Tour Piedras Rojas y Lagunas Altiplánicas - Image 2

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Piedras Rojas and Altiplano Lagoons Tour

The Piedras Rojas and Altiplano Lagoons tour is one of the most impressive routes in the Chilean Altiplano. From San Pedro de Atacama, this route offers unique high-altitude landscapes: intensely colored rock formations, crystal-clear lagoons, and majestic volcanoes. The combination of geology, biodiversity, and altiplano culture makes this excursion a profound journey through the heart of the northern Andes. Ideal for those seeking nature, altitude, and wonder all in one day.

💰 General Information

Price per person:	$560,000 for 2 people, + Additional person $25,000
Schedules:	Full Day
Includes:	Transportation from accommodation, certified guide, breakfast and lunch.
Booking:	It is done 2 or 3 days in advance.

🗺️ Tour Itinerary

1. Departure from San Pedro de Atacama
The day begins early, heading toward the Andean plateau. As we ascend, the landscape transforms and the temperature drops, setting the stage for one of the most photogenic routes in the region.

2. Piedras Rojas Viewpoint
First stop at one of the most stunning spots on the tour: Piedras Rojas, San Pedro de Atacama. This viewpoint, located at over 4,200 meters above sea level, offers views of a greenish lagoon contrasting with rusty red and orange rock formations. All of this is framed by the imposing Tuyajto volcano.

3. Altiplano Lagoons: Miscanti and Miñiques
The route then continues to the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, located at the height of Chile's Altiplano lagoons. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, their calm waters reflect the sky like a mirror. Here, the sensation of silence and purity is overwhelming.

4. Socaire Village
On the way back, we'll visit Socaire, a small Andean village with pre-Hispanic agricultural terraces and a colonial church. This is an opportunity to learn about Atacameño culture and taste local products.

5. Chaxa Lagoon (optional)
Some tours include an additional visit to Laguna Chaxa, within the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This wetland is home to flamingos and other highland birds, ideal for wildlife watchers.

📝 Considerations

Between March and November, when the skies are clear and the colors of the landscape intensify, the best time to visit Piedras Rojas, Chile, is on cool but sunny days.
The excursion lasts between 6 and 8 hours, including all stops and journeys. It's a full-day trip.
The altitude exceeds 4,000 meters. It is recommended to acclimatize beforehand, avoid strenuous exertion, and stay well hydrated throughout the hike.
The ideal option is to take a tour of the high plateau lagoons and Piedras Rojas with an agency, as the trails are not fully marked and access requires experience.
Warm, layered clothing, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, a camera, and snacks. If you're including Laguna Chaxa, bring binoculars.
Cold in the morning and windy during the day. Temperatures drop further in winter, but visibility is usually better.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does the Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons tour include?

Includes transportation from San Pedro, a tour guide, stops at the Piedras Rojas viewpoint, Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, a visit to the village of Socaire, and, in some cases, admission to Laguna Chaxa and breakfast.

🛣️ Is it possible to do this excursion on your own?

It's possible, but it's not recommended without altitude experience or an appropriate vehicle. The ideal option is a guided tour of the high plateau lagoons with a specialized agency.

⏱️ How long does the entire tour last?

Between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the number of stops and whether Laguna Chaxa is included. This is a full-day trip from San Pedro.

📏 At what altitude are the lagoons and Piedras Rojas located?

The Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons are at over 4,100 meters above sea level, and the Piedras Rojas viewpoint is at around 4,200 meters. Therefore, it's important to acclimatize beforehand.

🧥 What type of clothing is recommended?

Layer warm clothing, ideally with a windbreaker. The weather can change quickly, and the wind is constant in the highlands.

📅 Is it necessary to book in advance?

Yes. This excursion to the high plateau lagoons and Piedras Rojas is in high demand, especially during peak season, and spaces are often limited.

🦩 What wildlife can be seen in the area?

It's possible to spot flamingos, vicuñas, foxes, and high Andean birds. A visit to Laguna Chaxa increases your chances of seeing them.

🚻 Are there restrooms available along the way?

Yes, in Socaire and some tourist spots, but these are basic services. Bring toilet paper and disinfectant just in case.

🔀 Can this tour be combined with other destinations on the same day?

Not recommended. It's a full-day tour, and the altitude demands energy. It's best to dedicate the entire day to it.

🌄 What is the main attraction of the tour?

The combination of extreme landscapes, altitude, wildlife, Atacameño culture, and the feeling of being in a place that seems beyond the realm of the planet. It's a complete experience in the Chilean highlands.

⚠️ Important Information

AtacamaTours offers advice and reservation management with the best tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama so that you can enjoy your vacations to the fullest.

Pickup times are limited to a 40-minute window. If the time limit is reached and we haven't made the pickup, please call one of the following numbers: 977834208 – 982839659 – 978380416.

At Atacama Tours, your safety is our priority. We will never ask you to transfer money to personal or third-party accounts. All payments are made exclusively through Business Account either WebPay.

Please note that a document detailing the cancellation policies is available upon request. Please don't hesitate to ask; we'll be happy to provide it.

If you wish to make changes or cancellations to the itinerary at no additional cost, you must inform us at least 48 hours before from the tour departure time. After this time, changes, cancellations, and refunds will not be accepted.

Once the tickets are purchased, they they have no refund due to regulations established by the parks.

Please note that all tours are subject to change or cancellation due to adverse weather conditions. In these cases, the activity will be rescheduled or the full amount of the missed tour will be refunded.