In short
- Wear a swimsuit under your clothes to save time.
- Pack a warm jacket for the rapid temperature drop after sunset.
- Bring water shoes to protect your feet from sharp salt crystals.
In this article
Visiting the Atacama Salt Flat means dealing with intense sun and high salinity. You will experience daytime highs around 25°C, but temperatures drop rapidly to 5°C after sunset. Packing the right gear ensures you stay comfortable while floating in Laguna Piedra and watching the sunset at Laguna Tebinquinche.
What is the best clothing to pack for the salt flats?
Layered clothing is the most effective way to handle the extreme temperature swings of the Atacama desert.
Start with a comfortable base layer, like a t-shirt and shorts or light trousers, for the warm afternoon sun. Wear your swimsuit underneath to speed up your entry into the water. Pack a warm fleece, windbreaker, or jacket. The temperature will plunge to 5°C quickly once the sun goes down over the Andes.
Do I need special shoes for Laguna Piedra?
Yes, water shoes or sturdy sandals are essential to protect your feet.
The floor of the lagoons is lined with thick, crystallized salt. These salt formations are extremely sharp and can easily cut bare feet. Flip-flops work, but water shoes with a secure fit provide better protection while you walk into the hypersaline water.
What should I bring for sun protection?
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protection sunglasses.
The lagoons sit at 2,400 meters above sea level, making the desert sun highly intense. Apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before entering Laguna Piedra so it fully absorbs. A wide hat and quality sunglasses will protect you from the intense glare reflecting off the salt flats and water.
How should I dry off after swimming?
Pack a microfiber travel towel for quick drying and easy packing.
After floating in Laguna Piedra for the recommended 20-30 minutes, you must use the mandatory freshwater showers to rinse off the heavy salt layer. A microfiber towel absorbs water well and dries fast in the desert air, unlike heavy cotton towels. You will also need moisturizing lotion, as the salt and dry air will dehydrate your skin rapidly.
What else belongs on my packing list?
Bring plenty of drinking water, cash, and a camera or binoculars.
Carry a minimum of 2 liters of drinking water per person to stay hydrated. Electronic payment systems often fail in the desert, so bring Chilean Pesos (CLP) for the entrance fees. Finally, pack binoculars to observe flamingos safely from the Laguna Cejar viewpoint.
What should I avoid doing before my visit?
Do not shave on the day of your tour and avoid alcohol.
The water in Laguna Piedra has a higher salt concentration than the Dead Sea. It will severely sting any fresh cuts or razor nicks. Skip shaving the morning of your visit. Additionally, avoid alcohol before the tour to prevent worsening any altitude sickness symptoms.
Questions travellers ask
Are there changing rooms at Laguna Cejar?
Yes, the Solor Community facilities include changing rooms and mandatory freshwater showers. You have a strict 1-hour time limit inside the complex, so wearing your swimsuit under your clothes saves valuable time.
Can I use regular towels?
You can use regular towels, but microfiber travel towels are recommended. They dry much faster in the desert climate and take up less space in your day pack.
Is it cold at Laguna Tebinquinche?
Yes. By the time most tours reach Laguna Tebinquinche for sunset reflections, the temperature drops sharply. A warm jacket or windbreaker is necessary for comfort.
