El Tatio geysers: complete guide to booking your tour with Tur.com

At more than 4,200 meters above sea level, the El Tatio geothermal field is one of the largest and highest in the world, and the most popular excursion for anyone visiting San Pedro de Atacama. Leaving before dawn isn't just for the aesthetics -the steam plumes only show their full force during the first hours of the day, before the sun warms the air and the visual effect fades.

El Tatio is a geothermal field high in the Andes, where underground water meets volcanic heat and rises to the surface as steam vents and small water eruptions. The contrast between the hot water and the freezing dawn air -which can drop several degrees below zero- is what produces the columns of steam so characteristic of photos of the place. After sunrise, that thermal contrast drops and the spectacle loses intensity, which is why virtually every tour leaves before dawn.

The full excursion lasts around seven hours, including round-trip transport with hotel pickup, a local guide throughout, and a buffet breakfast included in front of the geothermal field, served once the extreme early-morning cold eases off a bit. The route doesn't stop at the geothermal field: most tours add two more stops on the way back, the Putana wetland and the village of Machuca.

• El Tatio geothermal field: dozens of active steam vents and small hot water eruptions in an almost lunar high-altitude landscape, walked on marked trails.
• Putana wetland: a high-altitude wetland where you can often spot vicuñas and Andean birds, a striking contrast with the aridity of the rest of the desert.
• Village of Machuca: a small adobe town with a colonial church and stalls selling handicrafts and local food before heading back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Because of the altitude (4,200 meters) and the low pre-dawn temperatures, this excursion isn't recommended for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure or a history of severe altitude sickness, nor for pregnant women. It's generally recommended from age 9 up. It's also worth arriving in San Pedro de Atacama (2,400 meters) with at least a day of acclimatization before heading up to such a higher altitude.

• Layered clothing, including something thermal or fleece, since the temperature before dawn can drop several degrees below zero.
• High-SPF sunscreen: despite the cold, sun radiation at altitude is very intense as soon as the sun comes up.
• Closed, comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
• Water to stay hydrated throughout the excursion.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night before, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Once on site, the most important safety rule is to always stay on marked trails: the crust of earth around the steam vents is thinner than it looks, and boiling-hot water flows just underneath.

The simplest way to organize the visit is to book the El Tatio geyser tour directly on Tur.com, which includes hotel pickup, a local guide, buffet breakfast, and the stops at the Putana wetland and Machuca village in a single outing, without having to arrange your own transport for a pre-dawn departure.

What time do I need to wake up for the El Tatio geyser tour?

Departure is before dawn, usually in the early hours of the morning, to arrive at the geothermal field right when the steam plumes are at their most impressive due to the temperature contrast.

How long does the full excursion take?

About seven hours in total, counting the round-trip transport from your lodging, the time at the geothermal field, and the stops at the Putana wetland and the village of Machuca.

Is the El Tatio geyser tour dangerous because of the altitude?

Not for most healthy visitors, but it isn't recommended for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, a history of severe altitude sickness, or pregnant women, given that the geothermal field sits at 4,200 meters.

Is breakfast included in the tour?

Yes, most tours include a buffet breakfast served right at the geothermal field, once the extreme early-morning cold eases off a bit.