The El Tatio Geysers of Atacama – conventional non 360 video

El Tatio Geyser Field

The El Tatio Geyser Field in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile is the world’s highest and third-largest geyser field. Its name, from the extinct Kunza language, has been translated to mean “oven,” “the crying grandfather,” or “to appear,” referencing the sudden bursts of steam and boiling water. Located at a formidable altitude of 4320 m (14,170 ft), it is a mesmerizing spectacle of geothermal activity and a must-visit destination.

Key Features and Unique Conditions

Visiting the field requires significant preparation due to the extreme climate. Temperatures often plummet to as low as -20° C (-4° F) an hour before sunrise, the time when visitors typically arrive. Dressing in warm layers is essential, as the cold is “brutal” but quickly dissipates after sunrise. This rapid change in temperature is key to the field’s dominant visual effect.

El Tatio is one of only six major geyser fields globally, alongside sites like Yellowstone National Park and Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka. Geologically, the field is a result of the Nazca Plate subducting beneath the South American Plate, which creates magma chambers that heat the groundwater. The field covers about 30 square kilometers and hosts over 80 active geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs, which is the density that gives it immense presence.

Eruption and Safety

The field’s high altitude causes a significantly lower water boiling point of $88^\circ \text{C}$. This limits the pressure buildup, resulting in relatively low water jets compared to other geyser fields. This fact also poses a cautionary point for visitors: water can cause scalding at a lower temperature than at sea level, so visitors must avoid testing the heat of the water.

The experience is dominated by the visual effect of massive, towering steam clouds that can reach heights of 100 meters at dawn. This phenomenon is a consequence of the extreme temperature differential between the boiling water and the frigid morning air, creating a magical, Dantesque landscape against the backdrop of the Andes peaks.

Sinter Deposits and Extremophiles

Beyond the steam, the field is characterized by striking mineral deposits. Superheated water dissolves silica, which is then rapidly deposited on the surface, forming elaborate white, orange, and reddish-brown terraces. These formations are often colored by extremophile microorganisms—tiny life forms that thrive in the harsh chemical and temperature conditions. The rapid silica precipitation traps and preserves these organisms, making the sinter deposits an invaluable biological and geological record. This unique combination of conditions makes El Tatio an analog for early Earth or even Mars, attracting both tourists and scientific enthusiasts.

Finally, visitors are encouraged to look for wildlife on the way back, with Vicuñas—wild South American camelids—being a common and pleasant sight.