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El Tatio Geothermic Field
(half day - morning only)
Located 97 kms from San Pedro de Atacama and surrounded by impressive scenery and an arid beauty, the Geysers El Tatio are a volcanic geothermal field, where heated hot water and steam erupt violently from deep underground. The geothermal field an area of down-faulted geography, and is linked to the Tatio volcano in the Andes mountain range. The geysers are one of the most striking places of this region, and are formed when a frozen underground river makes contact with hot magma rocks. El Tatio roughly translates as 'The Grandfather'.
The great fumaroles of boiling water vapour come up to the surface through fissures in the terrestrial crust, reaching a temperature of 86°C and 6-8 meters in height. The geysers are located more than 4,321 masl, and are claimed as amongst the highest in the world. The morning temperatures are very low (although the air temperature varies between 15°C during the day to -2°C at night) and it is at dawn when the geysers are at their peak and most spectacular - as the hot steam emissions meet the cold morning air and catch the morning sunlight - sometimes reaching heights of 6 meters.
The Tatio thermal field covers an area of 30kms². Within this area is a 10km² active geothermal field with 70 fumaroles, 40 geysers and 60 springs of boiling water (boiling at 86°C due to altitude). Underground, at depth of 800m temp recorded as high as 265°C and where it does not vaporise due to pressure.
Nearby there are modified springs where you can enjoy a thermal bath in sulphurous water which is claimed to be beneficial for rheumatism. Tourists are recommended to take thick clothes, bath suit and towel (if planning to swim in the hot pool), sun protector and mineral water.
This is an early morning tour (collection from hotel/hostel before dawn), and up to great altitude, so be prepared to feel the effects a bit, especially on your return - it is recommended to have an afternoon siesta when you get back to town! In preparation for your trip you should eat lightly the previous night, consume only small amounts of alcohol and get retire early for a good nights sleep!
The geysers are located at nearly 4,300 masl, and the lack of oxygen in the air demands the visitor to walks slowly.
Since 2005 the access routes, parking places and the administration centre has been administered by the local Atacameño communities of Caspana and Toconce, in association with CONAF, although the geothermal fields themselves remain in the hands of the National Oil Company and the National Copper Corporation.
In the 1920's and 1960 projects here attempted to harness the power of the geothermal field, with pressure driven turbines converting steam and into electric energy for industry. However the attempts were abandoned, leaving rusting machinery amongst the mineral vents and fumaroles, which most tourists try their best to keep out of their photographs. Despite the huge draw to tourism to the area, the Chilean government recently sold new contracts to explore the geothermal potential of the area, with test drilling underway just over 4 kilometres from the main site. Critics fear the energy project may make the geysers less dramatic or even put an end to their daily, early morning display and are also concerned that an industrial geothermal power plant could undermine the traditions of the local indigenous community.
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