Choose from 19 Fun Things to Do in North Chile
ShowingFilter 1-19 of 19 listings.
Ojos del Salar
To understand the meaning of the words Ojos de Salar, you just need to know that a salar is a salt plain or lake and the ojo is its eye. In this case, the eyes of the salt plain are two small, perfectly round, freshwater lakes that open up seemingly in the middle of nowhere, about 20 miles from the town of San Pedro de Atacama. They are accessed from a sandy road, and these two freshwater lakes are commonly visited as part of a larger trip to two other lakes in the area, the Laguna de Cejar and Laguna Tebenquiche.
On still days, the Ojos del Salar act as perfect mirrors that reflect the desert. Tours to the area usually head out in the afternoon and stop here before moving on to other lakes, including Cejar, in which you can take a dip and enjoy the last bit of sunlight with with a cocktail in hand, if you can put down your camera for that long.
Practical Info
Although the lakes are close to San Pedro de Atacama, it makes sense to take a tour, as there are many criss-crossing paths in the area and it is easy to get lost. Winds rise and temperatures drop quickly here, so dress appropriately.
Address: Chile
From $ 39
Moon Valley
With its parched desert plains and wind-sculpted topography, it’s easy to see how Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) earned its name. The sharp sandstone peaks, glittering salt deposits, and crater-like depressions make for some dramatic photographs, and watching the sunset over the valley is an unforgettable experience.
The Basics
Located just outside the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Moon Valley is the main attraction for most visitors to the Atacama Desert. Half-day tours typically set out in the afternoon, leaving time to explore the valley’s natural wonders before climbing to the top of Big Dune to watch the sunset over the lunar landscapes below.
Guided tours that include Valley of the Moon often stop at nearby attractions such as Atacama Salt Lake (Salar de Atacama), Salt Mountain Range (Cordillera de la Sal), and the Tres Marías rock formations, while multi-day tours leave time to explore such farther-flung sights as the Red Stone Desert, Cejar Lagoon, and the El Tatio geyser field.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moon Valley and the Atacama Desert are must-visits for nature lovers.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as there’s little shade in the desert, but bring warm clothing for the evening hours too, as temperatures can drop quickly, even in summer.
- Most of the desert roads are unpaved and the terrain uneven, so a 4WD is advisable, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Cell phone service is scarce throughout the desert, and Wi-Fi is only available at a few hotels in San Pedro de Atacama.
How to Get There
Moon Valley lies at the heart of the Atacama Desert in northeastern Chile, around 11 miles (17 kilometers) west of the town of San Pedro de Atacama. There’s no public transport to the valley itself, although regular taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from San Pedro de Atacama. The closest airport is in Calama, from which buses run to San Pedro de Atacama, 60 miles (98 kilometers) away. You can rent cars in town.
When to Get There
The most popular time to explore Moon Valley is during the summer months (December–February), but winter (June–August) visits can be equally rewarding, although temperatures can plummet below freezing at night. Sticking around until sunset is a must, and most tours set out in the afternoon to ensure a sunset view.
Los Flamencos National Reserve
Moon Valley is part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, although the main reserve actually lies around two hours’ drive east of valley. Additional park highlights include a hike around the Tara Salt Flat (Salar de Tara), bird-watching at the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, and the tamarugo forest of Toconao. Common wildlife sightings include Chilean, James, and Andean flamingos, as well as vicunas and red foxes.
Address: Ruta B-241, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Los Flamencos National Reserve (Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos)
Covering 286 square miles (740 square kilometres), Los Flamencos National Reserve (Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos) is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the Atacama Desert. Between the Andes and Chile’s Pacific coast, the park has glittering salt flats, wind-sculpted moonscapes, and high-altitude lagoons surrounded by wild flamingos.
The Basics
Los Flamencos National Reserve includes different protected zones around the Atacama Desert region: the salt lakes of Pujsa, Tara, and Aguas Calientes; the Altiplano lakes of Miscanti and Miñiques; Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna); the tamarugo forests of Tambillo; and vast Atacama Salt Lake.
Most visitors opt to explore the reserve on a day tour from San Pedro de Atacama. With its dramatic landscapes, Moon Valley is the most popular destination, with most tours stopping at the Great Dune to watch the sunset. Full-day tours also run to the salt flats and lagoons, offering plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities, and stop at desert towns like Toconao or Socaire along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as there’s little shade in the desert, but bring warm clothing for the evening hours too, as temperatures can drop quickly, even in summer.
