There is a special place in Chile, high in the Andes Mountains, called the “Geiser del Tatio”. It holds the distinction of being the largest geyser field in South America, and in fact, the southern hemisphere and one of the highest in the world. El Tatio is elevated at 14,000 feet above sea level and is a superb excursion for anyone looking to see something truly unique in the world.
Overall, El Tatio is the third-largest geyser field in the world. The field offers geysers and hot springs to experience. Some of the geysers display spectacular bursts of steam reaching high into the air. The sights, especially in the mornings, are quite breathtaking. Here are a few of the best options for visiting the geyser field while on your stay in Chile.
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Highlights:
- Alien-looking landscape
- Third largest geyser field in the world
- Superb displays, especially in the morning
Know before you book:
- No children under seven
- Entrance fees charged at the gate to the site
- Gets very cold, regardless of the season
The name “El Tatio” has different explanations or translations, depending on who you ask. Some believe it means “grandfather”. Others insist the word refers to an “oven”. Interestingly, the hot springs flow creates a new river, the Rio Salado, which is a tributary of the Rio Loa.
El Tatio is also a site for scientific research, as scientists believe it offers insights into pre-historical aspects of life on earth. This may have to do with the proximity of several volcanoes along the Chile-Bolivia border.
Today El Tatio is a major tourist draw to the region, and one of the best places to visit in South America.
El Tatio Geyser Field Entrance Prices 2024
There is a standard fee of $5.50 USD ($5,000 CLP) per person to enter the Geyser del Tatio. Remember to also carry a passport or ID. In addition, tour package tickets from providers can cost around $25-30 USD ($25,000 CLP), on average.
Note: Be advised that the site does not admit children under seven.
El Tatio Operating Times
The site for the El Tatio geyser field operates between 6 am to 5 pm daily.
Best Time to Go
Fans of the site say that the best time to visit the geysers is early in the morning. The geysers tend to be most active at this time of day, and the visuals of the steam against the colder morning air provide an additional visual splendor.
The sacrifice you’ll need to make comes in the form of a very early wake-up and drive through the darkness in order to be at the geyser site at sunrise. It takes two hours to drive from San Pedro. Pack a thermos!
El Atacama – The Desert
The desert, where one finds El Tatio, is a dry 100-mile-long desert plateau to the west of the Andes. It is the driest non-polar desert in the world, receiving less rain than other polar deserts overall.
The Atacama is fascinating in that it has been used as a testing ground for Mars experiments. It seems that this area is the closest simulation we may have to the conditions of the Red Planet.
El Tatio Tours
El Tatio happens to be somewhat of a day trip into an intriguing region of the country and, indeed, the desert. Options for visiting include a day trip or seeing several related attractions over several days. Here are two superb options to consider.
Day Tour Tatio Geyser Safari Style
You might as well travel to the geyser and surrounding area in style. This bus trip is designed to let you sit back and relax as the guide and driver do all the hard work. The tour not only takes you to the geyser field and a thermal pool, but applies a safari approach.
The tour staff will lay out a breakfast spread complete with tables and chairs. The guide will offer detailed info on all things of interest on your way and at the field itself. Best of all, you get to enjoy the comfort of reclining seats and the safety of the bus on the long drive.
- Breakfast
- Luxury bus
- Guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Park entrance fees
The operators will arrange a pick-up with you at your hotel. They will arrange for a time between 5 am and 6:30 am. Once on its way, the bus drives directly to the geysers and pool. Breakfast is served after, so it’s a good idea to pack a snack if you tend to get hungry before normal breakfast time.
The bus then returns, making a brief stop at Vado del Rio Putana and the town of Machuca, just in time for a local lunch. Note that the cost of this lunch is not included in the tour.
Check Price & BookSan Pedro de Atacama: 3-Day Special Activity Combo
Staying in Chile for a few days? Grab this convenient three-day package that includes a trip to the El Tatio geyser field. The package also includes the Vallecito, Baltinache lagoons, and the salt flats route.
This saves you a lot of trouble, with a bunch of sites planned for you. On the other hand, you lose a little bit of freedom of choice for what to do. That said, if you really do like to see the best of the best, and most significant sites around, it’s hard to go wrong here.
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Three days of activities
- El Tatio Geyser entrance fee
- Baltinache Hidden Lagoons entrance fee
El Tatio Geysers Tour – Half Day Tour
If you are keen to see the glory of the geyser field in the very early hours, this half-day tour is the right choice. Walk among the spouts of steam, and experience the contrast of early morning mountain cold, warm volcanic air, and water from the heart of the earth.
The tour also provides a warm breakfast. Which will be much welcome after the dark two-hour drive to get here, all to experience this magical moment. On the way back, you can stop to admire the superb flora and fauna of the Putana wetland.
- Breakfast
- Water
- Pick up from any hotel in San Pedro/li>
- El Tatio Geyser entrance fee
- Landing fees
Specification: El Tatio Geysers Tour Tickets 2024 | Prices, Options & More
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Anonymous –
Nicole de Intipara es muy competente y simpática. Es un sitio muy especial y el desayuno estaba buenísimo.
Mike_H –
A great experience! Our guide Chris is funny and well prepared! Being up close to the geysers is definitely amazing! Also seeing some Guanaco and flamingos! The 4:30 am pick is well worth it!
GetYourGuide traveler –
San Pedro was an AMAZING area with lots to do. The tours I did were great, only giving 4 stars because I could've waiting and gotten cheaper pricing through the hostel I stayed at (I think most hotels and hostels you can book tours through the front desk). I would also highly recommend renting a bike and going to the Devils Throat, it was the cheapest thing I did (5,000 pesos for bike and 3,000 for entrance) and probably my favorite! The astronomy tour through the Meteorite Museum was also AMAZING.
GetYourGuide traveler –
Very good experience