el tatio geysers tour

Rescheduling and cancellation flexibility in all our tours and programs

El Tatio Geysers

If you cancel your booking until 24 hours before the beginning of the activity, we will refund 100% of the advance you paid for the booking.

You can reschedule your booking without any additional cost until 24 hours before the beginning of the activiity.

Must-see tour to El Tatio Geysers, a one-of-a-kind sight in the world. Breakfast and visit to the Putana River included.

Price per person:

• CLP$ 35.000 per person.

pickup at your accommodation (urban area), bilingual guide (Spanish and English), breakfast, transportation and drop off at city's downtown .

What to bring:

warm clothing, comfortable shoes, warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and cash money for the payment of entrance fees .

Not included:

entrance fee to El Tatio Geysers (CLP$ 15.000 per person) .

Restrictions:

not allowed for pregnant women, not allowed for people over the age of 70. Over that age, must present a medical certificate, and minimum age required of 8 years old .

Cancellation and rescheduling policy:

On the El Tatio Geysers tour , we will leave San Pedro de Atacama early in the morning and set off towards the Altiplano, going up the hills and mountains of the Andes. We will arrive at El Tatio Geysers after an hour and a half to find a one-of-a-kind natural sight in the world, with 80 steaming geysers at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 ft.). With this natural scenery as our backdrop, we will enjoy a replenishing breakfast and then go explore the geothermal camp where we will be surrounded by countless plumes of steam. We will stop at the Putana River on the way back to San Pedro de Atacama to observe the native flora and fauna of the area.

• Group tour:
• Private tour:
• 1 person: CLP$ 313.000.
• Group of 2 people: CLP$ 159.000 per person.
• Group of 3 people: CLP$ 108.000 per person.
• Group of 4 people: CLP$ 92.000 per person.
• Group of 5 people: CLP$ 75.000 per person.
• Group of 6 people: CLP$ 64.000 per person.
• Group of 7 people: CLP$ 55.000 per person.
• Group of 8 people: CLP$ 49.000 per person.
• Group of 9 people: CLP$ 51.000 per person.
• Group of 10 people: CLP$ 47.000 per person.
• Group of 11 people: CLP$ 43.000 per person.
• Group of 12 people: CLP$ 40.000 per person.

*In this tour we are not making a stop in the pozón rústico due to it is closed to visitors.

*The tour to El Tatio Geysers does not include a visit to the Puritama Hot Springs .

*The pickup service included is nor carried out from/to accommodations located outside the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama, accommodations located at ayllus close to San Pedro de Atacama (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor and Coyo) nor accommodations in the town of Toconao.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the temperatures that i could find on this tour.

The average minimum temperature during the summer is -6 °C (21.2 °F), and -20 °C (-4 °F) in winter, so we recommend bringing warm clothing.

Which is the maximum altitude reached in this excursion?

The maximum altitude reached is 4200 m. For a good acclimation, our recommendation is to eat a light meal and drink lots of water the previous days to the excursion. Because of the altitude, we recommend leaving this tour for the end of your stay in San Pedro de Atacama.

What days of the year can I make this excursion?

This excursion can be made every day of the year, except for January 1 and December 25.

What kind of vehicles are used in this activity?

The vehicle will depend on the size of the group, having a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or similar) for 18 people, or a Volare (or similar) for maximum 25 people.

How far in advance should I book the activity?

We receive bookings until 48 hours in advance. However, we have limited spaces and always are subject to availability, so our recommendation is to make the booking as far in advance as possible.

What does breakfast include?

Breakfast includes tea, coffee, milk, juice, bread, ham, cheese and jam.

Can I get close to the geysers?

It is not recommended getting close to the geysers, because of the risk of falling into boiling water. For this, the place has defined tracks that you have to respect to avoid accidents.

Is it possible to bathe in the pozón rústico?

Yes, it is possible, as long as the pozón rústico is enabled, which we will know during the visit, once we are in the geothermal field. Because of this, our recommendation is you to bring your bathing suite, towel and flip-flops.

What is it about the age restriction for the tour?

The age restriction of this tour is set by the community that runs the geothermal park, and unfortunately there are no exceptions.

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Tatio Geysers Tour 8 hours

• From CLP $ 75.000 per person
• From US$ 94 per person
• Code TTU002
• Physical Very low
• Cultural Very low
• Nature Very high
• Tatio Geysers Tour: 8 hours

Tatio geysers are the highest geothermal field in the world. Meet the huge fumaroles that emanate from the earth and then visit the town of Machuca in the Chilean highlands.

