
Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 181 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama worth booking?
Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama is a 10.5-hour experience in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, from $95 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 181 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (181)
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- From
- $95 per person
Besides being the best tour to acclimate with the height, Piedras Rojas is the most complete tour of San Pedro. They will enjoy various types of landscapes and volcanic formations, high salt flats, atacama salt flats, volcanoes, lakes, fauna and rich flora. That tour is a must in Atacama.
What you get
About this experience
Besides being the best tour to acclimate with the height, Piedras Rojas is the most complete tour of San Pedro. They will enjoy various types of landscapes and volcanic formations, high salt flats, atacama salt flats, volcanoes, lakes, fauna and rich flora. That tour is a must in Atacama.
What's included
Included
- Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tourist Guides
- Lunch
Not included
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Return to the hotel
What you'll see and do
Piedras Rojas
Visit the red stones, lava formations and rusty ashes next to the Salar de Talar
100 minutes here · Admission included
Lagunas Altiplanicas
Visit the Miscanti and Meniques lagoons, 2 deep blue lakes surrounded by 5 volcanoes. On both lakes there is a small walk with observation of the local fauna.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Laguna Chaxa
Visit the Chaxa Lagoon in the flamenco reserve in the middle of the Salar de Atacama. A small walk is made inside the salt flat to observe the microbacteria and nutrients of the flamingos. That place is ruled by peace and silence. Watch the flamingo flights in front of the mountain range and volcanoes in complete silence.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.
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 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- HORIZONTE ATACAMA
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age 7 years.
- Pregnant women cannot participate in this tour
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 181 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
181 verified traveler reviews for Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Tour in Atacama So Far!
Ivan was an absolute beauty of a guide. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what he does, which made the whole tour that much more interesting. We were genuinely surprised by how much wildlife we got to see. This was easily the best tour we’ve done in Atacama so far. Horizonte also did a great job with the meals, drinks, and communication throughout. Great value for the money. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your excellent review and recommendation. We are delighted to hear that this tour was a highlight of your time in Atacama. It is especially rewarding to know that Iván’s knowledge and passion helped make the experience so engaging, and that you enjoyed discovering the region’s remarkable wildlife. We are also pleased that you appreciated the meals, drinks, communication, and overall value of the experience. We will be sure to share your kind words with Iván and the rest of our team. Thank you for choosing Horizonte Atacama. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on a future visit to discover more of the region. The Horizonte Atacama Team
via Tripadvisor
Thans a lot💜
An extraordinary experience! Comfort, professionalism, ease of communication, excellent organization, and—last but not least—dedicated guides who turn every trip into an unforgettable memory! Ivan and Fredy, thank you!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the comfort, professionalism, communication, and organization of our team. Your kind words about our guides mean a great deal to us. We will be sure to share your message with Iván and Fredy, who will be happy to know they helped make your experience so memorable. It was a pleasure to welcome you to the Atacama Desert, and we hope to have the opportunity to see you again on a future visit. The Horizonte Atacama Team
via Tripadvisor
Day of views.
This was a full day with some amazing and dramatic views. Flamingos and vicunas were abundant and service was great.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for sharing your experience and for your kind review! We are very happy to know that you enjoyed a full day of amazing and dramatic landscapes during your tour to the Red Stones and Altiplanic Lagoons. It is wonderful to hear that you were able to see abundant wildlife such as flamingos and vicuñas, and that you were satisfied with the service provided throughout the experience. Thank you for trusting Horizonte Atacama. We hope to welcome you again in San Pedro de Atacama for more unforgettable moments in the desert!
via Tripadvisor
Great and reliable tour operator: Gracias HORIZONTE!
I have done 9 tours with this agency. We had 3 guides (Sergio, Samuel, and Nicolas), and two of the tours were self-guided - just with a driver (the Astronomical tour and Puritama). All three of them took great care of the group, answered our questions, and shared plenty of details about both the Atacama and Chile in general. We do have a slightly wider smile for Samuel :) but that’s just a purely personal preference. All three were extraordinary. The drivers from Horizonte also deserve a special shout-out: they drive carefully and are sharp right from the early hours of the morning (4,30 AM); even after 8–10 hours, when the sun is high up, they are just as fresh. Hats off to them. We send a special greeting to Daniel. In conclusion: there are many agencies in San Pedro de Atacama, but many are unreliable (we are still waiting today for an answer that was supposed to take a few hours, and we’ve already been back home for 5 days...), and there are many drivers, but by the time you reach the points of interest, you can barely get off the bus because you feel so sick (we saw this with our own eyes). You get rushed through the desert as if enemies are chasing you from behind. That is not the case with Horizonte. This is exactly why I wrote such a long review: nowadays, with the way things are, a company that does its job right and puts you, the Client, at the center of attention is unfortunately no longer a common thing. All the best, and you should definitely trust them with your trip! Have a great vacation!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this amazing and very detailed review! We are truly grateful that you chose Horizonte for 9 different tours during your stay in San Pedro de Atacama. It means a lot to us to know that you felt well taken care of by Sergio, Samuel and Nicolas, and that they were able to share not only the beauty of the Atacama Desert, but also meaningful information about Chile and the region. We also deeply appreciate your words about our drivers. Their work is essential, especially on early departures and long days in the desert, and we will gladly share your special greeting with Daniel and the rest of the team. Your comment about reliability, organization, safe driving and putting the client at the center of the experience truly reflects what we work for every day. In a destination with so many agencies and many different standards of service, it is very important for us to offer clear communication, safety, professionalism and genuine care from beginning to end. Thank you again for your trust, your recommendation and your very generous words. It was a pleasure to be part of your Atacama experience, and we hope to welcome you again one day in San Pedro de Atacama!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
The tour was great. The guides are very friendly and interesting. The pickup up at the hôtel in the morning is on time and well organised. Safe drivers as well. I was very happy to have chosen this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are very happy to know that you enjoyed the Red Stones and Altiplanic Lagoons tour with us. It is great to hear that our guides were friendly and interesting, that the pickup was punctual and well organized, and that you felt safe with our drivers. For our team, safety, good organization and meaningful guiding are essential parts of the experience in the Atacama Desert. Thank you for choosing Horizonte Turismo / Horizonte Atacama. We hope to welcome you again in San Pedro de Atacama!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10.5 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
- 63
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by HORIZONTE ATACAMA, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.8.
See everything HORIZONTE ATACAMA runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Pedro de Atacama.
How much does Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama cost?
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Prices start at $95 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama take?
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Plan for about 10.5 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 181 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in San Pedro de Atacama, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama?
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Around 63 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 10.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama?
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Included: Breakfast; In-vehicle air conditioning; Tourist Guides; and Lunch. Not included: Bottled water; Entrance fees; and Return to the hotel. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 40 listed pickup locations in and around San Pedro de Atacama. Be ready about 40 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Pregnant women cannot participate in this tour. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar 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 Red Stones and Altiplanica Lagoons Salar de Atacama?
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Across 181 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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