Purilibre Trekking

Purilibre Trekking offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation in the north of Chile. For $44 per person, you’ll spend around 4.5 hours exploring the lush Puritama Canyon, trekking at 3,500 meters altitude, and unwinding in natural hot springs. Led by bilingual guides, this tour combines scenic beauty with authentic natural experiences, making it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a mix of activity and leisure.

What we find particularly appealing is how the tour balances a manageable trek through a surprisingly verdant canyon with the chance to soothe tired muscles in warm, mineral-rich hot springs. Plus, the inclusion of a small snack adds a thoughtful touch, making it easy to enjoy the entire outing without extra planning. On the flip side, some might find the 40-minute drive and walk time a bit brisk if they prefer longer excursions, but overall, the pace is reasonable. This trip suits those who want a taste of Chile’s stunning desert landscapes combined with genuine relaxation—perfect for active travelers who also appreciate downtime in nature’s hot tubs.

Key Points

• Breathtaking scenery: Trek in lush Puritama Canyon at high altitude.
• Relaxing hot springs: Soak in warm, mineral-rich waters after the hike.
• Bilingual guides: Guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible.
• Affordable value: At just $44, it offers a memorable natural adventure without breaking the bank.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Short, manageable duration: Perfect for travelers with limited time or those looking for a half-day outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Purilibre Trekking Experience

When thinking about what makes this tour stand out, it’s important to focus on the location and experience. The tour takes you 40 minutes north of San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll begin your journey into a surprisingly lush part of the desert: Puritama Canyon. At around 3,500 meters altitude, the trek offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy high-elevation scenery without the intensity of longer hikes.

The actual trek lasts about 40 minutes, during which you’ll walk along the Puritama River, passing through a green corridor that seems almost out of place in this arid landscape. The contrast between the stark desert and the vibrant greenery is striking. The canyon’s walls—cloaked in shades of brown and green—frame your path, offering plenty of photographic moments. The guides—fluent in both English and Spanish—are friendly and informative, sharing insights about the area’s geology, flora, and history.

A standout feature of the tour is relaxing in the natural hot springs. After the trek, you’ll arrive at a series of warm, inviting pools nestled in the rocks, where you can soak for about an hour. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, and many travelers find this to be a highlight. The hot springs are natural and free of charge, so there’s no extra entrance fee, which enhances the overall value.

To keep things simple, a small snack is included, often a nice touch after the physical activity. Once you’ve finished your soak, you’ll walk back to the starting point and be driven back to San Pedro de Atacama, arriving relaxed and with plenty of time to explore the town’s other attractions.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Pickup and Drive: The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation or prearranged meeting point, followed by a comfortable 40-minute drive north. This ride gives travelers a chance to get oriented to the landscape and chat briefly with the guide, who might share local insights or anecdotes.

Trekking in Puritama Canyon: Once at the trailhead, you’ll set out on a 40-minute walk through a surprisingly lush canyon. The walk is moderately easy, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll see the Puritama River meander by, surrounded by green foliage, which provides a cool respite from the desert’s dryness.

Hot Springs Relaxation: The highlight for many is the hour-long soak in natural hot springs. These pools are naturally formed, with mineral-rich waters heated by geothermal activity. The setting is peaceful, with scenic views of the canyon walls, and some pools are large enough for groups to relax comfortably.

Return and Reflection: After your soak, you’ll walk back to the starting point for the drive back to San Pedro de Atacama. The entire experience is designed to be manageable, with a total duration of about 4.5 hours, including transportation, trekking, and relaxing.

What Travelers Say

Numerous reviews praise the stunning vistas and the peaceful atmosphere of the hot springs. One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the canyon’s greenery contrasted with the desert, and soaking in the hot springs was a perfect way to unwind after the trek.” Others appreciate the bilingual guides, noting that they provided helpful context and made everyone feel comfortable.

Some reviewers noted that the walk is manageable even for those with limited hiking experience, making it suitable for families or less-active travelers. A few comments indicated that the views during the walk are particularly beautiful, with travelers capturing memorable photos of the river and canyon walls.

A small number of visitors pointed out that the drive and walk are fairly short, which might leave some wanting a longer or more strenuous adventure. However, for most, the combination of scenery, activity, and relaxation hits the right balance.

The Practicalities

Price and Value: At $44 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusion of transportation, a bilingual guide, and the hot springs soak. The absence of an entrance fee is a bonus, making it a straightforward and affordable choice.

Duration and Timing: With a flexible start time, you can select a slot that suits your schedule. Check availability, as times can vary, but typically the tour lasts about 4.5 hours.

Group Size and Comfort: Expect small groups that allow for a more personalized experience. The transportation is comfortable, and guides are attentive to safety and information.

Booking Flexibility: The option to reserve now and pay later, along with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, provides peace of mind—especially if your plans change.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a taste of the diverse landscapes of northern Chile without a strenuous commitment. If you enjoy moderate hikes combined with the chance to relax in natural settings, you’ll probably find this tour very satisfying. Families, less-active travelers, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature will appreciate the soothing hot springs and scenic walk.

It’s also perfect for those who value bilingual guides and want to learn more about the area in their preferred language. If you’re limited on time but still want an authentic, scenic adventure, this tour fits the bill nicely.

Final Thoughts

What makes Purilibre Trekking stand out is its ability to combine scenic beauty, light activity, and relaxation in a single, affordable package. You walk through a lush canyon that feels surprisingly remote, swim in natural hot springs that soothe both body and mind, and enjoy the company of guides who make the experience engaging and accessible.

The slight brevity of the trek and soak might leave some craving more, but for many, it’s a perfect dose of nature’s best offerings in the Chilean desert. It’s a wonderful way to break up your exploration of San Pedro de Atacama, especially if you’re looking for a calming, scenic outing that doesn’t require hours of hiking or complicated logistics.

In short, this tour suits travelers who love beautiful landscapes, want a bit of adventure, and enjoy relaxing in natural waters—a genuine highlight in the desert.

FAQ

Is there an entrance fee for the hot springs?
No, the hot springs are natural and included in the tour at no extra charge, so you won’t need to pay an entrance fee separately.

How long is the trek?
The walk in Puritama Canyon lasts about 40 minutes, making it a manageable trek for most fitness levels.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, providing helpful explanations in either language.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear for the hot springs, a towel, and sunscreen are recommended. A small snack is provided, but you may also want to bring water.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later. Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, the walk is quite manageable, and the relaxing hot springs are suitable for a wide age range, making it a family-friendly outing.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a bucket list traveler, or just looking for a relaxing day in the desert, Purilibre Trekking delivers a memorable taste of what northern Chile has to offer. It’s a balanced adventure that combines stunning scenery with calming waters, all at an accessible price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby