Be amazed by every single one of San Pedro de Atacama’s places
Update date: 6 August 2024
Pukará de Quitor, Puritama Hot Springs, Altiplano Lagoons, Tatio Geysers.
Day 1
San Pedro de Atacama has many incredible places within a few kilometers. In fact, some are so close that it’s best to get there on a bike. Like for example Pukará de Quitor, a pre-Inca fortress located just 3 km from San Pedro’s town center, where you can see the fort and typical dwellings of a native culture flourished in spite of the adverse weather conditions. And if you are more daring, ride your bike a little further, 23 km or 14 miles to the Quebrada del Diablo (Devil’s Gorge).
Rest well before you take this tour, always take sun block, your ID or passport, proper clothing to protect yourself from the sun, and for cold windy afternoons. It’s always safe to have first aid kits and toiletries, just in case!
Day 2
After a day of touring on bike, you may need a day of rest and relaxation. Well, the Puritama Hot Springs are just 28 km (17 mi) from town. This unique place offers energizing and medicinal waters that invite you to soak in several pools, at staggered heights, flowing with sulphurous hot water, rich in minerals that will guarantee a relaxing day. A true paradise embraced by nature, this unique environment will give you an experience that will sooth all your senses.
Bring cash, carry-on bag, your passport, cell phone charger.
Day 3
After a nice day of relaxation, let’s continue touring! This time we recommend going a little further, 115 km towards the Andes Mountains to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques High Plateau lagoons. These two wonders of nature, 4.300 meters above sea level, at the feet of two volcanoes with the same names, has a view that will take your breath away. Look carefully and pay attention, because on the way there you are likely to come across flamingos, foxes, Andean gulls and groups of vicuñas.
Rest well before you take this tour, always take sun block, your ID or passport, proper clothing to protect yourself from the sun, and for cold windy afternoons. It’s always safe to have first aid kits and toiletries, just in case!
Day 4
And to close the day with a flourish, we recommend one of the most impressive attractions of San Pedro de Atacama: the Tatio Geysers. Please note that to go to the geysers you will have to leave before dawn travel 89 km from the town of San Pedro, to arrive with the first rays of sun. It’s a wonderful way to start an impressive day. Be amazed by the steam fumaroles jumping out from the ground at very high temperatures. You’ll love it!
Bring assorted clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Plan your perfect trip
- Take all kinds of clothing, for hot and cold weathers, trekking shoes, sun block, a hat and sunglasses.
- Remember you are visiting the desert, and need to be sure to always carry water and keep yourself well hydrated. During the day the weather can get very hot.
- Prefer tours that you can buy in the town of San Pedro because these are the most well-known, and do your research to choose well.
- To avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, keep well hydrated, do not consume alcohol and coca tea is a good drink for altitude.