Tour to El Tatio Geyser Field

When booking the tour (either online or at the agencies on Caracoles street), you will register the exact location of your accommodation. The night before the excursion, the operator will send him a confirmation with the exact pickup time window, which usually varies depending on the time of year (earlier in winter due to the freezing of the route).

Hotel Pick-up: The transport—usually a shared tourist minibus—will start picking up at the hotels between 4:30 AM and 5:15 AM. It is mandatory to be ready at the reception or door; because multiple passengers are picked up, the vehicle cannot wait more than a few minutes. The atmosphere at this hour in the town is completely dark and icy.

The Ascent Journey: Once the group is complete, a journey of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours begins along route B - 245. It will cover about 80 - 90 km in a constant ascent. During this stretch most travelers sleep, while the driver proceeds with caution on high-altitude dirt roads that often brush against sub-zero temperatures.

Arrival Point (The Geothermal Field): Around 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM, the vehicle parks in the main parking lot of El Tatio. The thermal contrast is extreme (frequently between -5°C and -15°C). As they get off the transport, columns of steam from more than 80 active geysers rise around them, marking the start of the guided walk.

Breakfast in Nature and Return: After traversing the trails, the driver and guide will set up a hot breakfast outdoors beside the minibus. Subsequently, the transport service begins the descent, making tourist stops at Vado de Putana and the town of Machuca. The final point of the service is the San Pedro de Atacama center or your hotel at noon.