tours in San Pedro de Atacama

Tours in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Explore San Pedro de Atacama: Whether you’re arriving in San Pedro de Atacama from an unforgettable Uyuni Salt Flats tour or preparing to embark on one, take this perfect opportunity to explore its surreal desert scenery and natural wonders.

These excursions will not only help you gradually adapt to the altitude but also allow you to experience the landscapes of the Atacama Desert before your trip to Uyuni.

👉 Still haven’t booked your Uyuni Salt Flats Tour? Check out our options here.

Nestled in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

From the breathtaking Moon Valley to the mesmerizing Altiplanic Lagoons, our short tours are the perfect way to complement your adventure. Watch the sunrise over the steaming Tatio Geysers, explore the stunning Altiplanic Lagoons, spot flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon, or gaze at the clearest night skies in the world on an astrophotography tour.

Our San Pedro de Atacama tours are designed as the perfect addition to your salar de Uyuni adventure. Whether you have just one or a couple of days, we’ll help you make the most of your time in this desert with some immersive experiences.

REFERENCE PROGRAMS

You can combine 1 or half day tours. Some of the most requested are:

Geysers del Tatio

REFERENCE PROGRAM 

EARLY MORNING TOUR: GEYSERS DEL TATIO

Hotel pick-up at 5:00 AM

We head northeast towards the Andes, following a winding road through diverse high-altitude landscapes. This 90 km journey offers the opportunity to observe native birds and wildlife that inhabit the wetlands and ravines along the way.

Located at over 4,500 meters above sea level, the Geysers del Tatio are most active at dawn, when steam columns and jets of hot water rise due to the temperature contrast. Surrounded by the Andes, the morning light gradually reveals the unique geothermal landscape.

Breakfast.

On the way back, we pass through more altiplanic scenery, home to a variety of wildlife.

Return to San Pedro de Atacama around 12:00 PM, with drop-off at your hotel.

Lagunas altiplánicas

REFERENCE PROGRAM

TOUR: MISCANTI & MEÑIQUES LAGOONS, CHAXA LAGOON, AND PIEDRAS ROJAS

Hotel pick-up at 8:30 AM

We leave San Pedro de Atacama early in the morning, heading south through the Atacama Salt Flat basin. Our first stop is Chaxa Lagoon, located in the Soncor sector of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This area serves as a breeding and nesting site (spring–summer) for flamingos native to Chile.

Lunch.

Continuing east, we ascend into the Andes towards the Puna highlands. Along the way, we pass several towering volcanoes, some nearly 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) high, including Simba (5,930 m / 19,455 ft), Pili or Acamarachi (6,050 m / 19,849 ft), and the active Lascar volcano. Their peaks dominate the landscape as we approach the stunning Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons, framed by the Meñiques Hill (5,910 m / 19,390 ft).

From the lagoons, we continue to the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat before reaching the Talar Salt Flat, home to the striking red rock formations known as Piedras Rojas.

During the journey, we reach an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.

Return to San Pedro de Atacama around 5:30 PM, with drop-off at your hotel.

(Note: The order of the stops may vary depending on weather conditions and park availability.)

Valle de la Luna

REFERENCE PROGRAM

AFTERNOON TOUR: VALLE DE LA LUNA

Hotel pick-up at 3:00 PM

Departing from San Pedro de Atacama, we head off to the Cordillera de la Sal and the breathtaking Valle de la Luna. This moonlike landscape was named by Jesuit priest Gustavo Le Paige, who explored the region during his archaeological expeditions before tourism took hold. As we traverse the dunes and valleys, you’ll witness the striking “lunar” terrain that inspired its name.

Key highlights of the tour include:

  • Las Tres Marías – unique rock formations sculpted by nature
  • The Great Dune – a towering sand dune with panoramic views
  • The Amphitheater – a dramatic rock formation resembling a natural stage

Cocktail included.

Return to San Pedro de Atacama at approximately 7:00 PM, with drop-off at your hotel.

Tour includes:

  • Private transport.
  • Guide (English, Spanish, French).
  • Bottle water and meals as described in the program.
  • Entrance fees.

Tour does not include:

  • Meals not described in the program.
  • Tips.

Optional:

  • Hotel reservations in San Pedro de Atacama.
  • Private transport to or from El Loa airport in Calama.

