
Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 88 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama worth booking?
Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama is a 10-hour experience in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, from $90 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 88 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (88)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $90 per person
We will begin this excursion having breakfast in the Tambillo forest, a particular forest of a tree called Tamarugo that grows in the middle of the desert. Then we will visit the Chaxa lagoon, located in the Salar de Atacama, a lagoon of spectacular beauty that is divided into several mirrors of water, where a large number of flamingos live. Then we will go through the towns of Toconao and Socaire, towns built with stone of volcanic origin. for later arrive at Los Flamencos National Reserve, where we will visit the altiplanic lagoons, two lagoons over 4,000 meters high at the foot of two large volcanoes, and finally the Salar de Aguas Calientes, a salt flat with beautiful contrasts of turquoise and calypso colors, and next to the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, a stone platform that owes its name to its reddish color product of iron oxidation.
What you get
About this experience
We will begin this excursion having breakfast in the Tambillo forest, a particular forest of a tree called Tamarugo that grows in the middle of the desert. Then we will visit the Chaxa lagoon, located in the Salar de Atacama, a lagoon of spectacular beauty that is divided into several mirrors of water, where a large number of flamingos live. Then we will go through the towns of Toconao and Socaire, towns built with stone of volcanic origin. for later arrive at Los Flamencos National Reserve, where we will visit the altiplanic lagoons, two lagoons over 4,000 meters high at the foot of two large volcanoes, and finally the Salar de Aguas Calientes, a salt flat with beautiful contrasts of turquoise and calypso colors, and next to the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, a stone platform that owes its name to its reddish color product of iron oxidation.
What's included
Included
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan or bus
- Lunch
- Drop-off is at the city centre
- Hotel pickup
- Live tour commentary provided in English & Spanish
Not included
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees to Altiplanic Lagoons
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Your day trip from San Pedro de Atacama begins with hotel pickup starting at 08:00 a.m. Remember that the Hotel pick up and drop off is included only on Hotels located nearby San Pedro de Atacama urban zone. If your Hotel is located on Ayllus far away from the downtown, please let us know to arrange a meeting point for being picked up.
Pass by without stopping
Laguna Chaxa
Then we visit the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile, where the flamingos national reserve is located. We will visit the Chaxa lagoon to observe the types of flamingos, as well as other species that inhabit the lagoons of the to Salt.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques
Our first stop will be after approximately 1 hour of trip in the high plateau Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons located at 4200 a.s.l. In these lagoons you can appreciate the fauna of the place. Amazing landscapes from the lagoons in company of the mountains, millennial history behind this incredible place.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Piedras Rojas
Then we go to Piedras Rojas where we visit Salar de Aguas Calientes and Salar de Talar, where you can see the rock formations reddish colors. Enjoy the incredible landscapes from the Atacama Salt Flat, especially with the colors that the nature offers to us.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
After our incredible experience in the Atacama Salt Flat, we will return our trip back to San Pedro de Atacama. The drop off will be at the same point as where you were picked up.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line Chile
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes including trekking pants and shoes, and a windbreaker or warm jacket
- It is recommended that you bring water, sunblock and sunglasses
- Important: Please bring cash to pay for the entrance fees to our guide. If you do not pay the entrance fee, you will not be able to enter the park and the service will not be refunded.
- Note: The altiplano lagoons lie at more than 13,500 feet in elevation, which may cause mild altitude sickness for some; it is recommended that you drink hot tea or water prior to the tour and carry any necessary medication. Infants are allowed to visit the lagoons but be aware of the altitude before going, the responsability is under the parents in case of any inconvenient.
- Remember that the Hotel pick up and drop off is included only on Hotels located nearby San Pedro de Atacama urban zone. If your Hotel is located on Ayllus far away from the downtown, please let us know to arrange a meeting point for being picked up. Please reconfirm the pick up information (time and location) 1 day before the departure!
- Children over 8 years old are allowed
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 88 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
88 verified traveler reviews for Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Explore it on your own!
We decided to go by car, on our own, and it was the best decision! I went to the Tourist Information agency in San Pedro de Atacama, across from the Plaza de San Pedro de Atacama church, and they gave me all the needed information, including that we needed to book the time on the website and arrive at Socaire's ticket booth 1 hour earlier to retrieve the ticket.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Your satisfaction means a lot to our entire team, and we hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
We are lucky to have...
We are lucky to have Pedro as our guide. He is funny and knowledgeable. I loved the stories he shared, the ideas he has for great photos shots, and the music he put on during the trip too!
via Viator
Beautiful scenery to last a lifetime
Had the best time enjoyed it thoroughly. The driver was very good at what he did, and the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. Fun and courteous would recommend to anyone must do.
via Viator
Spectacular
Albeit this is a long day with much driving, it is well worth it. The lagoons are beautiful but the red rocks asnd surrounding coloured mountains are spectacular!
via Viator
Pleasant Day Trip
It was a pleasant day with Jay. The Lagoons are beautiful with flamingos, colors and mountains. The Antiplanic part is at an elevation of about 14000 feet so you may have some breathing issues and a slight headache on the walk/hikes. They provided both a light breakfast and lunch. They drop you off at the beginning of Caracoles Street and not the hotel at the end!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line Chile, who run 9 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.4.
See everything Gray Line Chile runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Pedro de Atacama.
How much does Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Pedro de Atacama usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Pedro de Atacama is not rushed.
Is Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 88 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Pedro de Atacama, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama?
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Around 31 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Pedro de Atacama can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Pedro de Atacama and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Pedro de Atacama within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama?
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On Outty we rank every San Pedro de Atacama experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half Day Tour to Geysers del Tatio, Piedras Rojas + Altiplanic Lagoons and Salar de Atacama, Hidden lagoons of Baltinache. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Pedro de Atacama?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama?
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Included: Transport by air-conditioned minivan or bus; Lunch; Drop-off is at the city centre; Hotel pickup; and Live tour commentary provided in English & Spanish. Not included: Gratuities; Entrance fees to Altiplanic Lagoons; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 28 listed pickup locations in and around San Pedro de Atacama. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Note: The altiplano lagoons lie at more than 13,500 feet in elevation, which may cause mil. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Altiplanic Lagoons & Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama?
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Across 88 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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