"TREKKING TO GUATÍN - PURITAMA" PREMIUM Tour

"TREKKING TO GUATÍN - PURITAMA" PREMIUM Tour

GUATÍN – PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS IN SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Experience one of the most rewarding trekking adventures in the Atacama Desert as you journey from the picturesque oasis of Guatín to the renowned Puritama Hot Springs, following an ancient trail through one of the region's most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes. Located high in the Andes, this unique excursion combines spectacular scenery, fascinating geology, desert biodiversity, and the relaxing experience of natural thermal waters. The route offers an authentic way to discover the hidden beauty of the Atacama beyond its traditional attractions, immersing you in an environment where crystal-clear rivers, giant cacti, dramatic canyons, and lush vegetation create an extraordinary contrast with the surrounding desert.

Your adventure begins in Guatín, a peaceful canyon oasis nourished by mountain streams descending from the Andes. As you follow the trail downstream, you'll walk alongside the Puritama River through a landscape filled with towering Cardón cacti, native shrubs, volcanic rock formations, and small waterfalls that provide life to this remarkable high-altitude ecosystem. Throughout the hike, your guide will introduce you to the unique flora, wildlife, and geological history of the region while sharing fascinating insights into the importance of these natural water sources for the indigenous Atacameño communities that have inhabited this land for centuries.

The trail gradually descends through narrow canyons and scenic viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views and countless opportunities for photography. The peaceful atmosphere and the sound of flowing water create an unforgettable hiking experience that perfectly combines adventure with the tranquility of nature. The excursion concludes at the famous Puritama Hot Springs, a series of naturally heated thermal pools nestled within a spectacular canyon. Here you'll have time to unwind in crystal-clear mineral-rich waters maintained at a pleasant temperature throughout the year. Surrounded by native vegetation and impressive canyon walls, these thermal baths provide the perfect setting to relax after the hike and enjoy one of the Atacama Desert's most iconic natural attractions.

Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences, this excursion offers a perfect balance between adventure, breathtaking scenery, and relaxation. From the pristine landscapes of Guatín to the soothing thermal waters of Puritama, this unforgettable journey showcases one of the most beautiful and diverse corners of northern Chile. Guatín – Puritama Hot Springs is far more than a trekking excursion—it's an immersive experience where the spectacular beauty of the Andes and the healing warmth of natural hot springs come together to create one of the most memorable adventures in San Pedro de Atacama.

Itinerary

• Discover the perfect combination of adventure, history, and relaxation on this scenic trekking excursion through one of the Atacama Desert's most beautiful canyons. Designed for travelers who wish to experience the region's spectacular natural landscapes before unwinding in the renowned Puritama Hot Springs, this tour offers an unforgettable balance of exploration and well-being.
• Your journey begins with a morning departure from San Pedro de Atacama, heading toward the picturesque Puritama Canyon. Along the way, you'll visit the fascinating archaeological site of Quezar, where ancient stone structures still stand as silent reminders of the indigenous communities and early travelers who once crossed this remote corner of the Andes.
• From here, you'll follow a scenic trail that winds through the canyon, crossing crystal-clear streams, gentle slopes, and open sections surrounded by native vegetation and towering Cardón cacti. The route is suitable for travelers with a normal level of fitness and no previous trekking experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy an active outdoor experience without tackling a demanding hike.
• The walk to the hot springs takes approximately two hours, offering plenty of opportunities to appreciate the unique landscapes, learn about the area's natural and cultural heritage, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable high-altitude oasis.
• The reward at the end of the trail is the famous Puritama Hot Springs, where you'll have approximately two hours to relax in a series of naturally heated thermal pools. With water temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F), these mineral-rich springs provide the perfect setting to soothe tired muscles while surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the canyon.
• After enjoying this well-deserved break, you'll return comfortably to San Pedro de Atacama, bringing to a close a memorable day that combines hiking, archaeology, breathtaking scenery, and one of the most relaxing natural experiences in northern Chile.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Trekking equipment.
• Bathrobes
• Box lunch.

Note: Our PREMIUM collective excursion service provides personalized attention and the expertise of highly experienced tour guides, designed for groups from 1 up to a maximum of 9 passengers. This tour operates daily with a minimum of 2 passengers.

Does not include

• 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 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM from accommodations located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.
• Estimated Return: Approximately 1:00 PM, subject to weather conditions, road conditions, visit durations, and daily operational coordination.
• Approximate Duration: 4.00 hours - 4.30 hours.

Transportation available for this excursion:

• 1 to 4 passengers: Toyota Hiace, Toyota 4Runner, or Toyota Hilux.
• 5 to 7 passengers: Toyota Hiace or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
• 8 to 12 passengers: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. (Shared services accommodate a maximum of 9 passengers.)

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:

• We strongly recommend booking this excursion as early as possible. Ideally, reservations should be confirmed at least 10 days prior to the scheduled departure date, with no further reconfirmation required.
• As the operation of this excursion is subject to daily availability and operational conditions, bookings made less than 10 days before departure will be subject to confirmation. In such cases, the local operator reserves the right to decline the reservation if the minimum number of participants required to operate the excursion is not met.

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: 3,500 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level).
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Basic fitness level is sufficient. No trekking experience required. Suitable for most active travelers.
• Recommended minimum age: There is no official regulation that prohibits or restricts minors from participating in this excursion. However, our agency does not recommend the participation of infants or young children due to the long travel distances, the nature of the terrain, the desert's weather conditions, and the limited access to medical facilities, as the nearest hospital is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama.
• Children's rates: No special child fare applies. Under Chilean law, all minors must travel using an approved child restraint system or safety seat, occupying an individual seat inside the vehicle. Therefore, all children are charged the full adult fare.
• 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.