Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for extreme temperature swings and high altitudes. Book your digital entry tickets online before traveling to the reserve.
Salar de Atacama
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, San Pedro de Atacama
GPS -23.35, -68.25
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the salt flat from San Pedro de Atacama.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Guided half-day or full-day excursions departing from San Pedro de Atacama, often grouped with altiplanic lagoons. | 4-10 hours depending on itinerary | $50-$150 USD | The easiest option for most travelers. Usually includes transport and a guide. Park entry fees are sometimes excluded. |
| Car: Self-drive via Route 23 south from San Pedro de Atacama, followed by an unpaved turnoff past Toconao toward the reserve. | 50-60 minutes one-way | Car rental fees | The dirt road to Laguna Chaxa is generally well-maintained, but standard coordinates to the park entrance should be used to avoid getting lost on private mining roads. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The salt flat is accessible year-round. September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) offer the most comfortable temperatures. These months also provide clear skies and excellent flamingo viewing.
What to bring
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Temperatures swing wildly; winter nights drop below freezing.
Always pack a windbreaker or insulated jacket.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to structure your time.
A comprehensive tour covering the salt flat and high-altitude lagoons.
- Depart San Pedro
Leave town via tour van and head south.
- Laguna Chaxa
Walk the trails to observe flamingos in the morning light.
- Altiplanic Lagoons
Visit Miscanti and Miñiques at 4,200 meters elevation.
- Piedras Rojas
See the red volcanic rocks bordering Salar de Talar.
- Return to San Pedro
Arrive back in town as temperatures begin to drop.
An afternoon excursion focused on the northern lagoons and sunset.
- Depart San Pedro
Head toward the northern part of the salt flat.
- Laguna Cejar
Float in the hyper-saline turquoise waters.
- Ojos del Salar
View the two deep freshwater sinkholes.
- Laguna Tebinquinche
Watch the Andes reflect in the water at sunset.
- Return to town
Travel back to San Pedro de Atacama.
Practical advice
The Salar de Atacama sits at 2,300 to 2,400 meters above sea level. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the dry, high-altitude air. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Protect yourself from the sun. The salt glare is intense, so wear polarized sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Read more in What to Pack.
Easiest way to do it
Full Day Tour to Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons and Chaxa
10 h 4.9 (636)
- Tickets included Red Stones: $18.75 USD per person ($15,000 CLP)
- Breakfast included - fruits, bread, juice, coffee, tea, cookies, cheese, cake.
- Included posts Laguna Chaxa: $15 USD per person ($13,800 CLP)
- Lunch
From$125per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How far is the salt flat from San Pedro de Atacama?
The Salar de Atacama is situated about 50 to 55 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama. It takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes to drive there.
What should I wear to visit the Atacama salt flats?
Wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes. Bring a windbreaker or insulated jacket, as temperatures drop rapidly at sunset.
Does it get cold at the Salar de Atacama?
Yes, temperatures swing wildly. Summer days can be intensely hot, but winter nights drop below freezing.