Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa (Semi-private)
Explore Piedras Rojas, the Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons, and Chaxa Lagoon on a full-day semi-private tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Travel with a maximum of 8 passengers through high-altitude lagoons, salt flats, volcanoes and traditional Andean villages, with breakfast and lunch included.
Journey details
This full-day semi-private tour brings together some of the most representative landscapes of the southern Atacama highlands. Traveling in a group of no more than 8 passengers provides more space, less waiting and closer attention from the guide while maintaining a shared itinerary. The route travels through traditional villages and viewpoints before reaching Salar de Aguas Calientes Sur, where the red volcanic formations of Piedras Rojas meet the colors of the salt flat and the Andes. The journey continues to the Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons, surrounded by volcanoes and high-altitude vegetation, before descending toward Chaxa Lagoon in the Atacama Salt Flat. At Chaxa, the trails and viewpoints offer an opportunity to learn about the salt-flat ecosystem and observe its birdlife. The presence, number and location of flamingos and other wild animals depend entirely on natural conditions. Breakfast and lunch are included. Entrance fees are not included in direct website purchases. When a quotation is prepared through the Molantur bot or by a Molantur travel advisor, the corresponding entrance fees are incorporated into the final price and managed by Molantur.
Pickup range: 6:00 - 6:30
Returning time: 16:30
Itinerary
Departure from San Pedro and Breakfast: Pick-up from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and departure toward the southern highlands. During the outward journey, we stop for breakfast in a setting selected according to the day’s route and weather conditions. Toconao, Tropic of Capricorn and Socaire: The journey passes through villages and landmarks connected to the history and geography of the southern Atacama. Along the route, the guide introduces the agricultural traditions, local architecture and relationship between the communities and the highland environment. Piedras Rojas and Salar de Aguas Calientes Sur: At approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, we visit the Piedras Rojas sector on the edge of Salar de Aguas Calientes Sur. A designated trail leads through red-toned volcanic formations, with views of the salt flat, highland waters and surrounding Andes. Wind, temperature and visibility vary naturally. Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons: We continue to the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. The marked viewpoints and trails reveal a landscape shaped by volcanoes, high-altitude vegetation and Andean wildlife. Walking is unhurried due to the altitude. Lunch along the Route: During the return journey, we pause for an included lunch in a setting selected according to the day’s operation. The small-group format creates a calmer meal with more space than is usually available on large shared tours. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives require advance notice. Chaxa Lagoon and the Atacama Salt Flat: At Chaxa Lagoon, we walk along designated trails through the salt formations of the Atacama Salt Flat. The guide explains the wetland ecosystem and the bird species that inhabit or visit the area. Flamingos may be observed, but their presence and number cannot be guaranteed. Return to San Pedro de Atacama: After visiting the highland lagoons and salt flats, we begin the return journey to San Pedro de Atacama. Drop-off is organized according to the day’s operational route.
Recommendations for your trip
Wear warm clothing in layers, including a thermal base layer, fleece or warm mid-layer, windproof jacket, hat and gloves. Temperatures can be low during the morning and conditions may change throughout the day. Bring comfortable closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and at least 1.5 liters of water per person. We recommend spending at least one day acclimatizing in San Pedro de Atacama, avoiding alcohol the night before and eating a light dinner. Please inform us in advance about allergies, dietary requirements or medical conditions relevant to high-altitude travel. Vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged when requested in advance.
Package Details
What’s Included in Your Package
Pick Up
Drop-Off
Breakfast
Lunch
Shared Service
Vegan Option
Guide
Transportation
Check for availability
On 13 October 2026, we have 0 places left
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.
Photo showcase
Experience the Beauty of Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa (Semi-private)
Book Your Tour
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Secure your spot today with just a click!
Spots are limited — reserve now to experience the magic of Piedras Rojas, Lagunas Altiplánicas y Chaxa (Semi-privado)!
Specify the number of travelers in your group.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the shared and semi-private Piedras Rojas tours?
The semi-private tour operates with a maximum of 8 passengers, while the shared version may have up to 15. The smaller group provides more space, less waiting and closer attention from the guide. It remains a shared itinerary, so the vehicle and guide are not exclusive to a single reservation.
Are the entrance fees included?
Entrance fees are not included in direct website purchases. When you request a quotation through our bot or from a Molantur travel advisor, the applicable entrance fees are incorporated into the final price and managed by Molantur. Ticket categories and prices depend on nationality, age and any applicable credentials.
Do I need to acclimatize before this tour?
Yes. We recommend spending at least one full day acclimatizing in San Pedro de Atacama before this tour; two days are preferable when possible.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included during the route. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives can be prepared when requested in advance. Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
Is this tour physically demanding?
The walks are generally short and do not require technical experience. However, they take place at high altitude and on natural, sometimes uneven terrain. The altitude may make the activity feel more demanding, so passengers should walk slowly and follow the guide’s instructions.
Will we definitely see flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon?
Chaxa Lagoon is an important habitat for flamingos and other Andean birds, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Their presence, number and location vary according to the season and natural conditions.
Other Questions
Still have questions? Contact us
Contact UsOther tours in San Pedro de Atacama
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.
Cerro Quimal 4,278 m High-Altitude Trek (Shared)
Climb Cerro Quimal, the highest summit of the Domeyko Range, on a shared mountain trek with wide views of the Atacama Salt Flat, volcanoes and desert landscapes.
Bike Tour to Devil’s Throat AM (Shared)
Ride from San Pedro de Atacama toward Catarpe and Devil’s Throat on a shared morning bike tour. Pedal through desert landscapes, enter the Salt Mountain Range sector and complete a short trek to a viewpoint with panoramic views.