Puritama canyon is short, scenic, and actually doable. You get a 40-minute trek through Puritama’s River canyon, then time to unwind in natural pools in the Atacama. One thing to plan for: you reach about 3,000 m and that walk can feel a bit demanding at altitude for some people.

I like this tour because it hits the best parts of the area without turning into a half-day slog. Hotel pickup is included, the pacing is relaxed with photo stops, and you come back to San Pedro without needing to figure out transport. Just note the pickup is only from hotels inside the urban zone of San Pedro de Atacama, not from outlying villages.

Small-group vibe (not guaranteed by the info here, but the structure feels that way): you hike, stop for views, then settle into the pools as a group and head back in time for a calmer evening.

Canyon Trek + Natural Pools: The Core Experience

This is a classic San Pedro de Atacama combo: a canyon walk in the desert, followed by a chance to soak in natural pools carved by the river’s work over time.

The trekking part is intentionally short—about 40 minutes—but you’re not just walking on a flat trail. You’re moving through Puritama’s River canyon, with the kind of tight, dramatic rock and desert plants that make you stop for photos even when you’re not trying. One of the nicest details is the variety: you’re not trudging through sameness. You’ll see desert flora along the way, including cacti that are striking up close.

Then comes the payoff: Purilibre’s natural pools. This is the moment when the trek stops being work and starts being a warm-up. Reviews highlight that the pools feel like a real break, not just a quick dip. You’re given time to relax after the walk, and that change of pace is the whole point of the trip.

What I Love: Puritama Views and the Pool Break

Puritama’s canyon scenery is the first big win here. Even on a shorter hike, the canyon setting makes you slow down. You’re surrounded by rock walls and desert plants, and the guide builds in stops so you can actually take it in instead of rushing past it.

The second highlight is the natural pools time. You’re not just standing at a viewpoint. You can settle in, cool off, and let the canyon walk fade from your legs. One review specifically calls out how relaxing the secluded pools felt, which matches the overall design of the day: walk in, soak, leave.

The only real caution is the altitude. You go up to around 3,000 m, and that can make a short trek feel harder than you expect, especially if you’re new to the region. For some people, those 40 minutes are the only part that feels like a workout.

Puritama Canyon to Purilibre Pools: A Practical Itinerary Walkthrough

Here’s how the day usually flows, and what each stage means for your comfort and expectations.

1) Hotel pickup in San Pedro (urban area only)

The tour starts with pickup from hotels located in the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama. If you’re staying outside that zone—or in outlying accommodations and nearby ayllus like Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, and Coyo—you may not be picked up.

Why this matters: you avoid arranging your own ride to the canyon entrance. But you also need to double-check whether your specific lodging is eligible, because drop-off at your hotel is not included.

2) Drive to the Puritama River canyon entrance

After pickup, the group heads to the entry point of Puritama’s River Canyon. This transfer is part of the experience because it gets you from town to the desert quickly, without effort on your side.

What you’ll feel here: once you’re out of town, everything slows down—light changes, the air feels drier, and you’re in a more “desert day” rhythm. It’s also where altitude becomes part of the plan. You’re already at altitude in San Pedro, but higher terrain can still make you notice exertion sooner.

3) The trek: about 40 minutes, with photo stops

You’ll begin the hike through Puritama’s River canyon. Expect about 40 minutes of trekking, not hours. The guide makes stops to appreciate the surroundings and take photos.

Practical advice for this section:

• Keep your pace steady. Don’t sprint uphill-style just because the time is short.
• Use the guide’s pauses. If you’re feeling breathless, this is when you can catch up without feeling rushed.
• Bring water. Even when the hike is brief, altitude plus desert air can dry you out fast.

Also, this is where you’ll likely enjoy the desert details: flora and fauna along the route. One review calls out how impressive the cacti were, which fits the canyon + desert mix you’re walking through.

4) Arrive at Purilibre natural pools

Once you reach Purilibre’s natural pools, the mood shifts. This is the moment you’ve been walking toward: less effort, more time to relax.

This stage is valuable for two reasons:

1) It resets your body after trekking at altitude.

2) It turns the experience from just scenic into sensory—shade, water, and a chance to actually rest.

If you’re worried about comfort, plan your clothing strategy. You’ll want a change of clothes ready, plus something easy for moving around after you swim.

5) Relax and soak, then head back to San Pedro

After pool time, you return to the van and go back to San Pedro de Atacama.

One review notes that at the end you get a drink and tasty snacks. Even if you’re not counting on it, it’s a nice “reward” detail that makes the day feel complete instead of abrupt.