• Departure: 05:30
• Duration: 8 hours
• Includes: Breakfast

What you will visit:

• 1 Tatio Geysers
• 2 San Pedro de Atacama

In this incredible destination, we will explore one of the most significant geothermal fields in the world: the 'Geysers del Tatio,' located at 4,200 meters above sea level. This is the largest group of geysers in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world.

In the early morning, we head towards one of the entrances to the Andean highlands, where we will go directly to one of the most important geothermal fields in the world, the 'Geysers del Tatio,' with 80 geysers and their steaming fumaroles, a unique spectacle in the world. We will spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes there, then enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast before continuing our journey back. As we venture into the hills and mountains of the Andes, we will contemplate important high-altitude ecosystems with rich biodiversity, such as the wetlands of Machuca and Vados de Putana. Finally, we will visit the village of Machuca.

• Transfer to and from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama *
• Entrance to Tatio geysers
• Bilingual guide
• IMPORTANT: The transfer only applies to hotels that are within the town of San Pedro de Atacama. If it’s not the case, we will let you know where we will meet, ask when booking.
• Everything that was not mentioned in the Itinerary.

Recommendations

Tatio geysers are located at 4,200 meters above sea level, so it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness. To avoid it, it is recommended to eat light the day before, not consume alcohol and get enough hydration.

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Taking a Tour of the El Tatio Geysers, Chile

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Are you looking for a tour of the El Tatio geysers in San Pedro de Atacama? Then this is what it’s like going on a magical sunrise tour at the El Tatio geysers.

The El Tatio geysers. That was one of the major reasons I wanted to travel to Chile in the first place.

As I previously mentioned , I’ve been in the Atacama Desert once before back in 2012, that time in Bolivia. Even though I spent all of five minutes there, the scenery was some of the best I’ve ever come across in my life. I knew I wanted more.

On that trip I spent four days driving across the endless and eternal landscapes of Salar de Uyuni, the salt flats of Bolivia . During those four days I took well over 2,000 photos; it didn’t matter where you pointed your camera, it seemed that every single shot was breathtaking, each one an everlasting memory.

That trip to Bolivia gave me the desire to travel to Chile , to see what the Atacama Desert was like on this side of the border.

Check out my video of the El Tatio geysers below:

My trip to Chile actually started in Bolivia

With high clouds, mirror reflections and one of the best places in the world for forced perspective photography, I have such a good time taking photos of everything at the Salt Flats in Bolivia.

There are some places that are just made for photography, and both the Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert are certianly two of those places.

I think that was the inspiration for this trip, to come back to this part of the world again, this time to Chile, this time to do it justice.

To say I was excited to explore the Atacama Desert again and see the El Tatio geysers would be an understatement.

Finding a tour company at San Pedro de Atacama

Once we arrived in the little tourist town of San Pedro de Atacama (the best place to base yourself to adventure into the Atacama Desert) we walked around the town to see what tours were on offer and when they were going.

San Pedro de Atacama is a bit of a strange place in the sense that it only exists to fulfill a need – tourism.

Approximately 90-95% of the money flowing through San Pedro is because of tourism, and there are over 50 different tour companies all offering similar things to choose from, so it pays to do a little research beforehand to make sure you’re going with a reputable company.

Due to the high supply, certain standards aren’t met by a few companies, so it’s better to pay a little more for a guaranteed good quality experience as opposed to gambling on a new company to save a few pesos.

After looking at a few, we went with Viator as we really liked the sound of their tours and as they came highly rated (both in Lonely Planet and on TripAdvisor).

So, the next day, at the incredibly early start of 4:30am, we were dosing on a bus on our way to El Tatio, the geyser field in the Atacama Desert.

The El Tatio geysers, the highest geysers in the world

At 4,320 metres, the El Tatio geysers are the highest in the world (they will take your breath away, figuratively and literally), and the best time to see them is for sunrise.

This is when the temperature is a lot cooler so the hot steam from the geysers rises higher, making it more visually stunning. All of a sudden waking up at 4:30am makes sense!

Being 83 kilometres away from San Pedro de Atacama, the bus takes about an hour and a half to get there, and as it’s completely dark outside all you can really do is rest your eyes (good luck sleeping!) until arrive.

