Geysers del Tatio

Geysers del Tatio is one of the wonders of Chile. Located at an altitude of 4300 meters and are the third largest geyser field in the world. However, geysers in Kamchatka (Russia) can not be visited by mass tourist, due to the complete lack of infrastructure. So the Tatio geysers are the second place in the world, after Yellowstone (USA), where the large geyser field is easy accessible.








The vast majority of tourists visit them with organized tours from San Pedro de Atacama (~$50-60). Buses leave early to catch the dawn, as the geysers are the strongest at this time. There are many tourists here, we saw about 20 long minibuses.

We came by car. The road in 100 km and travel time is about 2 hours.


Please note that you have to drive in absolute darkness along a dirt road. In some places there are quite large pits. In one of the places we had to move over the stream, and all that in absolute darkness. The road reconstruction project exists and now it's may be already paved.

It is very important to take warm clothes, as it will be very cold. The temperature can drop to -20 in winter and up to -5 in summer. It was fun to see the tourists in shorts. Gloves and a hat are required. After the sunrise the temperature will be more comfortable. And of course don't forget about the height. You have to be about 4 hours at an altitude of more than 4000 meters.

Geysers are not very high here, although some shoot water for several meters, and sometimes for 10-15 meters. At this altitude water needs only 85 degrees to boil. Hot water comes out under pressure, collides with cold air and turns into steam. And under the ground it heats up because of contact with magma.


Nevertheless, this place is very unusual and beautiful. Here you can take a lot of cool photos, everything will depend only on your luck.

At first, before dawn, everyone goes to the far parking lot S 22 19.814 W 68 00.670.








And when the sun has already risen and this place is tightened with steam, then people move to another parking lot S 22 20.512 W 68 00.705. There is even a thermal pool where you can swim.










On the way back, you will certainly meet wild vicuñas. We have already seen enough of them in other places, so we were happy to find a viscacha. It's something like a rabbit with big tail, very cute. They live on green slopes here S 22 35.178 W 68 02.978. Drive slowly and look to the left.






Here S 22 32.096 W 68 02.376 on the Putana River you can also see wild birds.


Getting there: As a part of an organized tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Coordinates of the parking lot S 22 19.814 W 68 00.670.