In short
- Wear layers to adapt to rapid temperature drops.
- Bring high SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat.
- Use sturdy closed-toe shoes for the salt crust.
In this article
The Salar de Atacama sits at an elevation of 2,300 to 2,400 meters (7,500 to 7,900 feet). This altitude creates harsh sunlight, dry air, and wild temperature swings. You need the right clothing and gear to stay safe and comfortable during your visit.
What should I wear to visit the Atacama salt flats?
Wear a base layer for hot afternoons and bring a windbreaker or insulated jacket for the evening. Temperatures drop rapidly at dusk.
Summer days are intensely hot, while winter nights routinely fall below freezing. If you take a sunset tour to Laguna Chaxa, you will need a jacket the moment the sun sets. Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to protect your feet on the jagged salt crust.
What sun protection is necessary?
You need high SPF sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and polarized sunglasses. The salt flat surface heavily reflects the sun.
The dry, high-altitude air easily causes sunburn and chapped lips. Polarized sunglasses are essential to reduce the blinding glare bouncing off the white salt polygons.
What gear do I need for flamingos?
Bring a camera with a zoom lens. Park rules require you to stay on marked trails, so birds are often distant.
Laguna Chaxa hosts Andean, Chilean, and James's flamingos. Do not approach or make loud noises around them. A good zoom lens lets you photograph them without violating reserve rules.
How do I handle the altitude and dry air?
Pack a reusable water bottle and drink continuously. Hydration is critical at 2,300 to 2,400 meters (7,500 to 7,900 feet).
The combination of high altitude and dry desert air dehydrates you quickly. If you extend your tour to the Altiplanic Lagoons at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), pacing yourself helps prevent altitude sickness.
Do I need cash or digital tickets?
Download your digital entry tickets to your smartphone before arriving. Cash is not accepted at the Laguna Chaxa gates.
Advance online reservations are strictly required for entry. Gate attendants turn away visitors without secured digital tickets. Cellular service is unreliable at the reserve, so save tickets offline.
Does it get cold at the Salar de Atacama?
Yes, temperatures swing wildly and drop below freezing on winter nights.
Even on hot summer days, the temperature plummets instantly at sunset. If your itinerary includes sunset viewpoints or early morning departures, insulated layers are mandatory.
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear sandals on the salt flats?
No. You need sturdy closed-toe walking shoes to walk on the sharp, jagged salt polygons safely.
Can I fly a drone at the salt flats?
Flying drones is prohibited inside the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Leave your drone at your hotel.
Can I bring my pet?
No. Pets are not allowed in the protected reserve areas, including Laguna Chaxa.