Once you do, it is just about light enough to see the geyser field off in the distance as you register and get your tickets (all foreigners have to pay an additional $5,000 to get into the park).

Taking a tour of the El Tatio geysers

Vero, our guide for the day, said she likes to take people to the least popular geysers first to beat the masses of people and to spend more time at the more famous ones later on in the morning. To be fair, when you’re in such a spectacular setting as El Tatio it doesn’t matter where you start; you’re just completely caught up in where you are.

For those of you who don’t know what a geyser is, they are bubbling cauldrons in the ground pouring off sizzling steam, and walking around you feel like you’re at the end of the world in dark deep Mordor from Lord of the Rings. It really is such a surreal setting.

After walking around for about 30 minutes, the sun started to crest over the mountains blanketing everything in an ethereal glow, and people become just dark shadows moving in the mist, losing all form.

Also at the geysers is a geothermal pool, and despite the extremely cold air temperature (you really do need to wrap up warm here people), the hot springs are the perfect way to wake up properly.

After we took a dip in the geothermal pool, Vero prepared breakfast for us all of scrambled eggs, cakes and coffee. After a wee deep in the geothermal pool and a bite to eat we were all starting to feel a bit more awake, excitedly talking to each other about the geysers and how they compared to other sites people had been to in Chile.

Exploring other parts of the Atacama Desert

Once we walked around all the different geysers, we left at around 10am to drive back to San Pedro de Atacama, but that’s not the end of the tour by any stretch of the imagination.

On the way back we stopped off at a number of different viewpoints to see things like flamingos and the mountains in the area.

Also, we stopped off at a tiny little village, just a cluster of houses really, where only one family still lives as guardians of the mountains.

These days, the village is open to tourists where they cook lama, and it’s quite cool to see the types of houses these people used to live in.

It seemed to me no matter where we stopped off, no matter where I looked, I was greeted with some of the most beautiful views I’d ever seen.

I wanted to come back to the Atacama Desert, to this part of the world, to set my eyes upon this landscape again, and after seeing the El Tatio geysers I knew I made the right choice.

If you think waking up at 4:30am to go and see the El Tatio geysers is a struggle, trust me, it’s worth it.

How much does a tour of the El Tatio geysers cost?

A tour to the El Tatio geysers in San Pedro de Atacama costs £35 ($48) and includes all transport costs and breakfast.

Make sure you bring an extra £6 ($8) for the El Tatio park entrance fees as these are not included in the price.

Photos of the El Tatio geysers

Are you planning on travelling around Chile? Then make sure you check out my guides to hiking Volcano Villarrica , hiking Parque Nacional la Campana , seeing street art in Valparaiso and discovering the best wineries in Chile . Also, if you’re heading from Santiago to Calama (which is the entry to the Atacama Desert) then I’ve got the perfect guide for you.

Would you like to visit the El Tatio geysers? Would you camp there? Let me know what you think in the comment box below!

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Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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The Ultimate Guide to El Tatio Geysers: Hot Springs, High Peaks and a Dawn of Fire

Preparing for a trip to the El Tatio Geysers? Discover everything you need to know about the largest geothermal field in the Southern Hemisphere – from top tips for visiting to the geology of this magnificent spectacle. 

Welcome to the stunning El Tatio Geysers, a geothermal wonder nestled high in the Andean Mountains of Northern Chile . 

I’ll be blunt: whether you’re spending a short or longer time in the country,El Tatio needs to find its way into your Chilean itinerary . 

I mean, come on – it’s not every day that you get to visit the largest geothermal field in the Southern Hemisphere right up in the towering Andes Mountains. 

Having recently returned from my second trip to the Atacama Desert and, with it,  El Tatio, I’m sharing everything you need to know for a successful trip, so stick around. 

Why Visit El Tatio Geysers, Chile?

Let me rephrase that question. Why not visit the El Tatio Geysers? 

This one-of-a-kind attraction is largely unknown outside of those who venture to the Atacama. Besides the fact that it sits in the impressive Andes Mountains, the geothermal field is a treasure trove of natural wonders. 

El Tatio is home to many geysers, hot springs, and sinter deposits, so there’s a lot to see and do here – which I’ll talk about now. 

What You Need to Know Before You Go to El Tatio: Top Tips 

I’ve got a whole section on practical tips towards the end of this guide, but I’m going to run through some of the most important tips, as well as what you should expect from your visit in this section. 

