Geysers d'El Tatio
Les geysers d'El Tatio sont un champ géothermique situé dans la région d'Antofagasta au Chili. C'est l'un des champs géothermiques les plus élevés au monde et il est connu pour ses impressionnants geysers qui projettent de l'eau chaude et de la vapeur dans l'air. Les visiteurs peuvent assister à l'activité géothermique, se baigner dans des sources d'eau chaude naturelles et admirer les paysages époustouflants des hauts plateaux andins. Les geysers d'El Tatio offrent une expérience unique et surréaliste au milieu des phénomènes volcaniques et de la beauté naturelle.
Emplacement et comment s'y rendre
El Tatio Geysers are located approximately 95 kilometers northeast of San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta Region of Northern Chile. The site sits at an altitude of 4,320 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest geothermal fields in the world.
- By Tour: Most visitors join guided tours departing from San Pedro de Atacama, typically leaving before dawn to arrive at sunrise when the geysers are most active.
- By Car: A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to rough, unpaved roads. The drive takes about 2 hours from San Pedro.
Heures d'ouverture et billets
The geysers are accessible daily from early morning until late afternoon, though visiting at sunrise (around 5:00–7:00 AM) is ideal for witnessing the steam plumes at their most dramatic.
- Entrance Fee: Approximately 10,000 CLP (Chilean pesos) for foreigners, with discounts for Chilean residents.
- Tickets: Purchased at the entrance; no online booking is required.
Meilleur moment pour visiter
The dry season (May to November) offers clearer skies and colder temperatures, enhancing the visual spectacle of the steam. Arrive early to avoid crowds and experience the geysers in solitude.
Durée de la visite
Plan for 2–3 hours to explore the geothermal field, including time for photography and short walks around the geysers and hot springs.
Activités
- Observe the geothermal activity, including bubbling pools and steam vents.
- Take a dip in the nearby thermal pools (bring a swimsuit and towel).
- Photograph the surreal landscape, especially at sunrise.
Installations
- Basic restrooms are available near the entrance.
- No cafes or gift shops on-site; bring snacks and water.
- Limited parking for private vehicles.
- No formal accessibility infrastructure due to the rugged terrain.
Ce qu'il faut apporter/vêtir
- Warm layers (temperatures can drop below freezing at dawn).
- Sturdy footwear for walking on uneven ground.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—UV radiation is intense at high altitude.
- Water and snacks; there are no vendors on-site.
Règles et règlements
- Stay on marked paths to avoid damaging fragile geothermal formations.
- No swimming in the geysers—only designated thermal pools are safe.
- Drones may require special permits; check local regulations.
- Pack out all trash; the site has no waste disposal facilities.
Informations sur le contact
For updates or inquiries, consult the San Pedro de Atacama tourism office or local tour operators. An official website for the geysers is not readily available.