How to Tour El Tatio Geysers in San Pedro de Atacama?

San Pedro de Atacama is a mesmerizing Chilean town that sits in the far north of Chile, near the borders with Argentina and Bolivia. Home to some of the most spectacular landscape in the whole of Latin America, it is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.One of the must-see attractions of San Pedro de Atacama is El Tatio geysers. Located at an elevation of 4400 meters, El Tatio is one of the largest geyser fields in the world and consists of more than 80 geysers sparkling in the morning sun. Touring El Tatio geysers is truly a unique experience, one that will make your San Pedro de Atacama trip a memorable.In this guide you will find everything you need to know about how to go to El Tatio geysers and what to take on the tour.

Where Are El Tatio Geysers Located?

El Tatio geysers are located at an elevation of 4400m in the centre of an Andean plateau, about 90km from San Pedro de Atacama, which is close to the border of Bolivia. This high-altitude region is known as Los Flamencos National Reserve and is characterized by vast salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.

When Should You Visit El Tatio Geysers?

The best time to visit El Tatio Geysers is at sunrise when the water from the geysers reaches its maximum temperature and the geysers erupt in a spectacular way. The temperature of the water varies depending on the season: during winter (May to September), the temperature can drop to -10°C; during summer (October to April), it can reach 12°C.It is often recommended to visit El Tatio geysers right after sunrise when the steam has had enough time to mix with the low temperatures and create an incredible spectacle of swirling clouds and erupting hot water jets.

How to Get to El Tatio Geysers

There are two ways to get to El Tatio geysers from San Pedro de Atacama: by bus or by car.

Option 1: Bus

The easiest way to get to El Tatio geysers from San Pedro de Atacama is by taking a tour bus which departs in the early morning (around 4AM). This way, you don’t need to worry about driving in the dark or looking for a driver as the buses are organized and serviced by local tour groups. Make sure you’re up very early in order to catch the bus – they usually depart from San Pedro de Atacama at around 4AM, and you will have around 2-2.5 hour drive ahead to reach El Tatio geysers. The price for a tour bus usually varies between 25-40 USD and depends on which tour company you choose. Make sure you book your ticket in advance in order to guarantee a spot on board – if you’re visiting San Pedro de Atacama during high season it’s very likely that the buses fill up quickly. You can book your ticket here: El Tatio Geyser Tour.

Option 2: Car

If you prefer traveling independently, you can rent a car and drive to El Tatio geysers by yourself. The route is fairly straightforward, however, keep in mind that it’s always recommended to go with at least two cars when traveling out of town to avoid any unforeseen problems on a deserted highway. If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that you will have to wake up even earlier than if you were to take the bus – usually people start driving around 4AM in order to reach El Tatio by 7AM when the sun rises and steam starts rising from the geysers. You can rent a car from most major rental companies in San Pedro de Atacama – just make sure you book your car in advance as during high season it might be hard to find an available vehicle.

What Else Should You Know Before Going?

Time estimates for a tour

• Bus tour: 8-9 hours
• Car tour: 10-12 hours

What should you bring?

• Hat & sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes & clothes
• Snacks&drinks
• Reusable bottle
• Camera
• Jacket & raincoat ( depending on the weather )

Costs

The cost for a tour usually varies between 25-40 USD and depends on which tour company you choose. Make sure you book your ticket in advance in order to guarantee a spot on board. You can book your ticket here: El Tatio Geyser Tour. The cost of renting a car depends on several factors such as type of car, size of engine, length of rental and seasonality and can range anything between 40-180USD per day (plus fuel).

Final Thoughts

Touring El Tatio geysers is an unforgettable experience that combines stunning scenery with nature’s power and beauty. Even if you decide to drive there by yourself, we recommend booking a guided tour so that you don’t miss out on visiting some of the more hidden hot springs and geysers. Remember that altitude sickness might occur if you spend too much time at this elevation without taking enough time for proper rest and hydration; take it easy and take frequent breaks if needed! And most importantly – try to catch El Tatio at sunrise so that your tour can be as spectacular as possible. If you’re ready for this incredible adventure, book your ticket here: El Tatio Geyser Tour.