A Day in Chile’s High-Altitude Wonderland: My 2025 Nevado Tres Cruces Tour

You know, some places on earth feel so completely different they’re almost like stepping onto another planet. Basically, Nevado Tres Cruces National Park is one of those spots. Honestly, I had this full-day tour on my list for what felt like forever, and in 2025, I finally made it happen. So, I thought I’d share what the whole day is actually like, from the crack-of-dawn start to the mind-blowing views that are, frankly, a little hard to describe. At the end of the day, it’s a very long day trip, but the payoff is just incredible. The whole point of this review, really, is to give you a genuine feel for the experience, beyond just looking at pretty pictures. I mean, the pictures are amazing, but being there is, you know, something else entirely.

The Really Early Morning and That First Light

Okay, so the day literally begins in the dark, and it’s pretty chilly. We were picked up from our stay in Copiapó way before the sun was even thinking about showing up, probably around 6 AM. The 4×4 vehicle was, like, really comfortable, which was a good thing because, you know, we had a lot of driving ahead. Honestly, that initial part of the trip is sort of a quiet, sleepy blur as you leave the city lights behind. Anyway, as you start to climb up into the mountains, the sky begins to change colors in a way that is just spectacular. First, it’s this deep, inky blue, and then, you know, these streaks of orange and pink start appearing over the peaks. It’s honestly one of those moments where you’re just a little too tired to fully process it, but you know you’re seeing something special. The road is just a little bumpy, sort of rocking you awake as the landscape outside transitions from scrubby desert to a more rugged, rocky world.

Meeting the Locals: Flamingos and the Thin Air of Laguna Santa Rosa

Our first major stop, basically, was Laguna Santa Rosa. This place is, well, pretty much a shock to the system in the best way possible. You step out of the car, and the air feels, like, noticeably thinner, a little crisper. The lagoon itself is this huge, impossibly flat salt lake, and it’s pretty much ringed by mountains. The main attraction here, of course, is the flamingos. As a matter of fact, there were three different kinds just strolling around in the shallow, salty water, their pink feathers a crazy pop of color against the white and blue backdrop. Our guide, who was frankly amazing, explained that this is a super important spot for them. You do feel the altitude here, a little bit. It’s almost like a slight light-headedness, so you definitely have to move slowly. They actually gave us some coca tea, which, you know, is the traditional way to help with the height, and it genuinely seemed to help a bit.

Frankly, standing there, watching flamingos with snow-covered volcanoes in the distance, you sort of have to remind yourself this is a real place and you’re actually seeing it with your own eyes.

The Crown Jewel: The Unbelievable Colors of Laguna Verde

Seriously, after some more driving through landscapes that looked sort of like Mars, we finally reached the main event: Laguna Verde. To be honest, no picture can really do this place justice. The water is this stunning, almost unnatural turquoise-green color, you know, a color you don’t really see in nature. On the other hand, the shoreline is ringed with these thick, white salt deposits that look like snow. Towering over the whole scene is Ojos del Salado, which is apparently the highest active volcano in the world, and it just adds to the scale of everything. We actually had our lunch right there by the lagoon, a really nice packed meal our guides provided. Eating a sandwich while looking out at that view is, well, something I won’t forget anytime soon. The air up there, at nearly 4,300 meters, is incredibly clean and the silence is, sort of, complete, broken only by the wind. It’s a very humbling spot, to be honest. You feel really small in the most wonderful way.

Winding Down: The Return Trip and Some Practical Advice

So, the journey back is not just about retracing your steps. Actually, the afternoon light changes everything, making the mountains and valleys look completely different. You almost see details you missed on the way up. This is probably a good spot to give you some practical tips. First, you absolutely have to dress in layers. For example, in the morning it’s cold, then the sun gets really strong, and the wind can pick up at any time, so being able to add or remove a layer is kind of a big deal. Also, sunscreen and sunglasses are definitely not optional; the sun at this altitude is incredibly powerful. Drink way more water than you think you need, really, starting the day before. Frankly, that’s the best defense against feeling unwell from the altitude. The tour operators are typically very good about this, often reminding you to drink and providing plenty of water. So, you should listen to them!

So, Is This High-Altitude Adventure Right for You?

At the end of the day, this tour is a very long and demanding day, but for the right person, it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re someone who loves huge, dramatic landscapes and feeling like you’re on the edge of the world, then seriously, you will love this. Photographers will also be in, like, absolute heaven here because the light and colors are just wild. However, you know, if you really struggle with altitude or have serious medical conditions, this might be a little too much. It’s a physically taxing day, mainly because of the height, not the walking, which is pretty minimal. Families with really young kids might find the long car ride and the altitude a bit difficult, too. Basically, it’s an adventure for those who want to see something truly unique and are okay with the challenges that come with reaching such a remote and elevated place. It’s pretty much an experience that feels raw, wild, and completely unforgettable.

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