Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons

Outty Ranking 61 4.7 · 20 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $239
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons worth booking?

Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons is a 10-hour experience in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, from $239 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (20)
Duration
10 hours
From
$239 per person

The perfect day trip for everything you wish to find in the Atacama Desert. Incredible volcanoes, huge salt flats and beautiful lagoons. You will be amazed with the landscapes of this trip. We will reach over 4.000 meters above sea level, reason why we recommend full rest the night before and warm clothes for the cold.

What you get

    About this experience

    The perfect day trip for everything you wish to find in the Atacama Desert. Incredible volcanoes, huge salt flats and beautiful lagoons. You will be amazed with the landscapes of this trip. We will reach over 4.000 meters above sea level, reason why we recommend full rest the night before and warm clothes for the cold.

    What's included

    Included

    • Park entries included
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Breakfast

    What you'll see and do

    1. Piedras Rojas

      • Toconao • Talar Salt Flat also called “Piedras Rojas” (Red rocks) • Chaxa Lagoon • Miscanti Lagoon

      600 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques

      Incredible lagoons between the volcanos: this two lagoons are the perfect scenario for a picture of the desert. The contrast between the rocky mountains and the amazing colors of the lagoons make this place a magical one

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Salar de Atacama

      The Salar de Atacama is the largest salt deposit in Chile whose surface, white and rough, hides a large brackish lake from the naked eye. Its size is 300,000 square kilometers and can be fully appreciated thanks to the fact that the air is completely dry. However, this great visibility distorts the appreciation of distances.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Laguna Chaxa

      What a special place! Surrounded by volcanoes, mountains and mountain ranges, this lagoon fills us with an indescribable peace as soon as we begin our journey towards its waters rich in plankton and crustaceans. Unlike other lagoons, we cannot swim here, but that is not an impediment for not enjoying the ride. At 4,500 meters above sea level, we soon will discover that Laguna Chaxar is an unmissable sight for bird lovers.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 16 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Full Tour

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, photo 2Salar de Atacama, Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de AtacamaTropico de Capricornio, Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de AtacamaHighland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, photo 5Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, photo 6Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    20 verified traveler reviews for Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    17
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    mczink · December 2024

    Could Be Improved: Rushed and Disorganized Experience

    While the landscapes of the Atacama Desert are undeniably breathtaking, my experience with this tour unfortunately fell short of expectations. There were several organizational and logistical issues that impacted the overall enjoyment of the trip. Firstly, the pick-up time was unexpectedly moved forward to 6:00 AM the evening before, which caused some last-minute adjustments on our end. While such changes can happen, earlier notice would have been appreciated. Once the tour began, it felt rushed—our driver seemed to be in a hurry, and though safety was not directly compromised, it made for an uncomfortable ride. Additionally, the guide appeared disengaged and provided only minimal information about the incredible places we visited, which was disappointing given the rich history and natural beauty of the region. A significant letdown was that we did not visit the Salar de Atacama, a key highlight of the itinerary. No explanation was given for this omission, leaving us feeling like we missed out on an essential part of the experience. To add to this, at the end of the tour, we were dropped off at the outskirts of town instead of our original pick-up location, which was inconvenient and unexpected. The Atacama Desert is a truly magical place, but I believe this tour could improve significantly with better communication, a more engaged guide, and adherence to the promised itinerary. I hope future travelers have a better experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    176omars · November 2024

    Exploring the Atacama

    We bought this and other tours with the Full Tour. The agency at Atacama was punctual on all the tours, the attentive and knowledgeable guides of the attractions, and the very good scripts. The breakfasts and snacks offered on the tours were very satisfying. We got a very interesting cost/benefit ratio. I recommend.

    Response from the operator: Ficamos felizes em saber que todos os passeios atenderam às suas expectativas, especialmente com a pontualidade, os guias atenciosos e os roteiros bem planejados. É muito gratificante saber que nossos cafés da manhã e lanches também contribuíram para tornar sua experiência ainda mais agradável. Agradecemos pela recomendação e esperamos que volte para descobrir mais lugares do Chile juntos.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Q7856SWfeliper · April 2024

    Full Tour Agency

    Wow, the best experience we've ever had, the Full Tour agency accompanied us the entire time, from closing the package to the last tour. Thank you very much for the work done.

    Response from the operator: Olá Felipe, primeiro queremos agradecer a confiança depositada na nossa agencia, o Chile é um país lindo e encantador, foi um prazer ter vocês aqui e mostrar as belezas da região do deserto de Atacama. Nossa equipe estará esperando você para mais aventuras juntos.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    toby_c · April 2024

    Ripped me off

    Tour company asked for $20 directly via PayPal for park fees. I paid this. This was outside of Viator . I was given the wrong start time twice, I challenged this and it was still confirmed. I went to sleep and miss local guide messages with an earlier pick up time. I missed the trip. Viator refunded me as this was the agent error, not mine, despite the agent blaming me! After several efforts my request for refund of $20 has been ignored. This is theft. This was my experience and I managed to rebook a trip locally which was £50 cheaper. Your call whether you want to deal with this company or not. I wouldn't.

    via Viator

    marciapN4428FV · October 2023

    The guide Teresa was wonderful, she took great care of the passengers and the explanation was wonderful.

    Incredible landscape, there is no way to describe this place, only those who have been there can describe how it feels and the spectacle of nature

    Response from the operator: Queremos agradecer o seu comentário, Piedras Rojas é um dos passeios mais bonitos do Atacama, o contraste das salinas com as rochas vermelhas, assim como as demais paradas incluídas no passeio são paisagens inesquecíveis. Foi um prazer ter atendido você. Obrigado por sua confiança.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    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
    7
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Full Tour, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.0.

    See everything Full Tour runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)39
    Value for money (12% weight)38
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Pedro de Atacama.

    How much does Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons cost?

    +

    Prices start at $239 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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons 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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 20 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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons?

    +

    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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons?

    +

    Around 7 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?

    +

    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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons?

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    Included: Park entries included; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around San Pedro de Atacama. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, 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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons?

    +

    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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Highland Wonders: Red Stones & Lagoons?

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    Across 20 reviews averaging 4.7 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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