- Most of the desert roads are unpaved and the terrain uneven, so a 4WD is advisable, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Cell phone service is scarce throughout the desert, and Wi-Fi is only available at a few hotels in San Pedro de Atacama.
How to Get to There
Most people visit Los Flamencos National Reserve from the town of San Pedro de Atacama. There’s no public transport to the valley itself, although taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from here. The closest airport is in Calama, from which buses run to San Pedro de Atacama, 60 miles (98 kilometers) away. You can rent cars in town, but to explore farther than Moon Valley, it’s most convenient to hire a guide or join a tour.
When to Get There
The most popular time to explore is during the summer months (December–February). Winter (June–August) visits can be equally rewarding, although temperatures can plummet below freezing at night. When to visit depends on what you want to see—Moon Valley is most impressive at sunset, while morning and late afternoon are the best time to spot birdlife around the lagoons.
Wildlife of Los Flamencos National Reserve
Los Flamencos National Reserve takes its name from its huge number of wild flamingos, and there are three different species to spot—Chilean, James’s, and Andean flamingos. There is also an abundance of other bird life, especially around the lakes, including hawks, swallows, Andean seagulls, condors, and rhea. Other common sightings include vicunas, culpeo foxes, and viscachas.
Address: Chile
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
El Tatio Geysers
Rising toward the fading stars high atop the Andes, El Tatio Geysers erupt from more than 80 vents into wraith-like plumes, which dance in the first crisp golden rays of dawn. It's not quite the largest geyser field in the world (it's the third), or the highest (it's close), but combined with those snowcapped volcanoes that encircle its steaming expanse, it is perhaps the most magnificent.
In addition to the searing-hot fumeroles and geysers, the field has a few more inviting geological features. A large 35°C (95°F) hot spring lets you soak away the Andes' stubborn chill, while bubbling mud pots offer the perfect masque for cleansing away weeks of grime from the road. Relax.
Practical Info
While the closest population center to the El Tatio Geysers is Calama, an ancient town with a small but developing tourist sector, the vast majority of visitors come on day trips from San Pedro de Atacama. By day trips, that means you'll be leaving at 4am for the slow ride up to an icy 4,300 meter (more than 14,000 foot) volcanic plateau.
The early bird gets the National Geographic-quality photos, however, as the steaming flumes cast up from the earth's boiling heart seem larger and more impressive in the frigid Andean sunrise. Dress appropriately. Also keep in mind that an absence of railings and warnings does not mean the geysers are safe; tourists fall through the fragile crust and burn themselves every year.
Address: Ruta B-245, Calama, Chile
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 42
Lauca National Park
Founded in 1970, Lauca National Park in North Chile is part of a UNESCO-designated Global Biosphere Reserve. The park’s breathtaking scenery — snow-capped volcanoes, lakes, lagoons, hot springs and altiplano areas — attract visitors from all corners of the close. Home to more than 140 species of birds, the park is also one of the best in the country for birdwatching, and its biodiversity encompasses the Andean flamingo, giant coot, Puna Ibis and Andean condor, as well as mammals like vicuñas, vizcachas and guanacos.Lake Chungará, one of the planet’s highest lakes and a star feature of Lauca National Park, sits
at the base of the twin Payachata volcanoes, whose snowy peaks reflect off the glassy surface of the water. Trails winding throughout the park cater to visitors of all fitness levels, from the easy one-mile (1.5-kilometer) Las Cuevas interpretive trail to the longer 8-mile (13-kilometer) Cotacotani Trail.
Practical Info
Lauca National Park is located 91 miles (145 kilometers) east of Arica. Buses from Arica take slightly less than three hours.
Address: Putre, Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile
From $ 73
Tulor
Though it may seem counterintuitive, considering the harsh climate of this impossibly dry, high-altitude region, the Atacama Desert has hosted human settlement for thousands of years. The Tulor Village, as it is known, is one of the most tantalizing archaeological clues these mysterious early settlers left behind.
Only about 10% of the village, a human-sized honeycomb of square and circular adobe structures, has been excavated. The city was occupied by 800BC, and at its peak had several hundred inhabitants. There are few artifacts on hand at the site, but photographers will find the enigmatic earthworks a tempting subject, particularly in the morning or late afternoon.