As the geysers are located at over 4,300 metres, you need to spend time acclimatising at gradually increasing elevations before you visit.

Go Early 

Most people (including myself) visit just before sunrise to see the geyser field at its best. The change in temperature first thing in the morning means the geysers are at their most active. 

The run-up to sunrise is just as magical. The sky turns a deep purple before gradually transforming to the warmth of the dawn colours, and you see the last of the stars fade into the light. 

Be Sure to See “Nature’s Firework” 

Head to the southern geyser field just as the sunrises and go to the geyser in the far left corner. 

As the sun catches the steam from the fumarole at sunrise you can see the colours of the different minerals – my guide Rodolfo called it “natures fireworks” and I can’t think of a better way of describing it

Wrap Up Warm

Wrap up warm. I cannot stress this enough. On the morning of my last visit to El Tatio,  it was -15 Celsius. Yes, really! 

Wear layers: including a hat, thick jacket, buff / scarf and gloves, plus thick soled shoes as the ground is very cold.

Geysers and Fumaroles are Different 

Although the geothermal field is commonly referred to as El Tatio Geysers, it would be more accurate to call it El Tatio Geysers and Fumaroles – I guess that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. 

What’s the difference between a geyser and a fumarole? Geysers are where water erupts out of the earth, whereas fumaroles emit smoke. Both are spectacular. And on that note… 

Visit Both the Northern and Southern Geyser Fields 

El Tatio Geysers’ geothermal field is split into two geyser fields, the northern and southern. Though many visitors only explore one of the two, I’d advise you to take the time to see them both. 

Northern geyser field has the biggest fumaroles, but the southern geyser field has the most geysers. I recommend splitting your time between both.

This San Pedro de Atacama El Tatio Geysers Tour includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off

What Makes The Geysers del Tatio So Special? The Geology Behind the Spectacle

Before we get into the nitty gritty details of what you need to know to plan your trip to El Tatio, let’s take a step back and find out a little more about the geysers themselves because, when you think about it, they’re rather fascinating things. 

Why exactly is there a geothermal field belching out steam and hot water at dizzyingly high elevations in the Andes? Let’s take a deep dive. 

Location 

El Tatio sits at a staggering 4,320 metres (14,170 feet) above sea level in northern Chile. This geothermal field covers about 12 square miles (30 square km) across the Andes Mountains. 

The El Tatio Geysers’ altitude and land coverage make it the highest and third largest geothermal field in the Southern Hemisphere.

It sits at the base of a series of stratovolcanoes in the Central Volcanic Zone along the border between Chile and Bolivia. It also lies 50 miles (80km) from San Pedro de Atacama, a town in the famous Atacama Desert. 

What Exactly Are The El Tatio Geysers? How Were They Formed? 

El Tatio is a large and intricate system of calderas ignimbrites, geysers, hot springs, and fumarole vents formed over millions of years.  Around 80 geysers and hot springs are spread across this vast area and are divided into the northern and southern fields. 

The hot springs temperatures around the field reach anywhere between 30 – 80°C (86 – 176°F), while the geysers reach heights of three metres (nine feet). 

What about how they were formed? El Tatio sits in the Andean Mountains, an area well-known for its volcanic and tectonic activity thanks to the movements of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. Great to know – but it also has significant implications for the formation of the geothermal field. 

Water from rainfall and melting snow penetrates the ground and moves towards a heat source – whether that’s magma or extremely hot rocks. The water heats up, which in turn builds pressure as it’s enclosed by layers of impermeable rock. 

Once the pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the hot water and steam are forced up through fractures in the Earth’s crust, resulting in the spectacular geysers, hot springs and fumaroles you see at El Tatio today. 

Think of them as mini volcanos, but instead of spouting rock and ash, they erupt with steam and water – they do so more frequently than volcanoes too. 

Life in the Geysers 

El Tatio’s vents teem with life and contain forms of micro-organisms that include extremophiles (a tiny organism that lives in extreme environments) and hyperthermophiles (another microorganism that thrives in temperatures of 80°C or above). 

In fact, this area is so unique that in the past scientists have studied it as a blueprint for past life on Mars, and to understand Earth’s beginnings.

