"PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS" PREMIUM Tour

"PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS" PREMIUM Tour

PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Hidden within a spectacular canyon in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the Puritama Hot Springs offer one of northern Chile's most peaceful and rejuvenating natural experiences. Surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, native vegetation, and the impressive Andes Mountains, this remarkable oasis invites visitors to relax in naturally heated mineral waters while immersed in one of the world's most extraordinary environments. Located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of San Pedro de Atacama, the Puritama Hot Springs lie at an altitude of nearly 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. The name Puritama comes from the indigenous Kunza language and is commonly interpreted as "hot water", a fitting description for these geothermal springs that have been appreciated for centuries by the Atacameño people for their soothing and therapeutic properties.

The site consists of a series of natural thermal pools connected by crystal-clear streams that flow through a narrow canyon. Carefully integrated wooden walkways and viewing platforms allow visitors to move comfortably between the pools while preserving the area's delicate ecosystem. Each pool maintains a pleasant temperature of approximately 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F), creating ideal conditions for relaxation throughout the year. The warm, mineral-rich waters emerge naturally from underground geothermal sources deep within the Andes. Rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other beneficial minerals, these springs are widely appreciated for helping to relax muscles, improve circulation, and provide a sense of well-being after exploring the high-altitude landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Many travelers consider a visit to Puritama the perfect opportunity to recover after excursions to the region's volcanoes, geysers, salt flats, and mountain lagoons.

Beyond the thermal pools themselves, the surrounding canyon offers a striking contrast to the arid landscapes that characterize much of the Atacama Desert. Native grasses, shrubs, and wetland vegetation flourish along the stream, creating a small but vibrant oasis that supports a variety of birdlife and local wildlife. This unique environment demonstrates the remarkable diversity of ecosystems found within one of the driest regions on Earth. The peaceful atmosphere is one of Puritama's greatest attractions. The gentle sound of flowing water, the fresh mountain air, and the silence of the surrounding desert create an environment of complete tranquility. Whether soaking in the warm pools, enjoying the spectacular scenery, or simply taking time to disconnect from everyday life, visitors are immersed in a setting that encourages relaxation and contemplation.

Throughout the year, the changing light enhances the beauty of the canyon. Morning sunlight illuminates the surrounding rock walls with warm golden tones, while the afternoon light highlights the vibrant colors of the vegetation and mountains. Every season offers a different perspective, making the springs a favorite destination for photographers, nature lovers, and wellness travelers alike. Combining geothermal wonders, breathtaking scenery, and a serene natural environment, the Puritama Hot Springs provide a truly unique experience in the Atacama Desert. Whether you are looking to unwind after days of adventure, enjoy the healing properties of natural thermal waters, or simply experience one of Chile's most beautiful hidden oases, Puritama promises a memorable escape where comfort, nature, and tranquility come together in perfect harmony.

Itinerary

• Escape into the tranquility of the Puritama Hot Springs, one of the Atacama Desert's most relaxing natural retreats. Nestled within a beautiful mountain canyon, these geothermal pools provide the perfect setting to unwind while surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery and the peaceful sounds of flowing spring water.
• Fed by naturally heated volcanic springs, the pools maintain comfortable temperatures ranging from approximately 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) throughout the year, offering an ideal place to relax after exploring the region's spectacular landscapes.
• The excursion is available in either the morning or afternoon, depending on availability and your preferred schedule. The thermal complex features seven natural pools, all connected by elevated wooden walkways that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Visitors can also enjoy convenient on-site facilities, including changing rooms, restrooms, and additional services such as a café and internet access, all designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
• Whether you are seeking relaxation, wellness, or simply a peaceful escape in one of the world's most extraordinary desert landscapes, the Puritama Hot Springs offer an unforgettable experience where nature, comfort, and serenity come together in perfect balance.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Puritama Hot Springs entrance fee.

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 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM from accommodations located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.
• Estimated Return: Approximately 8:00 PM, subject to weather conditions, road conditions, visit durations, and daily operational coordination.
• Approximate Duration: 4.30 hours - 5.00 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.