Tours and local guide in San Pedro de Atacama
Atacama, your way
I'm Jerónimo, a guide based in San Pedro de Atacama. I design each experience around the traveler, the time available and their adaptation to altitude.
San Pedro de Atacama, 2,407 meters above sea level
Begin the ascentFrom 2,300 to 5,600 meters
Experiences are ordered by altitude, which is also the recommended order to enjoy them. Select the ones that interest you and receive a suggested itinerary at the end.
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2.300 m
Lagoons and salt flats
Cejar Lagoon
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Feel what it's like to float in water so salty you can't sink, surrounded by vast desert scenery. The route also visits the mysterious Ojos del Salar and the stunning Tebenquinche Lagoon.
- Schedule
- 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Includes
- Transport, full circuit (Cejar, Ojos del Salar and Tebenquinche) and a snack.
- Good to know
- Bring a swimsuit and a towel.
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2.400 m
Night sky
Stargazing Tour
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Discover the clearest night sky on the planet in an experience that brings together modern astronomy and the Andean worldview. See planets and nebulae through professional telescopes and take home high-quality photos under the stars.
- Schedule
- 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Includes
- Hotel transport, guided talk, viewing through 2–3 telescopes, 2–3 professional photos per person, and a drink with snacks.
- Good to know
- Desert nights are very cold: bring warm clothes.
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2.400 m
Lickanantay culture
Turi Kunza
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Turi Kunza means “Our House” in Kunza, the local language. You walk with llamas through the ayllu, shape clay using the ancestral technique of Mami Isidora, learn about desert herbs and taste local maize, chañar, carob and quinoa.
- Schedule
- Morning: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Afternoon: 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm (earlier in winter).
- Includes
- Transport for groups of up to 12, llama walk, clay workshop, 3 high-Andean herbal infusions and a tasting of local products.
- Good to know
- Minimum 2 people. Travelling alone? We'll add you to a confirmed group.
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2.450 m
Premium experience
Hot-air balloon flight
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Lift off at dawn and fly for 45 minutes to an hour over the desert, with the Andes on the horizon. Operated by Atacama Balloons, flying in the Atacama since 2017 under Chile's civil aviation authority standards.
- Schedule
- Pickup one hour before sunrise. About 3.5 hours in total.
- Includes
- Transport, coffee and breakfast before the flight, plus a sparkling-wine toast with sandwiches and a cheese board after landing.
- Good to know
- Minimum age: 6. Weather dependent: the date is confirmed with the wind forecast.
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2.450 m
Lagoons and salt flats
Baltinache Hidden Lagoons
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One of the most sought-after landscapes in the desert: seven intensely colored saltwater lagoons in the middle of the Salt Mountains, where you float in a place few people know.
- Schedule
- Morning: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Afternoon: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Includes
- Transport and guide. Breakfast on the morning tour, or a drink on the afternoon tour.
- Good to know
- The entrance fee is paid separately, in cash.
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2.500 m
Classic
Moon Valley
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Walk through a landscape that looks like another planet. Explore the rock formations, salt ridges and dunes of San Pedro's most iconic park, and end the day with one of the most spectacular sunsets in the desert.
- Schedule
- 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm approx.
- Includes
- Hotel pickup, guided walk along the main trails and a sunset drink.
- Good to know
- Perfect for day one: it sits at almost the same altitude as town.
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2.500 m
Adventure
Vallecito
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Explore canyons, dunes and wind-sculpted landscapes on a quiet, intimate route. Unique panoramic views and an unforgettable sunset in the silence of the desert.
- Schedule
- Departure around 3:00 pm, back after sunset.
- Includes
- Transport, guided walk along the salt ridge and a sunset drink.
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2.500 m
Adventure
Sandboarding in Death Valley
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A lesson with an instructor and several descents down the dunes of Death Valley, in the heart of the Salt Mountains. An intense experience without gaining altitude.
- Schedule
- Morning or afternoon. About 3.5 hours.
- Includes
- Transport, instructor and full equipment.
- Good to know
- Minimum age: 14. The valley entrance fee is paid separately.
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3.000 m
Trekking and hot springs
Purilibre Trek
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Adventure and relaxation along the Puritama River. Hike beside the water through desert canyons until you reach natural hot-spring pools, where you enjoy an hour and a half of bathing in a completely natural setting.
- Schedule
- Departures at 8:00 am or 2:00 pm. About 4 hours in total.
- Includes
- Transport, trekking guide and free time in the hot pools.
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3.500 m
Classic
Rainbow Valley
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A route through red, green and white hills, with a stop at the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs, carved into the rock by the desert's ancient inhabitants.
- Schedule
- 7:00 am to 12:30 pm approx.
- Includes
- Breakfast, transport and guide.
- Good to know
- Entrance fees for Yerbas Buenas and the valley are paid separately.