Practical Info
The Village of Tulor lies about 10 km (6 mi) south of San Pedro de Atacama, itself inhabited some 10,000 years. It is considered the archaeological capital of Chile, and boasts an important historical museum named for Father Gustavo el Paige, the discoverer of Tulor.
The popular destination also caters to travelers with trips to several other top destinations, including Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Lake, Licancabur Volcano, El Tatio geysers, and many other natural wonders.
The city's small airport has regular flights to Santiago and elsewhere in the region, while buses connect the town to Calama, Antofagasta, San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina), and Uyuni (Bolivia). Many multiple-day tours offer transport between Uyuni as well. You can rent cars in town.
Address: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Open daily
From $ 37
Altiplanic Lagoons
To see lakes this high above sea level, you have to come to the altiplano, the very definition of which is “high plain,” an area between the peaks of the Andes in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. These two lakes, Miscanti and Miñique, are located at about 13,500 feet and are within driving distance of San Pedro de Atacama.
The two lakes are a deep blue, backed by snow-capped volcanoes and surrounded by a large plain of yellow tussock grass that whips in the wind. This grass is one of the preferred foods of the vicuña, the shyest of the llama-like species in the area, and if you are lucky, you may see a small herd around here. It is also fairly common to see a fox or two and sometimes even quick-running rheas, an emu-like bird native to the area.The protected lakes make for a great photo opportunity, but swimming is not allowed.
The lakes are managed by an indigenous community located in Socaire, a town often visited for its handmade crafts and local historical church.
Practical Info
The Altiplanic Lagoons are located 71 miles from San Pedro de Atacama, and it is generally very cold in this area due to the high altitude. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Address: Chile
From $ 81
R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum
The R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum is a good place to start time in San Pedro de Atacama, as a visit here serves as a low-stress activity while you grow accustomed to the area's altitude and extreme dryness. The museum was founded by a Belgian priest who settled in the area in 1955 and opened the museum eight years later with the help of a local university, the Universidad Católica del Norte, which currently owns and runs the site.
The museum previously housed mummified remains of a young girl, but due to pressure from the local indigenous Lickanantay (Atacameño) community, the remains have been removed and replaced with a replica. This is also the case for all human remains at the museum. The museum shows a short film that explains how the decision to change the exhibits came to be. Other than those replicas, everything else onsite is genuine, including 1,000 samples of region discoveries. Some of the more popular parts of the public collection are in the Treasure Room, which features many gold items. Also on display at the museum are examples of clay pottery, old textiles and stone items, with different rooms dedicated to various epochs of pre-Colombian history up until the arrival of the Spaniards in the area.
Practical Info
Like most museums in Chile, this one is closed on Mondays. Tours are mostly offered Tuesday through Friday, and they are conducted in English, Spanish and French. Tours are also given on Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays but with less frequency for each language. Some, but not all, of the wall text has been translated from Spanish to English.
Address: Padre Le Paige 380, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-12pm & 2pm-6pm; Weekends 10am-12pm & 2pm-6pm
Admission: Adults $2.000 Chilean pesos
From $ 52
Rainbow Valley (Valle Arcoiris)
When you see the stark, bright colors of San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings, you may wonder how much of a standout Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris) could really be. The valley, however, located 50 miles from town, is home to tremendous variety of things to see and views to gaze upon. Mineral deposits have left vibrant reds, browns, purples, greens and yellows on the rocks in this area over the course of thousands of years, and in addition, the wind and very occasional rain have carved interesting shapes, rocky spires and small canyons into the valley. At 11,500 feet above sea level, this area makes for slow but worthwhile exploring.
In addition to the bright photogenic colors, Hierbas Buenas also makes for a popular stopping spot for visitors with its thousands of petroglyphs carved into stone by early Atacama dwellers, some about 11,000 years old.
Practical Info
Rainbow Valley is less popular among tourists than other noteworthy sites, so expect smaller crowds here. If you decide to go on your own, bring a good map and make sure to go in the morning when the colors are most visible. Sunscreen, sunglasses, water and extra layers against wind are musts.
Address: Domeyko Mountains, Chile
From $ 58
Elqui Valley
Famous for its pisco production, Chile’s Elqui Valley is one of the country’s most enchanting and peculiar places. Carpeted in the fluorescent green of grape vines, the valley stands in stark contrast to the arid hills to either side. Pisco isn’t the only thing produced here either; custard apples, avocados, papayas and oranges are also cultivated in the area. Several of the valley’s pisco distilleries are open for tours and tastings.
