El Tatio is a geyser field located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile. It is situated at an altitude of 4,320 meters above sea level and is one of the highest geyser fields in the world. The name "El Tatio" means "The Grandfather" in Spanish, and the site is named after the steam plumes that rise from the geysers, resembling an old man's white beard.
The geysers of El Tatio are powered by volcanic activity and hot springs, and the steam plumes can reach heights of up to 15 meters. The geysers are most active in the early morning when the temperatures are the lowest. Visitors to El Tatio can witness the geysers from a viewing platform, and can also hike through the area to see other thermal features such as hot springs and bubbling mud pools.
El Tatio is a popular tourist destination, and is often visited as part of a tour from nearby cities such as San Pedro de Atacama. It is also a popular destination for stargazing, as the high altitude and dry air provide excellent viewing conditions for the night sky.