2 days in San Pedro de Atacama: ALMA, geysers and lagoons
LANDSCAPES:
DESERT AND ALTIPLANO
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Among stars and highland lagoons
2 DAYS
This itinerary immerses you in the most fascinating extremes of the Atacama Desert. Connect with cutting-edge science at the
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
ALMA Observatory and Highland Lagoons
Your first day will begin by boarding the official bus of the ALMA Observatory in San Pedro de Atacama. Remember that this free tour requires prior registration on their website and is only available on weekends. During the trip, you will venture into the desert until you reach the operations center.
At the ALMA facilities, you will learn about the cutting-edge technology that allows us to study the universe. Through talks and exhibitions, you will learn how the antennas work and their revolutionary discoveries.
At noon, you will return to San Pedro de Atacama in time for lunch and then continue with a trip south to the impressive Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons. Located more than 4,000 meters above sea level, their deep blue waters contrast with the surrounding volcanoes, offering a landscape of breathtaking beauty.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
ALMA Observatory and Highland Lagoons
Your first day will begin by boarding the official bus of the ALMA Observatory in San Pedro de Atacama. Remember that this free tour requires prior registration on their website and is only available on weekends. During the trip, you will venture into the desert until you reach the operations center.
At the ALMA facilities, you will learn about the cutting-edge technology that allows us to study the universe. Through talks and exhibitions, you will learn how the antennas work and their revolutionary discoveries.
At noon, you will return to San Pedro de Atacama in time for lunch and then continue with a trip south to the impressive Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons. Located more than 4,000 meters above sea level, their deep blue waters contrast with the surrounding volcanoes, offering a landscape of breathtaking beauty.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
El Tatio Geysers and starry night
The day begins at dawn, around 4:30 AM, to arrive at the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise. It is essential that you get up early to witness this geothermal spectacle at its peak activity, as it is during sunrise when the steam fumaroles reach their greatest heights in the highlands.
This geothermal field, located 4,320 meters above sea level, is a testament to the power of nature. After marveling at the explosions of water and steam and enjoying breakfast in this unique environment, you will begin the return to San Pedro to rest.
At night, the ultimate experience awaits you: an astronomical tour. Far from the lights of the town, an expert guide will teach you to recognize constellations and you can observe planets, nebulas and galaxies through powerful telescopes, connecting directly with the cosmos.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
El Tatio Geysers and starry night
The day begins at dawn, around 4:30 AM, to arrive at the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise. It is essential that you get up early to witness this geothermal spectacle at its peak activity, as it is during sunrise when the steam fumaroles reach their greatest heights in the highlands.
This geothermal field, located 4,320 meters above sea level, is a testament to the power of nature. After marveling at the explosions of water and steam and enjoying breakfast in this unique environment, you will begin the return to San Pedro to rest.
At night, the ultimate experience awaits you: an astronomical tour. Far from the lights of the town, an expert guide will teach you to recognize constellations and you can observe planets, nebulas and galaxies through powerful telescopes, connecting directly with the cosmos.
What you should know
How to get there by air
From the Santiago Airport, you must take a flight to El Loa Airport in Calama. From that city, you can take a transfer or bus to get to San Pedro de Atacama, the starting point of your adventure. You can also land at the Antofagasta Airport, which will allow you to enjoy the northern coast before entering the desert.
How to get there by land
From Calama, you must travel 100 kilometers along Route 23 to reach San Pedro de Atacama. For this itinerary with great distances and high altitude roads, it is essential to travel in a rented 4×4 vehicle or, even more recommended, hire organized tours for each destination.
Climate and clothing
Get ready for two climates in one day! During the day, the sun is relentless, so wear a hat and sunscreen. For the extreme cold of the night and early morning, dress in layers and don’t forget your coat, hat and gloves.
Must-Know Tips
Pay attention to the altitude! This itinerary reaches over 4,200 meters in the Tatio Geysers and the lagoons. To avoid severe altitude sickness, acclimatize in San Pedro for at least one day, eat light and drink plenty of water. The visit to ALMA must be booked as far in advance as possible and is only available on weekends.
