Desert heights: volcanoes and lagoons

Q: What you need to know

Included: certified bilingual guide with first aid training and a satellite communication device, entry to Talabre, breakfast, round-trip transportation from your hotel, accident insurance, 19% IVA tax. Not included: Optional tips.

Q: Frequently asked questions

What should I bring?Layered warm clothing (temperatures vary significantly throughout the day), hat and gloves for the cold, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen), comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle.How cold is it at sunrise?In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C, so it’s essential to dress in layers.Do I need to acclimatize?Yes, we recommend acclimatizing to the altitude to avoid discomfort. Schedule tours progressively, eat early the night before, avoid alcohol, and stay hydrated on the day of the tour.Do I need prior experience?Not at all. This is a customizable tour, and we will tailor it to your group’s needs.What if I have dietary restrictions?Let us know your dietary needs in the registration form we’ll send after booking, and we will adjust the snacks accordingly.What is your cancellation policy?You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. In the event of extreme weather, we offer a full refund, rescheduling, or an alternative tour option.

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

8 hours

Location

Talabre

Distance

100 km desde San Pedro de Atacama

Season

Year-round

A journey through Lejía Lagoon, Aguas Calientes Lagoon, and Cerro Overo Crater

Discover the heights of the Atacama Desert on an adventure that combines volcanic landscapes, native wildlife, and cultural connection.

This tour begins in San Pedro de Atacama with a first stop in Talabre, a charming village managed by an indigenous Atacameño community that lives at the foot of Lascar Volcano, the most active in Chile.

We’ll continue to Lejía Lagoon, where the calm waters reflect the nearby Lascar and Aguas Calientes volcanoes, creating a stunning landscape.

Next, we’ll explore the Aguas Calientes II Salt Flat, home to guanacos and native birds, while enjoying a delicious local breakfast in the open air.

Our journey also takes us to the Cerro Overo Crater, an extinct volcano accessible by 4×4, and concludes with a visit to the small village of Toconao, where we’ll discover local handicrafts and agriculture.

Highlights

Itinerario

6:00 AM

Pick-up from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

7:00 AM

Arrival at Talabre Village, where you’ll learn about the daily life of this Atacameño community.

8:00 AM

Visit Lejía Lagoon to enjoy the scenery and the reflections of nearby volcanoes.

9:30 AM

Continue to Aguas Calientes II Salt Flat, where we’ll pause for an open-air breakfast amidst the local wildlife.

11:00 AM

Explore the Cerro Overo Crater by 4×4, with time for photos and exploration.

12:00 PM

Visit Toconao, a charming village known for its volcanic stone architecture and handicrafts.

1:00 PM

Head back to San Pedro de Atacama.

2:00 PM

Arrival at your accommodation and end of the tour.

Customizable

This itinerary is just an example and can be adjusted according to your interests.

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.

Turista

Everything you need to know

What you need to know

Included: certified bilingual guide with first aid training and a satellite communication device, entry to Talabre, breakfast, round-trip transportation from your hotel, accident insurance, 19% IVA tax.

Not included: Optional tips.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring?

Layered warm clothing (temperatures vary significantly throughout the day), hat and gloves for the cold, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen), comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle.

How cold is it at sunrise?

In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C, so it’s essential to dress in layers.

Do I need to acclimatize?

Yes, we recommend acclimatizing to the altitude to avoid discomfort. Schedule tours progressively, eat early the night before, avoid alcohol, and stay hydrated on the day of the tour.

Do I need prior experience?

Not at all. This is a customizable tour, and we will tailor it to your group’s needs.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Let us know your dietary needs in the registration form we’ll send after booking, and we will adjust the snacks accordingly.

What is your cancellation policy?

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

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.