What’s in a Name? The Meaning of “El Tatio”

The word “Tatio” comes from the now-extinct Kunza Language. Tatio has numerous meanings, including “oven,” “the crying grandfather,” “burnt,” and “to appear.”

“Oven” and “to appear” are probably the most accurate descriptions of El Tatio because the geysers are boiling and appear suddenly. 

The first mentions of the geysers appear in records from the late 19th century, but it’s also believed that the Kunza people discovered them long before then. 

Planning Your Visit to El Tatio

El tatio geysers address.

• Antofagasta Región, Calama, Chile

El Tatio Geysers Opening Times 

Monday – Sunday: 06:00 am to 4:30 pm

Visiting El Tatio Geysers Independently 

Basing yourself in northern Chile’s largest town, San Pedro de Atacama, is a great way to explore the El Tatio Geysers. You can explore the El Tatio Geysers on your own if you rent a car , since it’s a short distance away. 

There is an entrance fee of 15,000 Chilean Pesos ($18) (£14). I recommend arriving early as the place fills up quickly with tour buses. 

Be careful as you walk around; there are clear demarcations as to where you can walk – there have been some fatalities in the past (although not since 2016, when the restricted areas were significantly expanded).

El Tatio Geysers Tour

Visiting the El Tatio Geysers on a tour has its benefits, too, mainly that it takes the hassle out of planning everything yourself. 

This San Pedro de Atacama El Tatio Geysers Tour includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off and a delicious meal to power you through the day. It also includes a knowledgeable guide pointing out great places in and around the area. The tour ends with a ride through the Putana Valley. 

Where to Stay Near El Tatio Geysers

Hotel desertica .

San Pedro de Atacama is the best place to base yourself if you plan on doing things in the Atacama and surrounding areas, like visiting the El Tatio Geysers. 

One of my top hotel picks here is Hotel Desertica, a small boutique hotel in an old family orchard. This chic retreat offers peace from the busy centre of San Pedro de Atacama. 

The hotel’s rooms are large and spacious and have a stunning blend of contemporary touches mixed with local woven textiles and spots of colour. Perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring. 

What to Pack for a Visit to El Tatio Geysers

While it gets rather hot later in the day, the mornings are incredibly freezing. On my last trip to El Tatio, it was -15°C (5°F), so here’s what I recommend packing: 

• Thermal outdoor leggings to keep warm. 
• Waterproof hiking trainers (Certain areas are pretty wet and muddy). 
• A thick waterproof jacket , Gloves , and beanie hat .
• Sunscreen and a bathing suit and a towel for later at the Puritama Hot Springs 

Read all Atacama Guides

Visiting El Tatio? You Should Also Read These

• Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Atacama Trip  
• 9 Must-Book Tours to Help You Explore the Atacama  
• 3 Days in the Atacama? Explore with This Itinerary
• Why Stargazing in the Atacama Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Tatio Geyser

Meet the Geisers del Tatio.

It is six o'clock in the morning and the sub-zero cold of the highlands continuously threatens to slip into our clothes.

However, such a magnificent spectacle is worth any sacrifice and in silence we contemplate this sanctuary that the atacameños baptized as "the grandfather who did not stop crying" .

At 4200 meters above sea level, the Geysers of El Tatio welcome us.

In front of us, the orange sun hides among fumaroles of up to 10 meters high that unfold gloriously over terrains of rocks and volcanic stones.

We are only 89 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama , but rather it seems that we have traveled to the beginning of time, when the Earth was just forming and man still had no intention to exist.

Motivated by curiosity, you approach one of the geysers to observe closely how the bubbling water sprouts from the depths of the earth.

It seems harmless, but the liquid splashing and turning into vapour before you is over 85 degrees Celsius . Aware of the danger, you step back a little and thank me for the warning.

However, do not be discouraged! The opportunity to test these waters still exists and to take advantage of it, we go to the natural wells that are located nearby.

Already immersed in these exquisite hot springs, we free ourselves from the cold and enjoy the landscape that is home to the third largest group of geysers in the world.

Details Tatio Geyser

• es.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Tatio

Experience Tatio Geyser with GreatChile

Programs & tours.

