Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa (Shared)
Explore one of Atacama’s most complete highland routes: Piedras Rojas, the Altiplanic Lagoons, Chaxa Lagoon and traditional villages, with breakfast and lunch included.
Journey details
We will pick you up at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and begin a full-day journey through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Atacama highlands. The route passes through traditional villages and scenic stops such as Toconao, the Tropic of Capricorn and Socaire, where your guide will introduce the culture, geography and history of the area. As we gain altitude, we arrive at the Aguas Calientes sector, known as Piedras Rojas, where reddish volcanic rocks contrast with turquoise waters, salt flats and wide Andean views. We then continue to the Altiplanic Lagoons, Miscanti and Miñiques, surrounded by volcanoes, high-altitude vegetation and wildlife. The experience also includes Chaxa Lagoon, inside the Atacama Salt Flat, an important habitat for flamingos and other birds. Breakfast and lunch are included during the route. Entrance fees are not included when booking directly through the website; if you request a quote through our bot or with a Molantur travel advisor, entrance fees are included in the final quote and managed by Molantur.
Pickup range: 6:00 - 6:30
Returning time: 16:30
Itinerary
Early Morning Pick-up: Early morning pick-up from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, followed by a scenic transfer toward the southern highlands. Toconao, Tropic of Capricorn and Socaire: Travel through traditional villages and scenic viewpoints while your guide introduces the culture, geography and history of the area. Piedras Rojas / Aguas Calientes: Visit the Aguas Calientes sector, known as Piedras Rojas, where reddish volcanic rocks contrast with turquoise waters, salt flats and highland landscapes. Altiplanic Lagoons: Miscanti and Miñiques: Explore the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, surrounded by volcanoes, high-altitude vegetation and wide Andean landscapes. Chaxa Lagoon and Flamingos: Visit Chaxa Lagoon in the Atacama Salt Flat, an important habitat for flamingos and other birds, with views of salt formations and volcanoes. Return to San Pedro: Return to San Pedro after a full day of highland landscapes, salt flats, lagoons, culture and wildlife.
Recommendations for your trip
Bring warm layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece or warm mid-layer, windproof jacket, hat and gloves for the early morning. Also bring comfortable closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and at least 1.5 liters of water per person. This tour reaches high altitude, so we recommend acclimatizing before the tour, avoiding alcohol the night before and having a light dinner.
Package Details
What’s Included in Your Package
Pick Up
Drop-Off
Breakfast
Lunch
Transportation
Shared Service
Guide
Vegan Option
Photo showcase
Experience the Beauty of Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa (Shared)
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the entrance fees to Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa included?
If you book directly through the website, entrance fees are not included, because the ticket type may vary depending on each passenger. If you request a quote through our bot or with a Molantur travel advisor, entrance fees are included in the final quote and managed by Molantur.
Do I need acclimatization for this tour?
Yes, we recommend at least one or two days of acclimatization in San Pedro before taking this tour. The route reaches high altitude, so it is important to hydrate well, avoid alcohol the night before and move slowly during the stops.
Is this tour physically demanding?
The physical difficulty is low to moderate, but the altitude makes it more demanding than low-altitude tours. The walks are generally short, but they take place at high altitude and on uneven terrain.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. This tour includes breakfast and lunch during the route. Vegetarian or vegan options can be considered if requested in advance.
Other Questions
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Cancellation Policies
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure receive an 80% refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before departure are non-refundable.