El Tatio Geysers, also known as the Géiseres del Tatio, is a geyser field high in the Andes Mountains of the Antofagasta Region in northern Chile. It lies at 4,320 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest geyser field in the world. The site is usually reached as a day trip from San Pedro de Atacama, the town that serves as the main base for exploring this part of the desert.
What to expect
The geysers are best seen at sunrise, when they are most active and send up dramatic columns of steam. Visitors who arrive early tend to see the field at its most striking, with the steam rising against the cold, clear light of the high plateau. Because of the altitude, the air is thin and temperatures can be very low in the early morning, so warm clothing is worth bringing.
Planning your visit
- Timing: Plan to arrive around sunrise for the most active display of steam.
- Altitude: At over 4,000 meters, take your time walking and allow your body to adjust.
- Clothing: Dress in layers for cold early-morning conditions.
- Base: San Pedro de Atacama is the usual starting point for the journey.
For many visitors, El Tatio is a chance to see a remote and unusual landscape, where the power of the earth is visible in clouds of steam. It can be combined with other stops around San Pedro de Atacama for a fuller picture of the region.