If Elqui Valley is known for its agriculture, it’s just as well known for its astrotourism. Due to the valley’s unique location — sandwiched between the Andean foothills and the Atacama Desert — the night sky here is incredibly clear and ideal for stargazing. The valley already houses some of the world’s biggest research telescopes, and it’s estimated that by 2020 Chile will house 70 percent of the world’s astronomical infrastructure. The valley also boasts several observatories built for the more casual stargazer, including the popular Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca. The small city of Vicuña, located within the valley, is famously the birthplace of poet Gabriela Mistral.
Practical Info
Vicuña in the Elqui Valley is located 39 miles (62 kilometers) east of La Serena.
Address: La Serena, Chile
From $ 63
Tebenquiche Lagoon
This lagoon is often visited on a trip to see Laguna Cejar and Ojos del Salar. One might think that visiting a series of desert lakes would get repetitive, but Tebenquiche erases any thoughts of that kind with its strange, moon-like landscape. It’s a shallow lake, sometimes with as few as five inches of water, and underneath lies a mostly salt lake bed with an otherworldly landscape that is clearly visible from the surface. Since there is so little water and often so little movement, the lake acts as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and the Lincancabur volcano.
In the bright sun, this area is perfect for taking optical illusion photos in which photo subjects go far from the photographer and pretend to interact with something in the foreground, giving the impression that they are standing on something tiny. Late in the afternoon, the slow desert sunset makes for very long shadows as the reds, yellows and pinks of nature take over the sky. Birds are also most active at this time of day, and you may see some flamingos overhead as the sun sets.
Practical Info
Most tours to Tebenquiche Lagoon head out in the evening. As the sun disappears below the horizon, the temperature can easily drop 40 degrees, so plan on bringing something warm to put on as darkness falls.
Address: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
From $ 39
Toconao
Toconao is a small, peaceful village with a name that means “place of stones” in the indigenous Kunza (Atacameño) language. The first settlements are thought to date back 12,000 years, and there is evidence of 10,000-year-old human presence in the area, making it an area of historical, archaeological significance. Its name seems to be related to the fact that homes in Toconao are made of a volcanic rock called liparita (pumice). Structures are of stone and mud, with wooden features installed only with natural elements rather than nails. The most well-known construction of the town is not its church as expected, but the separate nearby 1750 bell tower, located across the plaza.
The town features a few restaurants, small-scale agriculture (mostly fruit) and animal husbandry fed with water from the nearby creek. Most people, however, visit looking for locally made handicrafts such as alpaca wool weavings and reproductions of the town's bell tower. The town administers entrance to the Chaxa Lagoon (Laguna Chaxa) and is often visited as the continuation of an early morning trip to Chaxa.
Practical Info
Most visitors make just a quick trip to Toconao, but you can easily spend an afternoon there, wandering around the limestone that surrounds the Quebrada de Jerez, a narrow ravine close to the town. Toconao is located 24 miles south of San Pedro de Atacama, and it is at the northeast border of the Atacama Salt Lake, in which the Laguna Chaxa is located.
Address: Toconao, Chile
From $ 47
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Now an eerie ghost town marooned on the arid plains of the Atacama Desert, it’s hard to believe that the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works were once home to a thriving
community of miners. The historic refineries were in use from 1880 to 1960, and served as the epicenter of Chile’s once hugely profitable saltpeter (sodium nitrate) mining industry.
The long-abandoned sites are now protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer a fascinating insight into Chile’s history and heritage. Visitors can explore the restored buildings; peek inside the workers’ quarters, church and school; and learn about local life at the small museum, before seeing the old processing plants, mine shafts and mining equipment.
Practical Info
The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works are located in Tarapacá, North Chile, 45km east of Iquique, and are open daily from 9am – 7pm. Admission is C$3,000.
Address: km47 A-16, Tarapacá, Chile
Hours: Daily: 9am – 7pm
Admission: C$3,000
From $ 68
Atacama Desert
Seeing as it has the word “desert” in its name, the Atacama is a place you’d expect to be extremely and exceptionally dry. In this vast, arid moonscape, however, set halfway between sea and sky, there are isolated patches where a drop of rain has never—ever—been recorded, taking the world “desert” to another level. In fact, looking at the geology of what’s officially considered the driest desert in the world, researchers believe that the Atacama has gone 400 years without rain.