What we recommend you to take with you:

When visiting attractions around San Pedro de Atacama it’s important to be well-prepared for varying temperatures and high altitudes. Here’s a recommended packing list:

Clothing & Accessories:

  • Warm clothing (layered, including a jacket) – especially for early morning tours like the Geysers del Tatio.
  • Comfortable trekking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Hat and gloves (for cold mornings).
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • A wide-brimmed hat or cap (for sun protection).
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime warmth.
  • Swimsuit and towel (if visiting hot springs).

Essentials:

  • Sunscreen (high SPF).
  • Lip balm (to prevent dryness from sun and wind).
  • Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated).
  • Snacks (nuts, energy bars, etc.)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos.
  • Personal medications (especially if sensitive to high altitudes – More about traveling at high altitude).
  • Small backpack to carry your items.

Additional Tips:

  • Start hydrating the day before high-altitude tours to prevent altitude sickness.
  • Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before high-altitude excursions.

We offer a variety of Uyuni salt flats tours to and from San Pedro de Atacama, including an overnight stay in a hotel built entirely of salt.

Check our pages about:

Please contact us in advance for more information.

More info about the Uyuni salt flats tour? Check the following travel blogs:

REVIEWS

  • ´Nos han gustado mucho los dos tours. Los chóferes y guías muy bien en ambos casos. Los hoteles nos gustaron mucho y todo ha salido muy bien. El Salar y Lagunas espectacular. En general muy bien todo. Muchas gracias!'

    Estefania Roig y Jordi Garcia Spain

  • ´Gijs, the trip to Uyuni was very good thanks. We were impressed with the overall package and would not hesitate to use your services again. Many Thanks.´

    Simon Rodd UK

  • ´Nos han gustado mucho los dos tours. Los chóferes y guías muy bien en ambos casos. Los hoteles nos gustaron mucho y todo ha salido muy bien. El Salar y Lagunas espectacular. En general muy bien todo. Muchas gracias!´

    Estefania Roig y Jordi Garcia Spain

  • ´It was absolutely fabolous! Excellent driver and guide! And transport to Chile! Loved all we saw! Thanks for organising the trip and for answering all my questions!´

    Marianne Sundin Hestnes Norway

  • ´We had a wonderful trip for 3 days and the weather was nice apart from some snow and hail on the last day which made it kind of special. ´

    Dr. David Lewis Canada

  • ´Hi Gijs, I just wanted to say that we had a wonderful trip. The organisation was perfect - thank you for sorting it all for us. Best regards, Mike´

    Mike Adamson UK

  • ´Dear Gijs, I just wanted to thank you for an incredible experience in the Salar of Uyuni earlier this year. The nature and the people were unforgettable. Ottavio was a great enthusiastic guide. It could not have been better. All the best from Germany, Chris´

    Christian Kell Germany

  • ´Dear Gijs, we would like to thank you for organising such a fantastic tour for us. We had an amazing time. Wilson was a great driver, very professional yet a lot of fun too. We had heard many stories of people having bad experiences so were a little wary about booking a tour. The food was great and the vehicle was very comfortable. If any of our friends head this way, we'll be passing on your details. Thanks again. Regards John and Paul´

    Paul and John Australia

  • ´Dear Gijs, Thank you very much for following through with everything and making this part of our trip to South America go so smooothly. We have had several hassles with other bookings - people not turning up, or no name cards or wrong information etc. It is so refreshing to have everything go right. I shall have no hesitation in recommending you to any of our acquaintances. Regards, Carmen Wells´

    Carmen Well & family Australia

  • ´Gijs, de 3 daagse trip is prima bevallen. We waren heel blij met de omgekeerde volgorde. De eerste dag was best lang maar goed te doen. Onze chauffeur Freddy was helemaal goed. Vriendelijk en behulpzaam. En al kon hij bijna geen woord Engels hij deed erg z´n best on alles duidelijk te maken. Dat lukte ook vrij aardig. Wat we onderweg gezien hebben was top maar dat wis je natuurlijk al. Met name de laatste dag, het zoutmeer was indrukwekkend maar ook de lagunes en flamingo´s waren heel mooi om te zien. Van enige ontbering was geen sprake want de hotels waren prima. Ook hier eenvoudig maar goed. Ook het eten was prima. Onderweg en in de hotels.Je zult uit bovenstaand relaas begrijpen dat wij heel tevreden waren. Ook de prijs kwaliteitsverhouding vonden wij okay. Wel lekker dat we ons eigen tempo konden bepalen. Dus heel erg bedankt voor je dringende advies om naar Uyuni te gaan!Groeten, Suzanne en Kees'

    Suzanne & Kees Jasperse The Netherlands
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