Piedras Rojas, Atacama Salt Flats & Altiplano Lakes Trip

Discover the volcanic landscapes of Piedras Rojas (Red Stones) in the Chilean altiplano, along with the Atacama salt flat and mountain lagoons over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level.

Piedras Rojas, Atacama Salt Flats & Altiplano Lakes Trip

After hotel pickup, we'll travel into the Atacama desert with a breakfast stop. The first stop will be Toconao, an indigenous village with traditional adobe buildings. We will visit the Church of San Lucas and its bell tower, both national monuments from the 18th century.

If weather permits, we will proceed to Chaxa Lagoon to see flamingos. An hour-long hike on the Piedras Rojas trail will follow, offering views of the salt flat and the highland lakes of Miscanti and Miñiques, along with endemic fauna like vicuñas and foxes.

At noon, a lunch break will occur either en route or at a restaurant on the return to San Pedro, with options for main courses and drinks. Following lunch, we will visit Piedras Rojas, known for its surreal red-toned landscape created by iron oxidation. We will see the emerald waters of the lagoon of Salar de Aguas Calientes. Return to San Pedro de Atacama is expected 12-13 hours later.

Hotel Pickup

Pickup is included from hotels within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of central San Pedro de Atacama. Closer locations (maximum 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)) may also be accommodated. Note that pickups from nearby towns such as Ayllus, Solor, Cucuter, and Toconao are not included. Alternative meeting points are available for more remote accommodations.

Itinerary Changes

The order of visits in the itinerary may change for planning purposes.