Eyes of the Salar

We leave Laguna Cejar behind us with the salt of its waters still clinging to our skin. The heat of the sun above us intensifies and the idea of seeking refuge in a refreshing dip becomes more and more attractive.

-What about going to the Ojos del Salar? - I ask you enthusiastically as I remember that these lagoons are on our way. - That is, of course, if you dare to take the leap into their waters," I finish off without compassion towards you. And just as I expected, you don't hesitate for a minute to accept my challenge and we set off for the enigmatic circular lagoons.

In the middle of the Atacama salt flats, 30 kilometres south of the town of San Pedro, we come across this small oasis of deep, fresh water. There are two lagoons in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by salt and some grasslands that foxes and flamingos use as hiding places. Nearby, there are no signs or fences to warn of the existence of these blue pools, which makes us think of the poor distracted souls who have probably accidentally fallen into their waters.

Of the two lagoons, only one is open to bathing tourists, and it is the one we defiantly contemplate from the shore, ready in our bathing trunks. The adrenalin coursing through our veins propels us and with a great leap we finally plunge in a three-metre free fall into dark waters that, as they say in these parts, have no bottom.