The Atacama rewards you with geysers, lagoons and the clearest skies on Earth — but much of it sits high. A little preparation keeps you feeling great.
San Pedro de Atacama sits at about 2,400m. Popular tours climb higher: the El Tatio geysers are above 4,300m, and the altiplano lagoons reach 4,200m.
Spend your first day or two in San Pedro doing low-altitude activities before booking the high tours. Hydrate constantly and go easy on alcohol.
Mild headache and breathlessness are normal; severe symptoms are not. Descend if you feel worse, and ask your guide about coca tea, a local remedy.
Explore the Atacama
The town sits at roughly 2,400 meters, while many popular tours climb above 4,000 meters.
Acclimatize for a day or two, stay well hydrated, limit alcohol and save the highest tours for later in your trip.
El Tatio sits above 4,300 meters, making it one of the highest geyser fields in the world.