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    Geysers del Tatio Area

    Chile

    Geysers del Tatio Area

    Natural AreaNature

    The El Tatio geyser field lies at about 4,320 meters in the Andes, about 80 to 90 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Chile
    7. Atacama Desert
    9. Geysers del Tatio Area
    The El Tatio geyser field lies at about 4,320 meters in the Andes, about 80 to 90 kilometers north of San Pedro de Atacama. Shortly after sunrise, steam columns rise from dozens of vents into the icy cold air, so tours begin in the middle of the night.

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    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Gêiser del Tatio

    1Gêiser del Tatio

    The Geysers del Tatio, located in the highlands of Chile's Atacama Desert, form the world's third-largest geyser field and are an impressive natural phenomenon. Here, at an altitude of approximately 4,320 meters above sea level, you'll witness dozens of geysers and fumaroles shooting their steam fountains into the ice-cold morning air at sunrise. This spectacle arises from the convergence of hot magma beneath the earth's surface and cold meltwater from the Andes. Activity is most intense between 6 and 7 AM, when the temperature difference between the hot water and the surrounding air is greatest. Our tip: Dress in layers, as temperatures before sunrise can drop well below freezing but rise quickly during the day. To avoid crowds and enjoy the landscape's tranquility, it's advisable to book a tour that starts very early or arrives a bit later, after the first buses have departed. A visit to the natural thermal pools after the geyser spectacle offers welcome relaxation.
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    Aguas Calientes Toconce

    2Aguas Calientes Toconce

    Thermal spring in the highlands near Toconce. Operators, access, and opening hours are unconfirmed; inquire with providers in San Pedro or Calama before visiting.
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    El Tatio

    3El Tatio

    The main field with geysers, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots is located at approximately 4,300 meters in a high valley. Marked paths lead between the vents, and the steam plumes are highest in the first hour after sunrise.
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    4Geyser Blanco

    A single geyser slightly south of the main field, on the track towards San Pedro, surrounded by white mineral deposits. Many tours stop here on the way back for a short photo stop.
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    Piscina Termal del Tatio

    5Piscina Termal del Tatio

    The Piscina Termal del Tatio offers you a unique opportunity to bathe in the mineral-rich waters of the Geysers del Tatio. Situated at an altitude of over 4,300 meters, this is a special experience amidst Chile's stark Andean landscape. The water of the natural thermal spring is heated by geothermal activity, reaching temperatures of approximately 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, which provides a pleasant contrast to the often frosty morning hours. Historically, indigenous peoples already utilized the healing properties of these springs.You'll find the pools right in the geyser field, surrounded by steaming fountains and characteristic mineral deposits. A bath here, often after observing the geysers at sunrise, is a popular activity. Our Tip: Visit the Piscina early in the morning, immediately after experiencing the main geyser activity. At this time, the air is still cool, making the warm water especially pleasant, and crowds are still manageable. Be sure to bring warm clothing for afterward and a towel, as outside temperatures can drop quickly. Pay attention to the altitude and drink plenty of water.
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    Thermal Pool El Tatio

    6Thermal Pool El Tatio

    The thermal pool at the edge of the geyser field is the only place where bathing is allowed. The water is warm, but the air when changing after sunrise is icy; a towel and dry clothes should be packed.
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    Restaurants in Geysers del Tatio Area

    Food While Traveling

    No restaurants are available at the geyser field itself. Tours provide food; a small village with snack stands is found en route.

    Fieldside Breakfast

    Most tours include an outdoor breakfast, usually after exploring the geyser field. In sub-zero temperatures, a hot drink is primarily about warmth; bringing your own thermos won't hurt.

    Stop in Machuca

    On the way back, many tours stop at the small adobe village of Machuca. What's offered there depends on the season and time of day; small bills are advisable.

    Drinking at altitude

    At around 4,300 meters, the air quickly dries you out, which many underestimate in the cold. Take water and eat lightly before departure. Alcohol is more potent at altitude than usual.

    Background

    Land of the CommunitiesSince 2014, the Atacameño communities of Caspana and Toconce have held a 30-year, free state concession for the geyser field. They manage access and collect entrance fees, with revenues returning to the villages whose residents traditionally live from terraced farming and llama herding. Tourism is also now an important source of income in Machuca and other places along the route.The operators have established paths, barriers, and visitor regulations. Stay on marked paths, do not throw anything into the vents, and only bathe in the designated thermal pool.Dispute over Geothermal EnergyIn 1973 and 1974, the first drillings for geothermal energy were carried out at Tatio. A second attempt ended in 2009 when a drilling resulted in an uncontrolled steam column. Following protests from local communities, the project was halted. To this day, the conflict is considered an example in Chile of the dispute between energy production and the rights of indigenous communities.

    Arrival and On-Site

    Most people come with a guided tour from San Pedro. Buses pick you up from your accommodation between 4:00 and 4:30 AM; the journey takes one and a half to two hours, depending on road conditions. Confirm whether entry and breakfast are included in the tour price when booking.Admission and Opening HoursAdmission: 15,000 Pesos for adults and children aged nine and over, as of 2026. Payment is by card or bank transfer.Opening Hours: 6 AM to 4 PM. The most activity can be observed between approximately 5:30 and 7:00 AM, shortly after opening.Children: Children aged eight and under are not permitted for self-guided visits, according to the operator.You can drive the same route independently with a rental car, but you should consider it carefully: The track is gravel for long stretches, you ascend over 4,300 meters, and you'll be driving in the dark. Filling up the tank is mandatory, as there are no gas stations along the way.The altitude can be challenging even for healthy individuals, so seek medical advice beforehand. On many tours, the return journey passes through the village of Machuca, where empanadas and llama skewers are sold.

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    Nearby

    Atacama Desert

    Atacama Desert

    The Atacama in northern Chile is one of the driest deserts on Earth: salt flats, volcanoes, high-altitude lakes, and geyser fields at over 4,000 meters. Almost all visitors stay in the oasis San Pedro de Atacama and explore the region from there on day trips.
    San Pedro de Atacama Village

    San Pedro de Atacama Village

    San Pedro de Atacama is an adobe oasis village at approx. 2,450 meters in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. Stay here to experience geysers, salt flats, highland lagoons, and the desert's starry sky: Most regional excursions depart from the Plaza and Calle Caracoles.
    Valle de la Luna

    Valle de la Luna

    The Valle de la Luna, some 13 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama, is a valley of salt, gypsum, and clay formations with sand dunes in the Cordillera de la Sal. Late afternoon sun tinges ridges and rock faces reddish.
    Salar de Atacama

    Salar de Atacama

    The Salar de Atacama, south of San Pedro, is Chile's largest salt flat, a rough, white-grey crust before Andean volcanoes. Three flamingo species live in the shallow lagoons at its edge, especially Laguna Chaxa.
    Lagunas Altiplánicas

    Lagunas Altiplánicas

    The Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques are two deep blue highland lakes at over 4,100 meters in the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert, in northern Chile. Against the backdrop of their namesake volcanoes, you'll see flamingos, taguas, and vicuñas here, and on the way there, the drive passes the Salar de Atacama and the red rocks of Piedras Rojas.

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