Golden Dawn at the Tatio Geysers

The Tatio Geyser is an impressive geothermal field located in the Andes Mountains, at approximately 4,320 meters above sea level, 90 km from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. It is considered the third largest geothermal field in the world and the highest, with more than 80 active geysers that spout columns of steam and boiling water at dawn, creating a unique and magical landscape.

Its name comes from the Kunza language (spoken by the Atacameño people), where “tatio” means “the old man who cries,” referring to the steam that emerges from the earth. In addition to its tourist appeal, it is a place of great scientific and cultural importance for showcasing the volcanic power that still beats beneath the Andes.

📍 Location of El Tatio Geyser

• Community: San Pedro de Atacama
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 90 km north (about 2 hours by car).
• Altitude: Located at 4,320 m above sea level.
• Size: The geothermal field covers an area of ​​approximately 10 km² and is home to more than 80 active geysers, with fumaroles reaching up to 10 meters in height.

🌿 History and Living Tradition

El Tatio Geyser, located in the Andes Mountains at 4,320 m above sea level, is the highest geothermal field in the world. Its name in the Kunza language means “the old man who cries,” referring to the steam that rises at dawn.

For the Atacameño people, it was a sacred place, associated with the apus (mountain spirits) and purification rituals in its hot springs. Today, it combines its ancestral significance with the tourist experience of contemplating one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano.

🎉 Awards

• 2024: Declared a Site of Distinguished Visitation by the Municipality of Atacama.

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary – El Tatio Geyser Tour

🏨 Pick-up from San Pedro de Atacama

The adventure begins in the early morning with pick-up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. During the journey, you will ascend the mountain range as the sky slowly illuminates with the first rays of the sun.

🚐 Arrival at the geothermal field

At dawn, you will arrive at the El Tatio Geyser, located at 4,320 meters above sea level. Here you can observe more than 80 active geysers, fumaroles, and steam jets that reach up to 10 meters in height, in a unique natural spectacle.

🍳 Breakfast on the Altiplano

Enjoy a hot breakfast overlooking the breathtaking Altiplano landscape, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes bathed in the colors of dawn.

🌋 Guided Geyser Hike

Explore marked trails with an expert guide, learning about the geology, volcanic energy, and worldview of the Atacameño people who considered this place sacred.

🏞️ Hot Springs Bath (optional)

Some areas have hot springs where you can relax and enjoy a natural bath amidst the mountains.

🌉 Visit to the village of Machuca

On the way back to San Pedro, we’ll stop in the picturesque village of Machuca, where you can explore its adobe houses and sample local specialties like llama anticuchos (skewered meat) or empanadas.

🚐 Return to San Pedro de Atacama

The tour concludes with your arrival back in San Pedro, after a magical morning surrounded by mountains, geysers, and Andean traditions.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

🚐 Pick-up from your hotel or a central location in Atacama
Punctual service in tourist transportation, valid for hotels located in San Pedro de Atacama

🚌 Round-trip tourist transportation (Atacama – Geyser – Atacama)
Comfortable, safe, and authorized transportation for rural and high-altitude routes, with panoramic windows and ample space for groups.

🧭 Professional Bilingual Tour Guide (Spanish/English)
A local guide specializing in culture will accompany you throughout the tour, explaining archaeological, geographical, and ritual aspects.

🥣 Breakfast
Includes coffee or coca tea, artisanal bread, boiled or scrambled egg, butter, jam, and seasonal fruit.

🌉 Guided Tour of the El Tatio Geysers
A complete exploration of the geysers with an explanation of the steam accumulation and natural physical processes.

🛟 Ongoing Assistance Throughout the Tour
Support from the team of guides and drivers in case of any need during the trip.

❌ What’s not included?

💼 Travel or Personal Insurance
Medical assistance is not included. It is recommended that you purchase your own travel insurance.

🍬 Additional snacks or bottled drinks
It is recommended to bring your own water, dried fruit, or additional snacks if you would like something during the trip.

💸 Voluntary tips for guides or the community
Not mandatory, but a gesture of appreciation is very welcome from the local team and host families.

🧥 Entrance fee

The price is 16,000 Chilean pesos, which can be paid at the entrance.

Lunch

Lunch is not included, butWe can drop you off at a good spot so you can have lunch on your own.

📷 Photography equipment or personal cameras
No multimedia equipment is provided. Visitors must bring their own cell phone, camera, or drone if they wish to take photos or videos.

🌟 Recommendations

🧣 Dress in layers
During the trek, you will cross areas at altitudes between 4,320 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level. Wear comfortable clothing, a windbreaker, light gloves, and a scarf or Andean hat.

👟 Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles
Some sections may have loose soil or rocks. Good sneakers or lightweight trekking boots will make all the difference.

🌞 Sun and eye protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Solar radiation at this altitude can be strong, even on cloudy days.

🧴 Hydration and personal snack
Although the tour includes breakfast, we recommend bringing a water bottle, nuts, or energy bars for the hike.

📸 Camera with sufficient battery and memory
This tour offers numerous photo opportunities.

❤️ Respect the environment and local communities
The geysers are not just a tourist attraction; they are a living, sacred space of heritage value.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What temperatures can I expect on this tour?

The average minimum temperature is -6°C in summer and -20°C in winter, so we always recommend wearing warm clothing.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?

The maximum altitude reached is 4200 m. For proper acclimatization, we recommend eating light meals and drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the tour. Due to the altitude, we recommend leaving this activity for the end of your stay in San Pedro de Atacama.

What days of the year is this excursion offered?

This excursion is offered every day of the year, except for January 1st and December 25th.

What type of vehicle is used for this activity?

The vehicle will depend on the size of the group, and may be a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or similar) for 12 to 18 people.

How far in advance should I book the activity?

We accept reservations up to 48 hours in advance. However, spaces are limited and always subject to availability, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.

What does breakfast include?

Breakfast includes tea, coffee, milk, juice, bread, ham, cheese, and jam.

Can I get close to the fumaroles?

It is not recommended to get close to the fumaroles, as you risk falling into boiling water. Therefore, the area has marked trails that you must respect to avoid accidents.

Why is there an age restriction for this activity?

The age restriction for this tour is set by the park’s management team, and no exceptions are possible.