Just because it’s always sunny, however, doesn’t mean that this desert is hot. In fact, seeing as much of the Atacama Desert is well above 10,000 feet, temperatures can often dip well below freezing on clear and crisp nights. So—what’s the draw for visiting this desert with its famously harsh terrain? Because it’s the hands-down, best place in the world to look up and see the stars. Astrotourism has taken off in this northern Chilean outpost, where, thanks to the consistent clarity of the skies and pollution-free elevation, the stars, planets and depths of the universe are on brilliant display each night. From the town of San Pedro de Atacama, visitors can journey to public observatories and telescopes to literally look light-years into the heavens through a single, powerful lens. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket or clutch a steaming drink, and stand in the driest, clearest place on Earth in awe of the scenery above you. It might be cold and it might be dry, but there are few other places in the entire world where the stars all shine this bright.
Practical Info
The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on earth and can be found west of the Andes Mountains. The desert stretches for more than 1,000 kilometers.
Address: San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile, Chile
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 59
Quitor
The Pukara de Quitor National Monument overlooks the fertile Río San Pedro valley from atop a strategic bluff. Its serpentine rows of thick, stone walls have defended the verdant oasis's bounty since around 1100 AD. Today, the fortress's impressive architecture and historic significance bring in another sort of wealth, visitors eager to see what are among Chile's most important ruins.
Little is known about the Ayllu de Quitor people who originally constructed the fortress, which was used to defend the agricultural town from the Incas and later, Spaniards. Their handiwork is impressive, however, and makes a fine place to contemplate life in the fierce Atacama Altiplano.
Practical Info
The Pukara de Quitor National Monument lies about 3 km (1.8 mi) northwest of San Pedro de Atacama. It is usually visited as part of a multi-destination day trip, but you can walk or bicycle from town.
The popular tourist destination also caters to travelers with treks to several other top destinations, including Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Lake, Licancabur Volcano, El Tatio geysers, and many others.
San Pedro's small airport has regular flights to Santiago and elsewhere in the region, while buses connect the town to Calama, Antofagasta, San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina), and Uyuni (Bolivia). Many multiple-day tours offer transport between Uyuni as well. You can rent cars in town.
Address: Calle Tocopilla, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 37
Puritama Hot Springs
The high Andean starry nights, combined with the cold Atacama winds, can chill the unprepared tourist to the bone. Happily, however, these mountains are volcanic, and pour forth the planet's heat into a series of steaming pools, the Puritama Hot Springs.
The name "puritama" simply means "hot water" in an ancient, pre-Inca tongue, suggesting that these medicinal springs have been used for millennia. With high concentrations of relaxing lithium and minerals accorded all sorts of health benefits, they are guaranteed to mellow you out. Temperatures hover around 33°C (91°F), so they aren't ridiculously hot, making daytime visits a treat.
Though most pools have been left in a relatively natural state, there are changing rooms, eateries, campsites, trails, handicrafts vendors and other improvements all around.
The name "puritama" simply means "hot water" in an ancient, pre-Inca tongue, suggesting that these medicinal springs have been used for millennia. With high concentrations of relaxing lithium and minerals accorded all sorts of health benefits, they are guaranteed to mellow you out. Temperatures hover around 33°C (91°F), so they aren't ridiculously hot, making daytime visits a treat.
Though most pools have been left in a relatively natural state, there are changing rooms, eateries, campsites, trails, handicrafts vendors and other improvements all around.
Practical Info
The Puritama Hot Springs are about 30 km (19 mi) north of of San Pedro de Atacama, which most people use as a base. This popular tourist town tempts travelers with treks to several other amazing destinations, including Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Lake, Licancabur Volcano, El Tatio geysers, and some of Chile's most important archaeological sites.
San Pedro's small airport has regular flights to Santiago and elsewhere in the region, while buses connect the town to Calama, Antofagasta, San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina), and Uyuni (Bolivia).
You must have private transportation, or book a tour, to visit the hot springs, as there are no public buses. Cars can be hired in San Pedro.
