• Sightseeing

  • Transportation

  • Guide

  • Snacks

Experience one of the most impressive excursions in the Chilean Altiplano with the El Tatio Geysers Tour in San Pedro de Atacama. Located at more than 4,200 meters above sea level, El Tatio is one of the world’s highest and largest geothermal fields, famous for its powerful steam fumaroles, geothermal activity, and stunning Andean scenery.

The excursion begins before sunrise in order to arrive at dawn, when freezing temperatures intensify the steam columns and create spectacular landscapes against the Andes Mountains.

During the tour, visitors can observe more than 80 active geysers, boiling water pools, volcanic formations, and unique Altiplano landscapes surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. On the way back, the excursion usually includes a stop at the traditional village of Machuca, known for its historic Andean church, llamas, and local Altiplano cuisine.

Thanks to its combination of geology, extreme landscapes, and Andean culture, this experience is considered one of the must-do tours in the Atacama Desert.

Ideal for travelers seeking nature, photography, unique landscapes, and unforgettable high-altitude experiences.

Estimated Duration

Approximately 7 to 8 hours

Departure Schedule

Departure: between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM
Return: around 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM


Recommendations

  • Bring thermal clothing and warm layers
  • Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf during winter
  • Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring water
  • Have a light breakfast before the excursion
  • Avoid alcohol the night before
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe heart conditions or serious altitude-related health issues
Physical Demand
medium low
Although walking distances are short and relatively easy, the altitude of approximately 4,300 meters and the cold temperatures create greater physical effort for the body. Due to the altitude, it is highly recommended to take this excursion after spending at least 24 to 48 hours acclimatizing in San Pedro de Atacama. The lower oxygen levels at high altitude can increase fatigue and shortness of breath even during short walks.
Experience
For Everyone
No previous experience needed.

Schedule

04:30 hrs (AM) - Pick up at the accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama

Visit to the Tatio Geyser

With more than 80 active geysers and a wide variety of fumaroles and boiling mud pools, we will immerse ourselves in a unique and fascinating geothermal environment. Panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding nature are breathtaking, providing a sense of grandeur and natural beauty.

Visit to the highland town of Machuca

Despite its small size, Machuca offers some interesting attractions. We will explore the village on foot, visit the church and meet the local people. You can also try some of the region's culinary specialties, such as llama empanadas, which are sold in small food stalls.

12:30 hrs. approx - Back at the accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels or hostels located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.

El Tatio is one of the highest geothermal fields in the world, located in the Chilean Andes at more than 4,200 meters above sea level and famous for its steam fumaroles and geothermal activity.

The best time is at sunrise, when low temperatures intensify the steam columns and create the most spectacular geothermal scenery.

The tour operates year-round. During winter, the steam fumaroles are usually even more intense due to the colder temperatures.

Yes. Temperatures during early morning hours can drop below freezing, especially between May and August.

Yes. Because the excursion reaches over 4,000 meters above sea level, it is recommended to visit El Tatio after at least one or two nights in San Pedro de Atacama.

No previous trekking experience is required, but the altitude may cause fatigue or shortness of breath even during short walks.

Depending on the operator and itinerary, the tour usually includes:

  • El Tatio geothermal field
  • Steam fumaroles and thermal pools
  • Altiplano landscapes
  • Machuca village
  • Areas with Andean wildlife such as vicuñas and flamingos

Yes. Visitors frequently observe vicuñas, vizcachas, Andean birds, and occasionally flamingos in nearby wetlands.

No. Due to the high altitude, it is better to take this excursion after a period of acclimatization.

Thermal clothing, warm jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, and layered clothing are highly recommended due to freezing morning temperatures.

The excursion usually lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours including transportation and sightseeing.

Included

  • Transport Service
  • Passenger Transportation Insurance
  • Bilingual Guide spanish/english
    During excursions and departures mentioned in the itinerary
  • Expert advice and coordination
    Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls.
  • Booking Fee – Reservation Management
    Administrative costs associated with managing and confirming your reservation, including payment processing and coordinating services with local operators.

Not Included

  • Entrance Fee Geyser del Tatio
    General public entrance fee: CL$15000. Payment only in cash.
Additional fees to be paid locally
per person, from
CL$ 15 000

Tickets and entrance fees payable at the destination are a direct contribution to the conservation of ecosystems and infrastructure, and support culture and the local community.

General Conditions

Service Security Conditions

  • Whether due to weather conditions or route conditions (roads) that do not offer the minimum guarantees of safety for safe operation, our provider reserves the right to cancel the service

Acceptance of Activity Risks

  • The passenger declares to know and understand the risks involved in participating in adventure tourism activities, which cannot be completely eliminated, even when there is compliance with security standards accredited by the service provider, which are intended to decrease the risks that the development of this activity involves.
  • It will be the duty of the adventure tourism service provider to inform of the conditions and requirements for the development of the activity, as well as, it is the duty of the participants who take an adventure tourism service to adequately inform themselves of the conditions in which the service is provided, of the minimum conditions that the participant must have before carrying out the activity and abide by the instructions that the company and guide in charge of the activity indicate.

Commercial Conditions

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellations with 5 days or more before arrival: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations with 4 days or less before arrival are not eligible for a refund.

Other Conditions

  • Prices in United States Dollars (USD) are calculated from their value in Chilean Pesos (CLP) with the exchange rate of the day and may vary depending on the day the payment is made.
  • Entrance Tickets to The Parks or National Reserves are not included in the value of the Tour.
  • Valid rates for services at the indicated times.
  • Services apply with a minimum of passengers at the time of booking.
  • Rates per person subject to change.
  • For security and operational reasons, the schedules may be modified without prior notice.
  • In Excursions the collection is at the indicated hotel.
  • In transfer service, it applies from all hotels in San Pedro de Atacama (does not include Ayllus in the suburbs)
  • Excursions with bilingual guide Spanish and English.

Conditions of Minors

  • Minimum age for tours of minors is 7 years, except Geysers del Tatio whose minimum age is 12 years.

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

Request with GreatChile

Tatio Geyser
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      Per Person Price

    Prices available for travel from May 22, 2026 in advance.

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