Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana worth booking?
Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana is a 8-hour experience in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, from $82 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (19)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $82 per person
Explore the majestic caldera of the Pacana, the second largest crater on Earth, and enter the Andes. This morning tour takes you to discover the iconic Licancabur Volcano, where you will enjoy panoramic views. Visit the Kepiaco Lagoon, ideal for watching flamingos and native birds, before continuing to the Monks of the Pacana, impressive rock formations. Tour the Salt Flat of Aguas Calientes and the Salt Flat of Quisquiro, where the beauty of the salt desert and mountains will leave you unforgettable memories. - Discover the Pacana caldera, an impressive Andean crater - Watch flamingos in the quiet Kepiaco Lagoon - Marvel at the Pacana Monks, natural stone columns - Capture the beauty of the Salar de Quisquiro and its unique landscape
What you get
About this experience
Explore the majestic caldera of the Pacana, the second largest crater on Earth, and enter the Andes. This morning tour takes you to discover the iconic Licancabur Volcano, where you will enjoy panoramic views. Visit the Kepiaco Lagoon, ideal for watching flamingos and native birds, before continuing to the Monks of the Pacana, impressive rock formations. Tour the Salt Flat of Aguas Calientes and the Salt Flat of Quisquiro, where the beauty of the salt desert and mountains will leave you unforgettable memories. - Discover the Pacana caldera, an impressive Andean crater - Watch flamingos in the quiet Kepiaco Lagoon - Marvel at the Pacana Monks, natural stone columns - Capture the beauty of the Salar de Quisquiro and its unique landscape
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Binoculars for wildlife observation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Bottled water
- Return to the hotel
What you'll see and do
Volcan Licancabur
In that wonderful viewpoint, passengers can enjoy a rich breakfast in front of the majestic volcanoes Licancabur and Juriques.
45 minutes here
Vegas de Quepiaco
In the bodefal of Quepiaco, the local and typical fauna and flora of the Andean highlands are observed. In addition, in the distance you can observe the antennas of the largest astronomy project on the planet: the ALMA project.
20 minutes here
Salar de Aguas Calientes
Near the hot water salt flat, several stops are scheduled, The viewpoint above the Pacana caldera, The monks of the PAcana, typical geologic formations of volcanic ash, The viewpoint of the hot water salt flat and the black lagoon,
60 minutes here
From the quisquiro viewpoint, passengers can enjoy a wonderful view over one of the most beautiful salt flats in the region.
20 minutes here
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
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- HORIZONTE ATACAMA
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age 6 years
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 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.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rota de los salares! One of the best tours, without a doubt!
The horizon tourism is a great agency, super attentive and everything is easily resolved by whatsapp (neither were we at the agency). We left with all the tours already closed from Brazil and we did not regret it! Even I was able to change a ride because the road was closed in the day! The driver Marcelo was excellent, to see that he strives to make everything special for the travellers ( he gave a huge re with the van only for us to see from close and take a photo of a fox ) and the food wonderful! The only suggestion would be to put fewer people in the Van ( suddenly charging a little more expensive to be able to operate this way) since on one of the tours my husband was all squeezed and the routes are all long and uncomfortable! The backbands are very uncomfortable (but there are people who don't connect or only find out later). So if you care about comfort and be the last hotel to get caught on the journey you run the risk of getting in the worst place in the van! Another positive thing is that they make groups of each tour and share the guide’s location and arrival order in the hotels (which avoids long waits from other travellers. What I liked very much of this tour was that it was the only one from the agency that provided chairs for us to sit during meals (he missed the el tatio tour where the view was wonderful too and I was super bad from the altitude)
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing
It was a sensational tour! Thank you to the entire team Horizonte, especially Cris and the guide Samuca! We love it!
Response from the operator: Muito obrigado pela sua avaliação e por compartilhar sua experiência conosco! Ficamos muito felizes em saber que o tour foi sensacional e que a Cris e o guia Samuca fizeram a diferença na sua experiência com a Horizonte Turismo / Horizonte Atacama. Vamos transmitir seus elogios a eles com muito carinho. Para toda a nossa equipe, é uma grande alegria saber que conseguimos proporcionar momentos tão especiais no Deserto do Atacama. Agradecemos muito pela confiança e esperamos receber você novamente em San Pedro de Atacama!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Since the guide, structure and script, everything went 101% within the expected!
Sensational experience and with guide Ivan commanded very well ! You can trust that it's worth it! Everything ran within the combined and the script was very well explored!
Response from the operator: Muito obrigado pelo seu depoimento! 🙌 Que alegria saber que a experiência na Rota dos Salares e na Caldera de la Pacana superou as expectativas e que tudo correu 101% dentro do esperado. Um agradecimento especial pelo reconhecimento ao Iván, que conduz os passeios com tanta dedicação e conhecimento. Ficamos felizes que o roteiro tenha sido bem aproveitado e que cada detalhe tenha atendido ao combinado. Esperamos recebê-lo novamente para novas aventuras inesquecíveis no Atacama! 🌄✨
via Tripadvisor (translated)
The nature of the Atacama always impressive
The salary and pacana boiler route was our fifth tour. We thought it would not be possible to see more beautiful views in Atacama, but we were wrong. Guided by excellent Ivan Monrroy the tour is wonderful, starting with a breakfast in front of the volcano Licancabur. After that we are introduced to wonderful views that only nature of the Atacama provides.
Response from the operator: Muito obrigado por compartilhar sua experiência! 🙌 É incrível saber que mesmo no quinto passeio o Atacama conseguiu surpreender vocês com novas paisagens — esse é realmente o encanto da nossa região. O Iván Monrroy ficará muito feliz em receber seu reconhecimento pelo cuidado e pelas explicações ao longo do roteiro. Começar o dia com café da manhã diante do Licancabur e seguir explorando cenários tão únicos é algo realmente inesquecível. Esperamos recebê-los novamente para continuar descobrindo juntos a magia do deserto! 🌄✨
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Tour Gold (salaries, geysers, wetlands, lagoons and more)
It was one of the best experiences we've ever had. The guides are super professional and always give tips to continue learning from the region. Ivan was a great guide! We saw unique and wonderful landscapes. We 100% recommend the agency and tours.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por tu reseña! 🙌 Nos alegra enormemente saber que vivieron una de sus mejores experiencias con nosotros, disfrutando de paisajes únicos y del profesionalismo de nuestros guías. Un agradecimiento especial por destacar a Iván, que con su conocimiento y cercanía hace que cada tour sea inolvidable. Gracias por recomendarnos al 100%, será un placer volver a recibirlos en el Atacama para seguir compartiendo nuevas aventuras. 🌄✨
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 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 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 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Pedro de Atacama.
How much does Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana cost?
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Prices start at $82 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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 19 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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana?
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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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana?
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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?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana 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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana?
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Included: Lunch; Breakfast; Binoculars for wildlife observation; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Bottled water; and Return to the hotel. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 32 listed pickup locations in and around San Pedro de Atacama. Be ready about 40 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana offered in?
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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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana?
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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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana 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 Salares Route and Exploration of the Caldera de la Pacana?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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