Puritama Conservation Reserve hike and hot springs

Alex Burridge – MD Tailor-Made Journeys March 2024

Just outside of San Pedro de Atacama Explora have created the Puritama Conservation Reserve.  Its role is as an oasis for plants, animals and humans.  The reserve is home to a wide array of flora, 30 species of birds, as well as guanacos, Andean fox, viscacha (the Spanish nickname for them is very apt ardilla, canguro, conejo, which translates to squirrel (tail) – kangaroo (they way it moves) – rabbit (face)), puma and the recently confirmed new species of cat the Andean Mountain Cat.

A walk through this beautiful reserve which culminates in dip in the Puritama hot springs is an excellent option.

Puritama Conservation Reserve – Guanacos

Leaping Viscacha

The very rare Andean Mountain cat (you’d have to be very fortunate to see).

The trail winds it’s way through the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of the reserve.  For the first few kilometers it’s flat, then we head up, finding your own way over boulders, being careful of the many cactuses along the way (decent footwear a must).

Our Explora guide tells about the flora we discover and explains some of the ongoing conservation work.  Camera traps have proven that Puma and Andean Mountain cat frequent the reserve and the canyon.

Viscachas are common in the Reserve

Puritama hike and view to canyon

For the next couple of kilometres we follow the edge of the canyon before finally making our way down to the Puritama hot springs.  In typical Explora style there are snacks and drinks to enjoy.  The are change rooms and the pool we have has been booked for our use.  It’s a perfect way to end a hike – relaxing in the hot waters of the spring.  This excursion is just one of many ways Explora encourage you to explore.

Ancient rock enclosures where Llamas would have been corralled safe from Pumas

Puritama Hot Springs

Our support vehicle that dropped us at the start of the hike is waiting to take us on the 45 minutes drive to Explora Atacama.

Explora Atacama