March 6th, San Pedro de Atacama

We have to wake up early to witness the sunrise at El Tatio. The volcano is located at an altitude of 4280 meters, so it is quite chilly there in the morning hours. At the foot of the volcano crater, there is a geothermal area with geysers and hot springs. It is the largest geyser field (more than 80) in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest in the world. It steams and boils, and water shoots up everywhere here. Slowly, the sun rises over this basin, and the steam, bubbling water, and sunlight create a breathtaking atmosphere. Unfortunately, since the COVID pandemic, bathing in the hot springs is no longer allowed. It would be nice right now, because it's really cold....

After a delicious breakfast with freshly scrambled eggs and coffee and tea, we continue to the wetlands on the Rio Grande. The river feeds a small basin, so the animals find water and green fodder here, such as flamingos, other birds, and guanacos.

Green oases can also be found in the desert, there can be a different landscape behind every valley.

By noon, we will be back in San Pedro. We will spend the rest of the day in a relaxed manner.