"FULL DAY PIEDRAS ROJAS (RED STONES) & ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS" Tour. Departure from SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

"FULL DAY PIEDRAS ROJAS (RED STONES) & ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS" Tour

PIEDRAS ROJAS (RED STONES) & ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Discover one of the most spectacular and photogenic landscapes in northern Chile on an unforgettable journey to Piedras Rojas (Red Stones) and the stunning Altiplanic Lagoons. Located deep within the Chilean Andes, this extraordinary excursion showcases the dramatic beauty of the Atacama Desert, where vibrant colors, high-altitude lagoons, towering volcanoes, and pristine wilderness combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. At an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) above sea level, Piedras Rojas is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the region. This remarkable landscape owes its distinctive reddish coloration to the oxidation of iron-rich volcanic rocks that contrast beautifully with the turquoise waters of the surrounding salt flats and lagoons. The result is an extraordinary palette of reds, oranges, whites, and blues that creates a scenery unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Surrounded by imposing volcanoes and vast desert plains, Piedras Rojas offers breathtaking panoramic views and a profound sense of tranquility. The silence of the high Andes, combined with the immensity of the landscape, creates a unique atmosphere that captivates nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike. The excursion also includes a visit to the famous Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, two pristine bodies of water located within the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Miscanti and Miñiques volcanoes, these lagoons are renowned for their intense blue waters and spectacular mountain scenery. Their crystal-clear surfaces reflect the surrounding peaks, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Chilean Altiplano.

The region is home to a rich variety of wildlife specially adapted to the extreme conditions of the high-altitude desert. Visitors may encounter vicuñas grazing on the Andean grasslands, native bird species, and, depending on the season, graceful flamingos feeding in nearby wetlands. The unique ecosystems found here play an essential role in preserving the biodiversity of the Atacama Desert. Along the route, travelers are treated to constantly changing scenery that highlights the remarkable geological diversity of the region. Ancient lava flows, volcanic formations, salt flats, wetlands, and colorful mountains reveal millions of years of geological history shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and the extreme climate of the Andes.

This full-day experience offers much more than stunning landscapes; it provides a deeper appreciation of the natural forces that have shaped one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet. Every stop reveals a new perspective, a new color palette, and a new opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the Chilean highlands. Perfect for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking some of the most impressive scenery in South America, Piedras Rojas and the Altiplanic Lagoons represent one of the highlights of any visit to San Pedro de Atacama. It is a journey through a world of vibrant colors, crystal-clear waters, majestic volcanoes, and endless horizons — an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.

Itinerary

Piedras Rojas & Altiplanic Lagoons – Journey through the magnificent landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano and discover a world of vibrant colors, crystal-clear lagoons, towering volcanoes, and extraordinary geological formations. This unforgettable excursion showcases some of the most iconic natural wonders of the Atacama Desert.

Visit the Tropic of Capricorn, marvel at the spectacular red volcanic formations of Piedras Rojas, explore the stunning high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, and conclude the experience at Chaxa Lagoon, one of the best places in the Salar de Atacama to observe flamingos and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.

Includes

Guide service in Spanish and English.
Pick-up from your accommodation,
Breakfast,
Lunch.

Does not include

Entrance fees to the Piedras Rojas & Altiplanic Lagoons. (CLP 28,714 general rate, approximately USD 32.00 per person)
Tips and gratuities.
Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
Other services not described in the program.

Estimated Schedule:

Pick-up: Between 6:00 AM and 6:40 AM from accommodations located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.
Estimated Return: Approximately 5:00 PM, subject to weather conditions, road conditions, visit durations, and daily operational coordination.
Approximate Duration: 11.00 hours.

Availability:

This excursion does not operate with daily departures, as tour availability depends on several factors, including seasonal weather conditions, actual availability and minimum passenger requirements.

December 25 and January 1: The excursion does not operate due to national holidays.

