Purilibre Trekking

Purilibre Trekking: An Authentic Day in North Chile’s Desert and Hot Springs

Imagine a morning where you leave the dusty streets of San Pedro de Atacama behind and find yourself walking through a lush, green canyon at 3,500 meters altitude. For around $49 per person, this 4.5-hour guided tour offers a chance to experience the spectacular Puritama canyon, with its winding river and inviting natural hot springs. Led by knowledgeable guides, mostly speaking English and Spanish, you’ll enjoy a gentle trek followed by well-deserved time soaking in geothermal waters—an experience that balances adventure with relaxation.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love how it combines scenic trekking in an unlikely green spot amid the desert’s heat and dryness. Second, the hot springs provide a soothing end to the trek—perfect after a walk at high altitude. The tour’s price point makes it accessible for many travelers, especially considering the included snack and hotel pickup.

A possible consideration? The 40-minute walk at altitude might be challenging for some, especially those with mobility issues or not accustomed to thin air. Also, since there’s no entrance fee included, you might want to budget extra if there are specific sites requiring payment.

This experience generally suits active travelers who enjoy light trekking and relaxing in natural settings. It’s ideal for families with older children, couples, or solo explorers looking for a manageable but memorable outing in the desert.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic Trekking: The walk through the Puritama canyon at high altitude offers lush greenery contrasting with the surrounding desert.
• Relaxation in Hot Springs: Soaking in warm, natural geothermal waters provides a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.
• Balanced Duration: The 4.5-hour itinerary includes transport, walking, and relaxation, making it a well-rounded half-day adventure.
• Guided Experience: Bilingual guides enhance understanding of the environment and ensure safety during the walk.
• Affordable Price: At $49, this tour offers good value, especially with hotel pickup and a snack included.
• Physical Consideration: The trek’s altitude and walking distance may require a moderate level of physical fitness.

A Deep Dive into the Purilibre Trekking Experience

Setting Out from San Pedro de Atacama

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in San Pedro, a small but lively town that’s the gateway to many desert adventures. The van ride takes about 40 minutes north, during which you can get your first glimpses of the rugged landscape transforming into a greener, more inviting environment. Since guides make contact beforehand and wait no longer than five minutes after scheduled pickup, you can plan to be ready to go without stress.

The Trek in the Puritama Canyon

Once at the starting point, you’ll embark on a roughly 40-minute walk into the Puritama canyon. This spot is notably different from the surrounding desert—it’s surprisingly lush, with vivid green vegetation and a lively river passing through. The high altitude (around 3500 meters) adds a bit of a challenge, but the walk is gentle and suitable for most travelers in average health.

We loved the way the river adds a sense of movement and life to the canyon, making it more than just a dusty hike. It’s a place where nature’s resilience is on full display—an oasis in the dry desert landscape. As one reviewer pointed out, the images used to promote the tour don’t fully match reality, but the natural beauty of the canyon still impresses in person.

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The Hot Springs: A Natural Reward

The highlight for many is reaching the natural hot springs. These geothermal pools glow with warmth, and soaking in them after the walk feels like a true reward. The one-hour relaxation allows you to unwind, take photos, or simply enjoy the silence and warmth. The waters are naturally heated, creating a soothing environment that’s perfect for easing tired muscles.

You’ll have the chance to swim, relax, and even enjoy a small snack included in the tour. We found this quiet time especially valuable—it’s not often you get such a peaceful setting in the middle of a desert.

The Return Journey

After relaxing in the springs, you’ll walk back to the starting point to board the van for the return to San Pedro. The entire experience, including transport, walking, and soaking, takes about 4.5 hours, making it a convenient half-day option. The tour concludes right in the heart of San Pedro, close to shops and cafes for a relaxing post-activity break.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama

Starting early or mid-morning, your guides will meet you at your hotel lobby. This is perfect for minimizing hassle, especially if you’re tired from travel or exploring other sites earlier.

The Van Ride

The drive north provides a chance to acclimate to the landscape and chat with your guide about what to expect. The 40-minute ride is comfortable, and some tours may include scenic commentary.

Trekking in the Puritama Canyon

The walk itself is about 40 minutes. It’s gentle but requires some physical effort due to the altitude of 3,500 meters. The terrain is mainly flat but can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The canyon’s rich green foliage is striking against the desert’s browns, and the river adds a lively soundtrack to your trek.

Relaxing in the Hot Springs

The natural springs are the tour’s highlight. The warm waters are inviting, especially after the walk. The relaxation time is about an hour, ample for taking photos, wading, or simply soaking your cares away. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and towel, as these are necessary for comfort.

Return to San Pedro

After your soak, the walk back to the van is short. Your guide will then drive you back to the town, ending the tour in the center of San Pedro de Atacama, where you can continue exploring or unwind at your own pace.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

From reviews, we gather that views of the canyon are stunning, even if some images on promotional materials don’t quite match reality. The green contrast in an arid environment makes the landscape particularly memorable.

The snack included is a thoughtful touch, giving you energy before or after the walk. Remember to bring essentials like passport or ID, comfortable shoes, water, towel, and swimwear. Since the tour isn’t suitable for small children under 4, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, plan accordingly.

What to Expect in Terms of Physical Effort

Given the altitude and walk duration, this tour is best suited for those with a moderate fitness level. If you’re unaccustomed to hiking at elevation, take it slow and listen to your body. Those with mobility impairments should consider other options, as the terrain is uneven and involves some walking.

Value for Money

At $49, the tour is quite affordable considering the hotel pickup, bilingual guides, and hot springs experience. There’s no additional entrance fee, but you may want to budget extra if you wish to purchase souvenirs or pay for additional site admissions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a light outdoor adventure combined with relaxation. It’s great for families with older children, couples looking for a peaceful escape, or solo travelers wanting a taste of the high Andes and geothermal waters. If you’re comfortable walking at altitude and enjoy scenic landscapes, you’ll find this tour very rewarding.

People expecting a luxury experience might find the tour simple, but the value is in the natural beauty and genuine experience of the surroundings. If you prioritize stunning views in a quiet setting, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

The Purilibre Trekking offers a well-balanced mix of light trekking and soothing hot springs at a reasonable price point. The highlight is undoubtedly the lush canyon against the stark desert backdrop, providing memorable views and a real sense of place. The inclusion of a snack and hotel pickup makes it convenient, especially after a busy morning of sightseeing.

While it might not be suitable for every mobility level or for those who dislike walking at high altitude, it remains an excellent choice for those craving a nature-based break in San Pedro de Atacama. Expect authentic landscapes, friendly guides, and an experience that both invigorates and relaxes.

In essence, if your idea of a perfect day involves scenic hiking and unwinding in natural thermal waters, this tour hits the mark. It’s a peaceful, authentic way to see a different side of the desert—one of surprising greenery and soothing warmth.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off at the center of San Pedro de Atacama are included, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours, from pickup to return, including walking, soaking, and transportation.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, water, towel, and swimwear. It’s important for your comfort and safety.

Are there any extra costs?
The tour does not include the entrance fee—you may need to budget extra if certain sites or hot springs require it.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility impairments due to terrain and walking at altitude.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This tour offers an authentic taste of the desert’s surprising greenery and geothermal relaxation, perfect for those looking for a manageable yet memorable adventure.

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