San Pedro Express

3 Excursions / 2 Nights in Hostal, double room

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4 Excursions / 3 Nights in Hostal, double room

Live San Pedro

5 Excursions / 3 Nights in Hotel, double room

Romantic San Pedro

4 Excursions / 3 Nights in Hotel, double room

Promotion: 5 Tours / 3 days

Promotion: 3 Tours / 2 days

Experts Appointment

A Magical Sunrise Tour of El Tatio Geysers, Chile

If you’re visiting San Pedro De Atacama, a visit to El Tatio Geysers is a must. Find out about tours of El Tatio, plus what to pack to make the most of your day out.

As I set my alarm for 4am, and rolled over in Hostel Desert , our cute little base in San Pedro de Atacama, I felt excited for the next day’s events. Since being a travel blogger my adventures have taken me all over the planet. I’ve visited Costa Rican waterfalls, Guatemalan volcanoes, Mayan ruins, medieval Croatian cities and been swimming in several oceans, lakes and rivers. Up until now though, I’d never seen a geyser. In fact, I didn’t really know what a geyser was.

At an altitude of 4320m, 90km north of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile (metres from the Bolivian border) is El Tatio. It’s the world’s third largest geyser field, and home to 80 active geysers. It’s aptly named too – El Tatio (geiser del tatio) is a native American word for ‘oven’, and in an ancient lost language means ‘old man who cries’.

What Is A Geyser?

Well, as I looked out at sunrise, I’d describe it as an eerie area of land filled with bubbling pockets of water and steaming gases. Geysers occur when cold underground rivers hit hot rocks, heating and projecting the water up to the surface. As we were in a volcanic region in the Andes Mountains, it was hardly surprising to find them here.

But let’s go back to the beginning. It was 4am, I was deep in the heart of the Atacama Desert with just constellations for illumination. I was wearing as many layers as I could for warmth. We were heading to high altitude for sunrise… and from what I’d heard, it was going to be seriously cold!

Booking A Tour To Visit El Tatio Geysers At Sunrise

We chose to book our tour to El Tatio with Viator – a popular tour operator. Once on board a minibus, friendly tour guide Veronica introduced herself, then suggested we catch a few zzzs as the journey would take around an hour and a half.

Never a good napper (and full of beans at 4.30am – much to my other half’s annoyance!) I attempted to take in the landscape. Yes it was pitch black, but occasionally there was an ominous silhouette of a volcano, or a new view of the spectacularly starry night sky.

Driving To El Tatio Geysers At Sunrise

I’m not going to lie, as someone who suffers with travel sickness, this journey was a tough one! The roads were incredibly bumpy and full of bends, leaving me very jealous of the dozing passengers around me. As we neared the entrance to the geyser site, the sun started to rise casting beautiful glimmers of light over the mountains. This was the start of an extremely magical day.

At the main entrance it became apparent we weren’t the only ones visiting El Tatio! Coach loads of tourists from across the globe stretched their legs, donned thick coats and joined a queue for the toilets that seemed to go on for infinity. While we weren’t in the main geyser field yet, there were already a few patches of steam rising from the ground – a spectacular sight against the yellowy tufts of grass, rugged grey mountains and a pale morning sky.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit El Tatio Geysers At Sunrise

Along with the tour fee of 25,000 Chilean Pesos (around £25) there was an individual fee of 5,000 Chilean Pesos (£5) per person to enter the site. Once paid up, it was onto the bus to drive to the first spot.

Guide Veronica told us that while there are over 500 geo-thermals, only 80 are active geysers (where the water actually emerges). We were advised to stick to paths, and warned not to get too close to the geysers. Over the years, some tourists had learned the hard way,  too busy taking selfies to notice the scalding hot water.

Magical Views Of El Tatio Geysers At Sunrise

With the sun rising fast, it was time to take advantage of the magical light and snap some photos. People became eerie shadows shrouded in steam, like a scene from a nightclub with too much dry ice!

Tours visit at dawn as the contrast between the sub zero temperatures and the boiling hot water forces the pillars of steam higher into the air. While some geysers steamed, others gurgled and bubbled like the sound of a Jacuzzi.

The ‘Great Geyser’ is the largest on the site. It has continued to  grow over the years as the boiling water has gradually eroded the surrounding ground. Some bubbled consistently, but a few were more dramatic. Veronica pointed out which, and we waited silently until a huge spurt of water erupted high into the sky.  Whoosh!

I was concerned by the hoards of tourists at the entrance, but once inside the geyser site, groups chose different routes, meaning that no areas were too crowded.

Visiting The Hot Springs At El Tatio Geysers

It’s not just the geysers that provide the entertainment here… there are hot springs too. Outside temperatures had started to heat up with the sunshine, but I was by no means warm yet! I bravely stripped to my bikini and hopped into the naturally hot pool. Heated by the volcanic rocks, it was a lovely experience, and the perfect way to finally get toasty after a rather chilly morning.

We’d certainly worked up an appetite, and from looking around it seemed our tour company provided the best breakfast of all the tours! We tucked into bread, cheese, freshly-cooked scrambled egg, hot coffee and plenty more… including my favourite South American breakfast spread – dulce de leche (caramel)!

We checked out a few more geysers before hopping on the minibus to start the journey back to San Pedro De Atacama. Little did we know, there would be several visual treats along the route. Volcanoes, mountains, colourful scrubland, mineral basins, lagoons and wildlife lined the road. There were even flamingos!

Visiting The Lagoons Near El Tatio Geysers

My favourite view was the mirror-reflection lagoon, surrounded by yellow grass with a backdrop of mountains and volcanoes, and a collection of vicunas grazing (similar to llamas). It was one of those ‘wow’ moments, I felt so lucky to be standing there!

Visiting Machuca After El Tatio Geysers

Our final stop was in Machuca – a small village home to one large family, 20 houses, and a cute little church. The family’s main income is from the daily influx of tourists who purchase food and drink – notably the llama kebabs that smelled delicious as they sizzled! The small bungalows made from clay bricks and grass thatch were adorable, and it was a fascinating insight into a simple and traditional way of life.

What a magical start to the day… a day that was to become even more magical as it went on, with an afternoon exploring El Valle De La Luna – The Valley of the Moon.

6 Top Tips For Your Visit To  El Tatio Geysers, Chile

1. Layer up. Visiting Chile in ‘summer’ meant I didn’t pack any particularly warm clothes – something I really regretted on this tour. Thankfully our tour company were kind enough to loan me a big coat! I’d recommend wearing thermals, a big coat, scarf, gloves and also bring a hat. Make sure you can remove layers easily as it gets really warm once the sun rises.

2. Pack your swimming things . I really enjoyed my dip in the hot springs, so be sure to pack a bikini or trunks and a lightweight towel.

3. Prepare for altitude. At 4320m, El Tatio is at high altitude, and some may struggle. Most tour companies advise guests to go easy on alcohol the night before and eat a light dinner.

4. Get an early night. You’ll need all your energy for the early start!

5. Pack a snack and lots of water. You’re up for quite a few hours before breakfast is served. Many hotels and hostels in the region will be happy to prepare a take away breakfast if you’re leaving early.

6. Make space for lots of photos. It’s a photographer’s playground, so be sure to have lots of space on your devices so you’re ready to get snap happy!

If you haven’t looked already, I’d recommend reading my guide to taking a tour of El Valle De La Luna too.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

6 thoughts on “A Magical Sunrise Tour of El Tatio Geysers, Chile”

I’ve just got back from Atacama and the El Tatio morning tour was my favourite of all the trips we made. Great photos. Did you get to see the lagoons south of Atacama? GJ

Thanks for reading Danielle. It was such a magical place – particularly at sunset! I hope you get the chance to visit one day. Cx

I would love to know how/where you booked this tour as well as the El Valle De La Luna Tour?! Looks amazing!

Hey Remy! I booked through a company called Trip Panda who, as far as I can see, don’t exist any more… such a shame as I thought they were great. I think most companies in San Pedro De Atacama offer the same tours so I’m sure google will give some tips 🙂 The tours were both excellent so I’d recommend them both if you can fit them in!

haha. I did the same tour. It was magical, wasn’t it?

OMG sooooooo insanely magical! Worth the early start!

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• North Chile
• San Pedro de Atacama
• Day Trips & Excursions

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.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Insurance Passenger Transport
• Entry or Admission - Geyser del Tatio

Departure & Return

Traveler pickup is offered

5:00 AM (May 12, 2018 to August 12, 2018)5:30 AM (August 13, 2018 toApril 06, 2019)Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• El Tatio sits at an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet, which may cause altitude sickness for some; it is recommended that you drink plenty of hot tea or water prior to the tour and carry any necessary medication. Night before the excursion light dinner, without red meat and without alcohol.
• Please bring cash to pay the entrance fees
• Not recommended for child aged 08 and under
• This experience requires good weather. If it's canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour or activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?

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