Tour to Piedras Rojas and Lagoons
DESCRIPTION
Explore the grandeur of the Chilean Altiplano on an unforgettable tour of Piedras Rojas, the Altiplano Lagoons, and Laguna Chaxa, three natural gems that capture the essence of the Atacama Desert.
At Piedras Rojas, the impressive reddish rocks contrast with the intense blue of the sky and the white brilliance of the salt flats, creating an otherworldly landscape. Nearby, the Altiplano Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level, dazzle with their turquoise waters, the majestic volcanoes that surround them, and the presence of Andean fauna such as flamingos and vicuñas.
Finally, Laguna Chaxa, located in the heart of the Atacama Salt Flat, offers a natural spectacle where flamingos are reflected on the water as the sunset paints the sky in shades of gold and pink.
📍 Location of the Baltinache Lagoons
Community: Antofagasta Region, San Pedro de Atacama Commune, northern Chile.
Distance from San Pedro de Atacama: Approximately 155 km southeast (3 hours by car).
Altitude: They are located between 2,300 and 4,200 meters above sea level.
Dimensions: The turquoise waters of Miscanti and Miñiques, and the reddish formations near the Talar Salt Flat.
ITINERARY
🗺️ Detailed Itinerary – Baltinache Lagoons
🏨 Pick-up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
The day begins early to take advantage of the golden light of dawn. The guide will pick you up from your accommodation and give you a brief introduction to the route, the Altiplano ecosystem, and recommendations for the altitude.
🍬 Breakfast in Socaire
On the way to the Altiplano, we’ll stop in the picturesque village of Socaire, famous for its pre-Hispanic agricultural terraces. Here you’ll enjoy a typical Andean breakfast with homemade bread, eggs, and coca tea to help you acclimatize.
🏞️ Visit to the Altiplano Lagoons: Miscanti and Miñiques
Arrival at the impressive Altiplano Lagoons, located at over 4,100 meters above sea level within the Los Flamencos National Reserve. The guide explains its volcanic origin and ecological importance. You’ll be able to take a short hike along the marked trails, photograph the Miscanti and Miñiques volcanoes, and observe wildlife such as flamingos, coots, vicuñas, and Andean foxes.
🏞️ Exploration of Piedras Rojas (Salar de Talar)
We continue to the Piedras Rojas area, one of the most striking landscapes of the Altiplano. Here, the reddish rock formations contrast with the turquoise blue of the lagoon and the white of the salt flat, creating an unparalleled visual spectacle. The guide will explain the geological origin of these formations, a product of iron oxidation, and you’ll have free time to enjoy the surroundings and take panoramic photographs.
🍳 Picnic lunch on the Altiplano
Entry is only permitted to authorized lagoons. Thanks to their hypersalinity, the body floats effortlessly, similar to the Dead Sea. It is recommended to stay no longer than 20 minutes and rinse off afterward in the provided showers.
🌉 Visit to Laguna Chaxa – Atacama Salt Flat
In the afternoon, the tour descends to Laguna Chaxa, located within the Atacama Salt Flat, the natural habitat of three flamingo species (Andean, Chilean, and James’s). The interpretive trail allows you to observe these birds up close, while the guide shares information about the salinity, minerals, and ecological importance of the salt flat.
🚐 Return to San Pedro de Atacama
Return to San Pedro, crossing the desert with spectacular views of the Altiplano. During the journey, you can admire volcanoes such as Licancabur and Lascar. Approximate arrival time is between 4:30 and 5:00 PM.
INCLUDES
✅ What’s Included in the Tour?
🚐 Pick-up from your hotel or a central location in Atacama
Punctual service in tourist transport, valid for hotels located in San Pedro de Atacama
🚌 Round-trip tourist transportation (Atacama – Valle de la Luna – Atacama)
Comfortable, safe, and authorized transport for rural and high-altitude routes, with panoramic windows and ample space for groups.
🧭 Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)
Local guide specializing in culture and the details of the attractions.
📸 Stop at Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks)
Stop for photos and observation of the lagoon formations.
🌉 Guided tour of the Altiplano Lagoons
Complete exploration of the lagoons.
🛟 Ongoing assistance throughout the tour
Support from the team of guides and drivers in case of any need during the trip.
NOT INCLUDED
❌ What’s not included?
💸 Entrance fee
The entrance ticket must be purchased at the entrance.
💼 Travel insurance or personal insurance
Medical assistance coverage is not included. It is recommended that you purchase your own travel insurance.
🍬 Additional snacks or bottled drinks
It is recommended that you bring your own water, dried fruit, or other snacks.
If you would like anything during the journey.
💸 Voluntary tips for guides or the community
Not mandatory, but a very welcome gesture of appreciation from the local team and host families.
🧥 Personal items (raincoat, sunscreen, hat, etc.)
The tour does not include personal items. We suggest bringing a backpack with everything you need for the day.
📷 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
🌟 Recommendations
🧣 Dress in layers
During the trek, you will cross areas between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Bring comfortable clothing, a windbreaker, light gloves, and a scarf or Andean hat.
👟 Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles
Some sections may have loose dirt or rocks. Good sneakers or lightweight hiking boots will make all the difference.
👟 Bring a swimsuit
Bring a towel, sandals, and a comfortable swimsuit.
🌞 Sun and eye protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Solar radiation at high altitude can be strong, even on cloudy days.
🧴 Hydration and personal snacks
Although the tour includes breakfast and lunch, it is recommended to bring a water bottle, nuts, or energy bars for the hike.
📸 Camera with sufficient battery and memory
This tour offers numerous photo opportunities, from Andean landscapes to cultural portraits by the bridge.
❤️ Respect the environment and communities
Q’eswachaka is not just a tourist attraction; it is a living, sacred space of heritage value. Respect the rituals and customs, and don’t leave any trash.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What days of the year does this tour take place?
This tour takes place every day of the year, except for January 1st and December 25th.
What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?
The maximum altitude reached is 4200 m (14,500 ft). 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 booking this activity towards the end of your stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
Is swimming allowed in the lagoons visited on this tour?
No. The lagoons visited on this tour are not suitable for swimming.
How far in advance should I book this 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 type of vehicle is used for this activity?
The vehicle will depend on the group size, and could be a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or similar) for 12 to 18 people.
What does breakfast include?
Breakfast includes tea, coffee, a ham and cheese sandwich, a cereal bar, and chocolate.
What does lunch include?
Lunch consists of a boxed lunch (a simple individual lunch) and a piece of seasonal fruit.