Reservation Deadline:

Advance booking is highly recommended. Reservations should ideally be confirmed in advance, with a minimum notice of 48 hours, as this excursion depends on availability and daily operational conditions.

Important Note:

Our agency strongly recommends that passengers follow an appropriate sightseeing schedule based on altitude levels. This gradual acclimatization helps the body adapt more comfortably to the region’s elevation and significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort during the trip. We recommend the following:

High-altitude excursions should be scheduled from the second day of your stay onward. Our suggested order is: Piedras Rojas & Altiplanic Lagoons first, followed by El Tatio Geysers, and finally the Salt Flats Route, which reaches the highest elevations.
For passengers continuing their journey to Uyuni, we strongly recommend completing at least two high-altitude excursions in San Pedro de Atacama before traveling to Bolivia in order to facilitate proper acclimatization.
For volcano ascents, we recommend a minimum of three full days of acclimatization in San Pedro de Atacama. Guests should ideally complete the region’s higher-altitude excursions before attempting trekking activities such as Cerro Toco or Láskar Volcano.

Following these recommendations will help ensure a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable experience while exploring the Atacama Desert and the surrounding Altiplano region.

Notes:

Level of difficulty: LOW.
Maximum elevation during the excursion: 4,200 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level).
A minimum of 24 hours of acclimatization is required before participating in the tour.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Basic fitness level is sufficient. No trekking experience required. Suitable for most active travelers.
Minimum age required for the tour: Recommended for children aged 7 and above, depending on the child’s physical condition. Due to the distance, terrain type, and weather conditions, this activity is not recommended for young children.
Children rate applies from 8 to 12 years old. Adult rate applies from 13 years old and above.
The activity takes place in a remote area with no shelter or restroom facilities available. Weather conditions may change rapidly, and stop durations may vary accordingly.
Excursion days and schedules may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the groups forming.
The pickup and return times depend on the season and will be confirmed upon booking confirmation.

Ratebook are express in US Dollars (USD) and may be changed without prior notice.
Services and programs may be changed or cancelled in its execution, sequence and contents; in order to offer a better service, or due to extreme conditions or majeure force reasons.
This tour operates with a minimum number of passengers., Holiplus will reconfirm 48 hours before departure. If the supplier decides to cancel, for reasons of force majeure or adverse weather conditions, Holiplus will offer an alternative tour or fully refund the cost of your trip.
This tour will not run on the following dates: December 25 to January 1.
The client must be aware that that modifications in the original booking may generate changes on the final quotation.
SIB: Transfer and excursion services shared with other passengers.
Holiplus will try to avoid cancellation charges, the client must accept expenses incurred and charges established by the supplier, which may add be up to 100% of the original.
No show policy: 24 hours before the start of the tour: 100%.

DOCUMENTATION:

It is the responsibility of each passenger to carry the relevant documents for the proper completion of their trip.
Passengers must be informed and prepared to comply with visa, vaccination, and other regulations specific to the countries they are visiting.
Therefore, passengers must bear the costs incurred due to non-compliance or misinformation regarding entry and mobility regulations within the different countries they are traveling to. In the case of Chilean and foreign passengers, they must present their foreign documentation, otherwise, VAT corresponding to 19% of the fare will be charged directly to the passenger.

CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOW POLICY:

For REGULAR (SHARED) SERVICES:

Reservation cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled service date and will be subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to 90% of the total service value.
Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the start of the service are non-refundable, and 100% of the total service value will be charged.
No-Shows: Failure of the passenger to appear at the designated meeting point and time will be considered a completed service and will not be eligible for any refund.

For PRIVATE SERVICES:

Reservation cancellations must be made at least 12 days prior to the scheduled service date and will be subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the total service value.
Cancellations made less than 12 days before the start of the service are non-refundable, and 100% of the total service value will be charged.
Cancellations due to the passenger’s health condition will only be eligible for a refund upon presentation of a medical certificate issued by the corresponding CESFAM (Family Health Center).
Rescheduling requests are subject to availability.