Atacama Salt Flat

Salar de Atacama

One of the world's most striking salt flats featuring otherworldly white and turquoise landscapes surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. It's a surreal destination that showcases the raw, alien beauty of the Atacama Desert.

Things to do

• Walk across the salt crust — Traverse the brilliant white salt formations and feel the crunch beneath your feet while photographing the surreal landscape.
• Visit Laguna Cejar — Swim in the turquoise mineral-rich lagoon adjacent to the salt flat where extreme salinity keeps you naturally buoyant.
• Explore the brine pools — Observe the striking contrast between crystalline white salt and vivid turquoise water in the evaporation ponds used for lithium extraction.
• Sunrise or sunset photography — Capture the otherworldly light as the sun reflects off the white salt and turquoise pools, creating dramatic color shifts throughout the day.
• Hike to mountain viewpoints — Climb surrounding peaks like Licancabur or explore volcanic ridges for panoramic views of the entire salt flat and Andes mountains.
• Visit Los Ojos del Salar — See the natural freshwater springs that feed into the salt flat, marked by distinctive circular formations in the landscape.

Food to try

• Empanadas de queso y salsa — Fried pastries filled with melted cheese and local ají sauce, a popular handheld snack throughout the Atacama region.
• Cazuela de quinua — A hearty stew made with locally-grown quinoa, vegetables, and sometimes meat, warming and nourishing in the desert climate.
• Completo atacameño — A loaded hotdog topped with avocado, tomato, onions, and local condiments, a casual Chilean street food favorite in the area.
• Agua de algarroba — A traditional drink made from carob pods native to the Atacama, naturally sweet with a unique earthy flavor.
• Truchas locales — Fresh trout from nearby mountain streams, often grilled simply with salt and lemon to highlight the delicate flavor.

Local customs & good to know

• Extreme sun protection essential — The high altitude and reflective salt create intense UV exposure, so sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable even on cloudy days.
• Respect mining operations — The salt flat is an active lithium mining site; stay within designated tourist areas and do not trespass into industrial zones.
• Early morning visits recommended — Arrive at dawn for clearer visibility, fewer crowds, and the most dramatic lighting conditions for photography.
• Hire local guides for safety — Guides from nearby villages understand the terrain and weather patterns, preventing visitors from getting lost in the deceptively featureless landscape.