El Tatio Geysers Tours
Rising toward the fading stars high atop the Andes, El Tatio Geysers erupt from more than 80 vents into wraith-like plumes, which dance in the first crisp golden rays of dawn. It's not quite the largest geyser field in the world (it's the third), or the highest (it's close), but combined with those snowcapped volcanoes that encircle its steaming expanse, it is perhaps the most magnificent.
In addition to the searing-hot fumeroles and geysers, the field has a few more inviting geological features. A large 35°C (95°F) hot spring lets you soak away the Andes' stubborn chill, while bubbling mud pots offer the perfect masque for cleansing away weeks of grime from the road. Relax.
Practical Info
While the closest population center to the El Tatio Geysers is Calama, an ancient town with a small but developing tourist sector, the vast majority of visitors come on day trips from San Pedro de Atacama. By day trips, that means you'll be leaving at 4am for the slow ride up to an icy 4,300 meter (more than 14,000 foot) volcanic plateau.
The early bird gets the National Geographic-quality photos, however, as the steaming flumes cast up from the earth's boiling heart seem larger and more impressive in the frigid Andean sunrise. Dress appropriately. Also keep in mind that an absence of railings and warnings does not mean the geysers are safe; tourists fall through the fragile crust and burn themselves every year.
8 Tours & Activities to Experience
El Tatio Geysers Tour from San Pedro de Atacama
- Discover the unearthly geysers of the world’s driest desert on an early morning tour to El Tatio geyser field from San Pedro de Atacama. Gaze in wonder at over 80 spouting shoots of steam as you watch an enchanting sunrise in the desert. Enjoy a traditional breakfast before soothing your bones in the warm waters of natural hot spring. Conclude with a cultural exploration of the provincial village of Machuca on this engaging excursion.
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El Tatio Geysers and Machuca Village Day Trip
- Marvel over one of Chile’s natural wonders and take a peek at a traditional desert town on this 7-hour tour from San Pedro de Atacama, including hotel pick-up. Make an early start and head straight to the El Tatio Geyser, then stand in awe before the hissing geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles as the sun comes up. After tucking into breakfast (included), journey to the sleepy village of Machuca to admire the mud-brick houses and browse the handicrafts stalls.
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4-Day Best of Atacama: Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers and Altiplanics Lagoons
- Most visitors to San Pedro de Atacama just take a day trip into the desert, but you can thoroughly explore Atacama on this four-day tour. See the desert's most spectacular sights, including the Moon Valley and El Tatio geysers, and choose from three types of accommodation to suit your budget.
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Atacama Express: 2-Day tour visiting Tatio Geysers & the Moon Valley
- Most visitors to San Pedro de Atacama only see the wonders of the surrounding Atacama Desert on a day trip. Get a more in-depth view on this two-day excursion. Explore the desert's spectacular landscapes, including the Moon Valley and El Tatio geysers, and choose from three different types of accommodation to suit your budget.
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El Tatio Geyser and Machuca Tour
- See the impressive natural spectacle of steam combined with volcanic magma of the Tatio Geysers that is waiting for you to be surprised by its visual performance. Make a visit to Machuca, a small herder’s settlement in the North of the country.Live the sunrise in one of the most beautiful geothermal fields in the world.Contemplate the beautiful colors born between the contrast of the intensely blue sky and the pure steam of the geysers.
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7-Day Atacama & Salta: Humahuaca-Purmamarca, Cafayate, Moon Valley, Tatio Geyser
- Explore the north of Argentina and Chile on this 7-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the driest desert of the world. Little adobe houses and cozy restaurants are the base to explore one of Chile’s most spectacular sceneries: The Moon Valley, Salt Mountain Range, El Tatio Geyser (geothermal field), sand dunes, thermal waters and a totally clear sky full of stars. Leaving Argentina, see the best of Salta, one of traveler’s favorite cities. Tour along the Humahuaca Gorge (a UNESCO Heritage Site) and visit towns such as Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca. Visit the town of Cafayate, in the heart of Argentina's northern wine region in the Calchaqui Valley.
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7-Day Best of Atacama & Salta - Humahuaca, Salt Flats, Moon Valley, Tatio Geyser
- Explore the north of Argentina and Chile on this 7-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the driest desert of the world. Little adobe houses and cozy restaurants are the base to explore one of Chile’s most spectacular sceneries: The Moon Valley, Salt Mountain Range, El Tatio Geyser (geothermal field), sand dunes, thermal waters and a totally clear sky full of stars. Leaving Argentina, see the best of Salta, one of traveler’s favorite cities. Visit the Salt Flats and Purmamarca, tour along the Humahuaca Gorge (a UNESCO Heritage Site) and discover the famous Pucara de Tilcara, among others.
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4-Day Classic Atacama - Moon Valley & Geysers del Tatio
- 4-Day tour getting to know San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the driest desert of the world! Little adobe houses and cozy restaurants are the base to explore one of Chile’s most spectacular sceneries: The Moon Valley, Salt Mountain Range, El Tatio Geysers (geothermal field), sand dunes, thermal waters and a totally clear sky full of stars.
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