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3.500 m
Wellness
Puritama Hot Springs
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An oasis of rest: a private complex of 8 natural hot-spring pools between 33 °C and 35 °C, surrounded by canyons. The perfect plan to recharge body and mind.
- Schedule
- About 4 hours in total, with 2 hours of bathing.
- Includes
- Round-trip transport and access to changing rooms and restrooms.
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4.200 m
High plateau
Red Rocks and High-Andean Lagoons
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A full day on the high plateau: the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons at the foot of the volcanoes, the red formations of Piedras Rojas beside the Aguas Calientes salt flat, and the flamingos of Chaxa Lagoon.
- Schedule
- 7:00 am to 6:00 pm approx.
- Includes
- Breakfast, lunch, transport, guide and entrance fees.
- Good to know
- It reaches 4,200 m: best done after a few days of acclimatization.
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4.300 m
High plateau
Salt Flats Route
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A route across the high plateau near the border: the Monks of Pacana, the Quisquiro and Aguas Calientes salt flats and views of Licancabur, through landscapes few travelers ever see.
- Schedule
- 7:00 am to 2:30 pm approx.
- Includes
- Breakfast, lunch, transport and guide.
- Good to know
- Goes above 4,000 m. Minimum age: 9.
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4.320 m
High plateau
El Tatio Geysers
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One of the most impressive geothermal fields on the planet. You arrive at first light to see the steam at its peak, and on the way back you stop at the village of Machuca and the Putana River wetlands.
- Schedule
- 5:00 am to 12:30 pm approx.
- Includes
- Breakfast, transport and guide.
- Good to know
- Temperatures drop below freezing: dress very warmly. The park entrance fee is paid separately.
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5.592 m
High mountain
Láscar Volcano
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A demanding ascent to the crater of one of the most active volcanoes in northern Chile, with fumaroles in sight. For those looking for the biggest challenge of the trip.
- Schedule
- 5:00 am to 4:00 pm approx. 3–4 hour climb.
- Includes
- Breakfast, trail rations, transport, mountain guide, trekking poles and helmet.
- Good to know
- Minimum age: 14. Requires good fitness and at least 2 prior nights of acclimatization.
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5.604 m
High mountain
Cerro Toco
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The most accessible summit in the area: the climb starts near 5,000 m and in 2 to 3 hours you reach the top, among ice penitentes and views over the whole high plateau.
- Schedule
- 7:00 am to 2:00 pm approx.
- Includes
- Transport, mountain guide, trail rations, trekking poles and helmet.
- Good to know
- Minimum age: 14. Requires at least 2 prior nights in San Pedro.
Multi-day journeys
Cross into Bolivia over the high plateau to the Uyuni Salt Flat. Best done at the end of your stay, once you're acclimatized.
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+5.000 m
Journey to Bolivia
Uyuni Salt Flat, 3 days
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- Schedule
- Departs 6:00 am on day 1. Arrives in Uyuni on day 3 at 3:00 pm.
- Includes
- 4x4 transport, mountain-lodge accommodation and full board.
- Good to know
- Reaches about 5,000 m. Bolivian park fees are paid separately.
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+5.000 m
Journey to Bolivia
Uyuni Salt Flat, 4 days
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- Schedule
- Departs 6:00 am on day 1. Back in San Pedro on day 4 at 1:00 pm.
- Includes
- 4x4 transport, mountain-lodge accommodation and full board.
- Good to know
- Reaches about 5,000 m. Bolivian park fees are paid separately.
Times are approximate and change with the season. Jerónimo confirms every detail before you book.
Every journey begins by getting to know the traveler
I live and work in San Pedro de Atacama. In the desert, altitude shapes the experience: the same excursion can become the highlight of a trip or affect the days that follow, depending on when it is done.
That's why I order every itinerary from lowest to highest altitude, work with small groups and personally follow each request from start to finish. If a route isn't advisable for your level of acclimatization, I will tell you clearly.
Start planningWhat travelers say
Jerónimo guides with Pukarumi Travels. These are the Google reviews left by travelers who explored the Atacama with the agency.
Plan your trip
Five short questions to suggest a day-by-day itinerary, ready to send on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book?
You can plan your trip on this page or contact Jerónimo directly on WhatsApp. Before booking, he will confirm availability and the details of each outing.
What is altitude sickness and how do I avoid it?
San Pedro sits at 2,400 meters and several tours go above 4,000. The most common symptoms are headache, tiredness and shortness of breath. It helps to start with the lower tours, drink plenty of water and skip alcohol for the first few days. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before traveling.
What should I bring on the tours?
Layers, because it's below freezing at dawn and hot at midday. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water and your ID. For lagoons and hot springs, a swimsuit and towel.
Do tours include hotel pickup?
Most tours include pickup from your accommodation in San Pedro. Each experience lists exactly what is included.