El Tatio geyser field is one of San Pedro de Atacama’s most popular surrounding attractions and one of the biggest geothermal fields in the world with more than 80 geysers.
Along the way, you can admire scenic mountain roads surrounded by snow-covered active and dormant volcanic peaks. Magma beneath the surface acts to heat an underground source of water resulting in an explosive release of pressure.
With a local guide, you'll arrive at El Tatio at sunrise, when the cold, high-altitude air creates a mystical landscape of steam. You have about two hours to walk around the field, admire the geothermal wonders, and taking pictures. Then you will enjoy a light breakfast that typically includes a ham and cheese sandwich, biscuit, fruit, juice, tea, and coffee.
You stay at El Tatio for three hours, then you head back toward San Pedro de Atacama, stopping in the village of Machuca. You have about an hour to explore the very tiny village (about 10 residents) at your leisure. Admire its wooden church, adobe houses with thatch roofs, and artisan shop. If you wish, you can try the local specialty called llama empanada (own expense).