Price and Value: Is $53 Worth It?

At $53 per person for a 6-hour outing, this tour sits in a sensible mid-range for San Pedro activities. The value comes from the mix of:

• A real canyon walk (not just a short stretch)
• Access to natural pools time (the main reason people do this trek)
• Hotel pickup (which you’d otherwise pay for with a taxi or rental)

What you’re not getting: there’s no included hotel drop-off, and the experience is built around pickup timing and a fixed schedule. So it’s best if you’re happy to let someone else handle the logistics.

If you want a day that feels active but not punishing, this is a fair price for what you receive. If you’re hoping for a long hike with lots of trail time, you might find the trek too short.

Altitude Reality Check: The 3,000 m Factor

The tour reaches around 3,000 meters above sea level. That matters more than the trek length for many people.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• Arrive in San Pedro with at least a bit of acclimation if you can.
• Go slow during the first part of the canyon hike.
• If you’ve ever felt symptoms of altitude sickness before, take that seriously.

The tour is also listed as not suitable for people with altitude sickness (and other conditions like heart problems, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, and more). If you’re in any risk category, I’d treat this as a hard “no.”

What to Pack for Canyon Pools (So You Don’t Regret It)

This part is simple: you’re trekking, then you’re in water, then you’re back in town. Your kit should match that rhythm.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes and/or hiking shoes
• Swimwear plus a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sandals (handy after the pools)
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Jacket (desert air can cool off)
• Garbage bag (useful for wet items)

Also keep in mind what’s not allowed: alcohol and drugs.

If you forget one thing, make it a towel or a change of clothes. Those two turn a good day into an easy day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you want:

• A short trek (about 40 minutes) with great canyon scenery
• Time to relax in natural desert pools
• A guided experience with English and Spanish support

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People with respiratory issues
• People with altitude sickness
• People with high blood pressure
• People over 70 years

Even if you fit the general profile, altitude can be a wildcard. If you’re sensitive to exertion at elevation, you might want a more gentle option.

Guide Style and How the Experience Feels

Your guide is there for two jobs: keeping you safe and making sure you understand what you’re seeing.

Two reviews emphasize the guide’s role in safety and knowledge—especially the way the group is managed during the hike and at the pools. You’ll also get desert context as you walk, including plant life in the canyon.

It’s not an “info lecture all day” kind of setup. You’re moving, stopping for views, then resting. That balance is why it works for most people.

Scheduling and Timing: The 6-Hour Shape of the Day

This is a 6-hour tour. That timing matters because it fits cleanly into a San Pedro itinerary: active enough to feel like a real outing, short enough to still have a calm evening.

The day is built around:

• Pickup in San Pedro’s urban area
• Drive to the canyon entrance
• Short trek with stops
• Pool time
• Return to town

If you like having your afternoon free for dinner or a separate sunset plan, this kind of half-day structure is a big plus.

Getting the Most From Puritama: Tips That Actually Help

A few habits make this tour much more comfortable:

• Pace yourself on the hike. The trek is short, so don’t turn it into a race.
• Bring a jacket even if it looks warm at pickup. Desert temperature swings can catch you.
• Use sandals after the pools. Wet areas can make regular shoes annoying.
• Plan for sun. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat aren’t optional in this setting.
• If you’re photo-focused, wear shoes you can walk confidently in. Canyon ground can be uneven even over a short distance.

Should You Book the Puritama Canyon Swimming Pools Trek?

If you want a desert canyon walk plus real time relaxing in natural pools, I think this is an easy yes. The combination is practical: short trekking, then a payoff that feels like a break, all within a manageable 6 hours.

I’d skip it if:

• Altitude already hits you hard
• You need full accessibility support
• You want a long, multi-hour hike rather than a brief trek-and-soak format

For the right traveler, this tour delivers exactly what it promises: a memorable canyon experience, a chance to rest in natural pools, and a guided day that doesn’t eat your whole schedule.

FAQ

How long is the San Pedro de Atacama Canyon Swimming Pools trekking trip?

The tour lasts 6 hours total.

Do I get hotel pickup and is drop-off included?

Pickup is included from hotels in the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama. Drop-off at your hotel is not included.

How much trekking will I do?

You’ll do about 40 minutes of trekking through Puritama’s River canyon, with stops for photos.

What altitude does the tour reach?

The tour reaches around 3,000 meters above sea level.

What should I bring for the pools and the trek?

Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (sunglasses and sun hat), swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, sandals, sunscreen, water, and a jacket. A garbage bag is also recommended.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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