Explore
These freshwater sinkholes and vast salt flats conclude most half-day afternoon tours. Visitors come here for visual contrasts and sunset photography.
Located south of San Pedro de Atacama, this area typically requires an additional community entry fee of CLP 2,000 to 5,000. It features deep freshwater pools and a shallow salt lagoon that reflects the Andes mountains.
Tours arrive here late in the afternoon. Temperatures drop rapidly from daytime highs around 25°C to 5°C after sunset, so bring warm layers. Packing guide
15-20 minutes
These are two perfectly circular freshwater pools situated close together in the arid salt flat. Each sinkhole measures approximately 2,500 square meters. Some guides allow a quick jump into these deep pools to wash off salt from Laguna Piedra.
45-60 minutesSunset views
This vast, shallow lagoon acts as a giant mirror across the salt flat. It reflects the Andes mountains and the nearby Licancabur volcano. Tours stop here for sunset photography as the fading light changes the color of the mountains.
20 minutesStay on paths
These short walking paths route visitors safely along the salt crusts. The walkways let you observe extremophile microorganisms and local wildlife. You must stay strictly on the marked trails to avoid breaking the delicate salt crust.
