• Sightseeing

  • Transportation

  • Guide

  • Snacks

Discover some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano with the Salt Flats Route Tour in San Pedro de Atacama.

This high-altitude excursion travels through remote sectors of the Andes Mountains and the Los Flamencos National Reserve, crossing salt flats, wetlands, volcanoes, and extraordinary geological formations of the Atacama Desert.

The tour includes visits to the Salar de Aguas Calientes and nearby sectors of Salar de Tara, areas famous for their extreme landscapes, colorful lagoons, and Andean wildlife such as vicuñas, flamingos, and vizcachas.

During the excursion, visitors also discover the famous Monks of La Pacana, giant volcanic rock formations shaped by erosion and geological processes over thousands of years.

Along the route, wetlands and Altiplano lagoons create ideal conditions for wildlife observation and landscape photography, with dramatic contrasts between white salt flats, blue skies, and reddish mountains.

Ideal for travelers seeking extreme nature, wildlife, photography, and unforgettable high-altitude experiences in the Atacama Desert.

Estimated Duration

Approximately 8 to 10 hours

Departure Schedule

Departure: around 7:00 AM
Return: around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM


Recommendations

  • Bring warm clothing
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses
  • Bring sunscreen
  • Bring water
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring snacks
  • Dress in layers due to changing temperatures
  • Avoid alcohol the night before
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe heart conditions or serious altitude-related complications
Physical Demand
medium
This excursion has moderate physical demand due to the altitude, which exceeds 4,500 meters above sea level in some sectors. Although the walks are short and technically easy, the altitude may cause fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath. It is recommended to take this excursion after spending 2 or 3 days acclimatizing in San Pedro de Atacama.
Experience
For Everyone
No previous experience needed.

Schedule

07:00 hrs - Departure from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama

About 100 kilometres from Calama, the world's driest desert hides a small oasis called San Pedro de Atacama. It's an adobe town and dirt roads that have stolen the hearts of thousands of tourists for the charms of Atacameña and Spanish culture contained in each of its buildings. What do you say you come with me and we go around

Visit to the Guardians of the Pakana

Be impressed by this unique archaeological site in the region, made up of a series of stone structures dating back more than 1,000 years. These structures are located on a hill overlooking the Catarpe Valley and the Atacama Desert. The Guardians of the Pakana are believed to have been used by the ancient inhabitants of the region for stargazing and to perform religious rituals. Today, this place is a testimony of the cultural legacy of the native peoples of the area.

Visit to the Salar de Aguas Calientes

We will advance further to cross the Salar Aguas Calientes, located in the Puna de Atacama at an approximate height of 4,280 meters above sea level. In its great extension it is possible to appreciate an arid landscape, with the presence of llaretas, tolas de agua and tamarugos. This salt flat is surrounded by volcanoes and its waters come from the Pili river and the Chamaca ravine. At the edge of the road we will be able to observe a great quantity of fauna such as vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas, chinchillas and birds such as the flamingo and if we are lucky condors.

Visit to the Mirador de Licancabur

Due to its imposing height and distinctive shape, the Licancabur volcano is one of the most iconic mountains in the region and a must-see for nature and adventure lovers. The Licancabur Viewpoint is an access point from where we will appreciate the majesty of the volcano, as well as the impressive surrounding landscape, which includes other volcanoes, salt flats, and mountains of the Andes Mountains. An impressive experience for visitors.

Visit to Las Vegas from Quepiaco

Located approximately 1 hour east of San Pedro de Atacama, we will find the Quepiaco River which is located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters above sea level (more…)

Visit to the Salar de Quisquiro

Salar de Quisquiro is located in the geological depression called Caldera de la Pacana. This is a beach-type salt flat with shallow lagoons of variable length. Its main water supplies are the Salado River in the south and the Loyoques estuary in the north. This salt flat is located at an approximate height of 4150 meters above sea level and has an area of ​​80 km2.