Address: Ruta B-245, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5:30pm
Admission: Adults: US $10 approximately
From $ 26
Chaxa Lagoon
Chaxa Lagoon (Laguna Chaxa) often serves as an introduction to the salt flat for visitors. The ground here is crusted with an inedible salt, and in the morning, a pinkish light comes over the horizon as the sun rises. While the crystalline ground is fascinating and curious, the wild flamingos in the area often turn heads.
And the presence of flamingos should be no surprise, as the Chaxa Lagoon is one of the easiest entry points to Chile’s National Flamingo Reserve and a great place for photographers with good reflexes (and zoom, as the birds often keep their distance).
As the pinkish light dissipates and the air warms up, packs of the birds take flight over the lake. Three different species often reside here: theChilean, Andean and James' flamingos. A variety of other birds can be seen here as well, including the Andean avocet, the puna plover and a type of sandpiper, a small bird with a long beak that feeds on small organisms in the mineral-rich water. The birds are most active at sunrise and sunset.
Practical Info
The Chaxa Lagoon is located about 30 miles from San Pedro de Atacama. Birds are usually found here in the early morning, although sunsets are also spectacular.
Address: Chile
From $ 47
Cejar Lagoon
Located just 20 miles from the town of San Pedro de Atacama, this unusual desert sinkhole attracts many visitors. Filled with water, Cejar Lagoon is popular for the opportunity it provides to take a dip in the middle of the desert. The water can have salt concentrations up to 30 percent, which makes floating not only easy, but also pretty much impossible to avoid. For this reason, the lake is often compared to the Dead Sea and is sometimes called the “floating lake.” The top few inches of water are often warm from the sun, while there are cold currents down below, making for a mixed swimming experience.
Even if you decide not to swim in this “floating lake,” enjoy the view and how the glassy surface reflects the scenery back to you, including the Domeyko mountain range. Flamingos occasionally fly overhead and the lake is ringed white with residual salt, while the blue of the lake contrasts with the yellow tussock grass that grows all around.
Practical Info
Cejar Lagoon can be visited on a half-day trip, so it's still manageable if you have an afternoon flight out of Calama. Those with sensitive skin should bring fresh water to rinse off the salt and keep their faces out of the lagoon water.
Address: Chile
From $ 33
Atacama Salt Lake
Atacama Salt Lake (Salar de Atacama), a salt deposit–coated lake, lies amid the Atacama Desert plains, framed by distant Andes peaks. Stretching more than 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers), it’s one of the largest salt flats and the largest lithium reserve in the world.
The Basics
Explore several lagoons, most notably Miscanti and Chaxa lagoons in Los Flamencos National Reserve and Ojos del Sala, which resembles a gigantic pair of eyes. Or, swim in the salt-rich waters of Cejar sinkhole.
Explore at your own pace with a rental car or a private driver. Or, join day tours from San Pedro de Atacama, which typically combine a stop in traditional towns, such as Socaire and Toconao, with a visit to one or more lagoons. Alternatively, multi-day tours from Santiago take in all Atacama Desert highlights, including Valley of the Moon (Valle de Luna), El Tatio Geysers, Red Stone desert, and Atacama Salt Lake’s salt flats and lagoons.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to combat the desert heat. Bring warm clothing for the evening, too, as temperatures can drop quickly—even in summer.
- Most desert roads are unpaved and the terrain uneven, so a 4WD is advisable, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- The desert has scarce cellphone service, and only a few San Pedro de Atacama hotels offer Wi-Fi.
How to Get to There
Atacama Salt Lake, at the Atacama Desert in northeastern Chile, is less than an hour’s journey from San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway to the desert. Regular taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from San Pedro de Atacama to the lake. The closest airport is in Calama, from where buses run to San Pedro de Atacama, 60 miles (97 kilometers) away.
When to Get There
Summer (December–February) is the most popular time to explore; with warm weather fit for swimming in the lagoons. Winter (June–August) visits can be equally rewarding, although temperatures can plummet below freezing at night. A trip after one of the rare periods of rainfall can be spectacular, with blooming wildflowers adding a burst of color to the dusty plains.
Atacama Wildlife
Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth with less than 3 mm of annual rainfall, is home to some surprising wildlife, including southern viscacha, the llama-like vicuna, and Darwin's leaf-eared mouse. The salt lakes also attract a number of rare birds, including the endangered Andean flamingo. You might also spot Chilean flamingos and James flamingos, Puna plovers, Andean gulls, swallows, and giant hummingbirds.
Address: Ruta 23, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 33