Puritama Canyon Trek to Thermal Pools, San Pedro de Atacama

You'll likely begin your journey in San Pedro de Atacama, where you'll meet your guide at a specific spot. Board the bus or minibus from there, traveling nearly 28 miles (45 km) through the vast Atacama Desert. After about a 45-minute drive, you'll arrive at the starting point of your hiking journey in the Puritama River Canyon. 

As you step down from the bus, you'll see the nearby waterfalls, natural pools with hydrothermal properties, and the high walls caused by erosion that flank the river basin. From here, it's common to trek for half an hour along the canyon, following in the footsteps of the Atacameño people, who used the therapeutic waters of the river to treat their ailments since ancient times. Along the way, your guide will highlight the diverse flora and fauna adapted to thrive in the desert. 

Typically, the end of your route will bring you to a thermal pool with crystal-clear water. Here, you'll have nearly two hours of free time to relax, soak in the therapeutic properties, and enjoy a snack. When this time is up, your guide will take you back to San Pedro de Atacama, marking the end of your journey.