Waterway Journey: Hike to the Confluence of Atacama’s Rivers

Q: What you need to know

Included: certified bilingual guide trained in first aid with satellite communication, transportation to and from your hotel, snacks, accident insurance, 19% IVA tax.Not Included: optional gratuities.

Q: Frequently asked questions

What should I bring?Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sandals for river sections, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a reusable water bottle.Do I need to acclimate for this tour?No. The highest altitude reached is similar to San Pedro de Atacama (2,450 meters above sea level), so no prior acclimatization is required.What if I have dietary restrictions?Please let us know about any dietary restrictions in the registration form after booking, and we’ll adjust the snacks accordingly.What is your cancellation policy?You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. In case of extreme weather, we’ll offer a full refund, rescheduling, or an alternative tour.

Difficulty

Low

Duration

5 hours

Location

Salado River

Distance

10 km from San Pedro de Atacama

Season

Year-round

Explore a fascinating circuit connecting the San Pedro and Salado Rivers, where water brings life to the arid landscape of the Altiplano

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert with our Ruta del Agua, a circular circuit exploring the confluence of the San Pedro and Salado Rivers.

This 6 km (3,7 mi) hike offers a full circuit, allowing you to enjoy new landscapes with every step.

Along the way, you’ll discover how nature and history intertwine in this essential ecosystem of the Altiplano.

The tour begins in San Pedro de Atacama at 9:00 AM and concludes around 2:00 PM.

As we walk, you’ll encounter typical canyon vegetation, and upon reaching the river confluence, you’ll witness the union of fresh and mineral-rich waters, creating a lush corner within the desert.

Highlights

Itinerary

9:00 AM

Pick-up in San Pedro de Atacama

9:30 AM

Start of the hike.

11:00 AM

Arrival at the San Pedro and Salado River confluence.

11:30 AM

Continuation of the circuit.

1:30 PM

Return to San Pedro de Atacama.

2:00 PM

End of tour.

Customizable

This itinerary is just an example and can be tailored to suit your interests and preferred schedule.

My tours with Joaquin were superb. Great hiking trip in the Andes, with no other tourists to be seen, exactly what I was looking for and lovely unexpected touch with the beer and nibbles at the end. He even worked out with me how to fit in a trip to the Atacama desert and fixed me up with a local guide all in the space of one day (on the way to the Andes). I also did a great trip on arrival to Valparaiso direct from airport returning to Santiago, excellent organisation. I couldn't recommend Joaquin enough, he is awesome.

HElen s.

Traveler

everything you need to know

What you need to know

Included: certified bilingual guide trained in first aid with satellite communication, transportation to and from your hotel, snacks, accident insurance, 19% IVA tax.

Not Included: optional gratuities.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sandals for river sections, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a reusable water bottle.

Do I need to acclimate for this tour?

No. The highest altitude reached is similar to San Pedro de Atacama (2,450 meters above sea level), so no prior acclimatization is required.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Please let us know about any dietary restrictions in the registration form after booking, and we’ll adjust the snacks accordingly.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. In case of extreme weather, we’ll offer a full refund, rescheduling, or an alternative tour.

Map

Do you still have doubts?

Don’t worry, we are here to help you.

Write to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

Also, download our brochure with all the details about this tour, including itineraries, recommendations and what you need to know to fully enjoy this experience.