13:30 hrs approx - Return to the accommodation

About 100 kilometres from Calama, the world's driest desert hides a small oasis called San Pedro de Atacama. It's an adobe town and dirt roads that have stolen the hearts of thousands of tourists for the charms of Atacameña and Spanish culture contained in each of its buildings. What do you say you come with me and we go around

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels or hostels located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.

The Salt Flats Route is a high-altitude excursion through salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, and wetlands located in remote areas near the Bolivian border.

  • Salar de Aguas Calientes
  • Areas near Salar de Tara
  • Monks of La Pacana
  • Altiplano wetlands
  • Panoramic viewpoints of volcanoes and Andean lagoons

Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels or hostels located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.

The Salt Flats Route is a high-altitude excursion through salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, and wetlands located in remote areas near the Bolivian border.

  • Salar de Aguas Calientes
  • Areas near Salar de Tara
  • Monks of La Pacana
  • Altiplano wetlands
  • Panoramic viewpoints of volcanoes and Andean lagoons

The excursion operates year-round. From April to November, skies are usually clearer and weather conditions are ideal for photography and sightseeing.

Yes. Due to the altitude, temperatures can be low throughout much of the tour, especially in the morning and during winter months.

Yes. Since the excursion reaches altitudes above 4,500 meters, it is highly recommended to take this tour after spending several days acclimatizing in San Pedro de Atacama.

No previous trekking experience is required, but the altitude may cause fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath even during short walks.

Yes. Visitors frequently observe vicuñas, flamingos, vizcachas, and Andean birds throughout different sectors of the route.

They are giant volcanic rock formations located in the middle of the desert, shaped by erosion and geological processes over thousands of years.

No. Due to the high altitude of the excursion, it is recommended to take this tour after an acclimatization period.

Warm clothing, thermal layers, windproof jackets, sunglasses, hats, and layered clothing are highly recommended due to changing temperatures.

The excursion usually lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours including transportation and sightseeing.

Included

  • Transport Service
  • Bilingual Guide spanish/english
    During excursions and departures mentioned in the itinerary
  • Passenger Transportation Insurance
  • Breakfast
  • Expert advice and coordination
    Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls.
  • Booking Fee – Reservation Management
    Administrative costs associated with managing and confirming your reservation, including payment processing and coordinating services with local operators.

General Conditions

Conditions for Minors

  • Minimum age for this excursion is 12 years old

Safety Conditions in Service

  • Whether due to weather conditions or conditions of the route (roads) that do not offer the minimum security guarantees for a safe operation, our provider reserves the right to cancel the service.

Activity Risk Acceptance

  • The passenger declares to know and understand the risks involved in participating in adventure tourism activities, which cannot be completely eliminated, even when there is compliance with safety standards accredited by the service provider, whose purpose is to reduce risks. risks that the development of this activity involves.
  • It will be the duty of the adventure tourism service provider to inform of the conditions and requirements for the development of the activity, as well as the duty of the participants who take an adventure tourism service to be adequately informed of the conditions in which the service is provided. of the minimum conditions that the participant must possess before carrying out the activity and abide by the instructions that the company and guide in charge of the activity indicate.

Commercial Conditions

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellations with 3 days or more before arrival: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations with 2 days or less before arrival are not eligible for a refund.

Other Conditions

  • Prices in United States Dollars (USD) are calculated with the exchange rate of the day from their value in Chilean Pesos (CLP) and may vary depending on the day the payment is made.
  • Entrance Tickets to National Parks or Reserves are not included in the value of the Tour
  • Rates valid for services at the times indicated
  • Services apply with a minimum number of passengers at the time of booking (2)
  • Rates per person subject to change.
  • For security and operational reasons, schedules may be modified without prior notice.
  • There is no pick-up at the hotels, at the time of confirmation the time and meeting point will be given.
  • Excursions with Spanish and English bilingual guide
  • NOT allowed for pregnant women

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

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