“TATIO GEYSERS + MACHUCA FORD + PUTANA” Tour

“TATIO GEYSERS + MACHUCA FORD + PUTANA” Tour

Machuca & Putana Crossing: On the way to the Tatio Geysers, the journey unfolds through breathtaking Andean scenery, passing the Machuca and Putana crossings — tranquil highland valleys where crystal-clear streams wind through golden plains surrounded by volcanoes. The area is a haven for native wildlife such as flamingos, vicuñas, and Andean ducks, offering travelers a serene glimpse into the untouched beauty of Chile’s Altiplano.

Tatio Geysers – A Dawn Encounter with the Earth’s Power. Located high in the Andes Mountains, about 89 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, the Tatio Geysers offer one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in northern Chile. At an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, this geothermal field comes alive at sunrise, when the cold morning air contrasts with the boiling water beneath the earth’s crust, creating an impressive display of steam columns and bubbling pools. As dawn breaks, visitors witness towering fumaroles rising up to 10 meters and geysers erupting as high as 8 meters, painting the landscape with mist and light. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience — a moment when the desert meets the sky in a dance of steam and sunlight.

After admiring the spectacle, guests are invited to enjoy a hearty outdoor breakfast surrounded by the raw beauty of the Andean highlands. To complete the morning, you can relax in the natural thermal pool, where the soothing waters maintain an average temperature of 36°C (97°F) — the perfect way to unwind while taking in panoramic views of the mountains. A visit to the Tatio Geysers is more than an excursion — it’s a journey into the heart of the Earth itself, where nature reveals its most powerful and mysterious side.

Itinerary

• Our journey begins in the early morning with hotel pickup (approximately 5:00 - 5:30 am) heading towards Vado de Machuca and its bofedales, native grasslands, where we will capture the essence of life at 4000 meters above sea level.
• We will make a short stop at the Mirador del Vado de Putana to observe the spectacle of the active Putana volcano, completing the landscape alongside the bofedales.
• We will take a hike through the geothermal field, where we will learn more details about the unique phenomenon of the astonishing geysers.
• We will then have breakfast in the vicinity of Tatio
• Visit the small town of Machuca, where we can appreciate its birdlife, llamas, sheep, wild vicuñas, and stone constructions that transport us to past Machuca times.
• Return to the hotel (approximately 12:30 pm).

The tour includes

• Hotel pickup.
• Entrance fees,
• Simple breakfast,
• Snack,
• Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish)
• Water,
• Shared round-trip transportation.

The tour does not include

• Professional tour guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a tour guide in one of these languages, please request one in advance and be aware that there will be an additional charge.
• Extra meals and drinks.
• Tips for the tour guide and driver.
• Other expenses not mentioned in the program.
• Immigration fees at the border crossing.
• Travel medical insurance.

Difficulty level: Moderate (due to altitude)

Distance to be covered on the tour (round trip): 165 km / approximately 3.10 hours.

Important notes:

• The order of visitation to the sites may vary depending on weather conditions, physical conditions of the group, and other operational factors.
• The times are approximate and vary throughout the year depending on the season and sunrise time. The final schedule will be confirmed upon your arrival in San Pedro de Atacama.
• This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems, and children under 10 years old.