Nestled in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the hidden lagoons of Baltinache offer a mesmerizing escape from the norm. Accessible from the quaint town of San Pedro de Atacama, this six-hour excursion unveils a serene oasis amidst the rugged, otherworldly terrain. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the vibrant hues of turquoise and indigo that grace the surface of these salt-rich lagoons, providing a unique floating experience. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as the return journey showcases the desert’s ever-changing palette at sunset – a sight that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Explore the hidden lagoons located approximately 1 hour southeast of San Pedro de Atacama, known for their vibrant color variations.
- Enjoy a floating experience in the final lagoon due to the high salt content, similar to the Dead Sea.
- Capture stunning photographs of the otherworldly scenery, featuring hues of turquoise, indigo, and shimmering white.
- Experience a serene and tranquil environment as you wind through the seven distinctive lagoons.
- Conclude the tour with a sunset viewing over the desert landscape before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a 6-hour exploration of the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache from San Pedro de Atacama, priced from €50.37 per person.
Participants can enjoy the scenic beauty and variation of colors in the desert landscape, with opportunities for photography. The high salt content of the lagoons allows for a floating experience similar to the Dead Sea.
The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, snacks or a cocktail, and health insurance.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can check availability and reserve their spot, paying nothing today.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Pedro De Atacama.
Experience Highlights
One of the main highlights of this tour is the scenic beauty of the hidden lagoons. The lagoons feature a stunning variation of colors in the desert landscape, ranging from vibrant blues and greens to striking reds and oranges. This provides excellent opportunities for photography, capturing the unique and otherworldly scenery.
Plus, the high salt content of the water allows for a floating experience similar to the Dead Sea, adding to the overall sense of wonder and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the serene and tranquil environment, surrounded by the natural beauty of this remote and captivating destination.
Itinerary Details
From San Pedro de Atacama, the tour travels southeast for roughly 1 hour to reach the entrance of the hidden lagoons, where visitors will find restroom facilities available.
Once there, the experience involves exploring a path that winds through seven lagoons. However, only the last lagoon is suitable for swimming due to its high salt content, similar to the Dead Sea.
As the tour concludes, travelers will watch the sunset over the desert before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.
Inclusions
What does the tour package include?
The Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache tour from San Pedro de Atacama includes pickup and drop-off at an agreed location, as well as a bilingual Spanish and English guide.
Shared transportation and health insurance are also provided.
Snacks and a morning breakfast or afternoon cocktail are included.
Visitors will have access to the hidden lagoons, which is the main attraction of the tour.
The tour package covers all the necessary elements to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring the scenic beauty of the desert landscape and unique lagoons.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBooking Information
Checking availability for starting times is the first step in booking the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache tour from San Pedro de Atacama.
Visitors can select the desired date and number of participants on the booking platform. The meeting point, accessible via Google Maps, is provided for easy navigation to the tour’s starting location.
Once the booking is confirmed, there’s no need to pay upfront – the "Reserve now & pay later" policy allows travellers to secure their spot without any immediate charges.
This flexible booking system makes planning the lagoon excursion hassle-free.
Departure and Arrival
The tour departs southeast from San Pedro de Atacama, a journey of approximately 1 hour, before arriving at the entrance to the hidden lagoons.
Once there, visitors will find restroom facilities available.
The exploration then begins, as the group follows a path that winds through seven distinct lagoons.
However, only the last lagoon is suitable for swimming, due to its high salt content, similar to the Dead Sea.
After exploring the stunning colors and scenery of the desert landscape, the tour returns to San Pedro de Atacama in time to witness the sunset over the arid terrain.
Exploration of Lagoons
Visitors wind their way through the seven distinctive lagoons, marveling at the extraordinary palette of colors that unfolds before them.
The path leads them past vibrant hues of turquoise, deep indigo, and shimmering white, all created by the high salt content of the water. Only the final lagoon is suitable for swimming, allowing visitors to float effortlessly, much like in the Dead Sea.
As they explore, they’ll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the desert landscape and its unique geological features.
The experience offers a peaceful respite from the bustling town of San Pedro de Atacama, immersing visitors in the serene beauty of this hidden natural wonder.
Return to San Pedro De Atacama
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the desert, the group reluctantly departs the hidden lagoons and begins their journey back to San Pedro de Atacama.
The drive offers a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and take in the ever-changing landscape. Along the way, the guide points out notable features:
- The shifting hues of the desert, from fiery oranges to deep purples
- The silhouettes of distant mountains against the fading light
- The occasional glimpse of wildlife, such as vicuñas or guanacos, grazing in the distance
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Swimming Pools Available at the Lagoons?
Only the last of the seven lagoons is suitable for swimming due to the high salt content, which creates a floating experience similar to the Dead Sea. The other lagoons are for exploring and photography.
Can I Visit the Lagoons Independently Without a Tour?
Yes, visitors can explore the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache independently without a tour. However, a guided tour provides benefits such as transportation, bilingual guides, and access to the only lagoon suitable for swimming due to its high salt content.
What Type of Activities Can I Do at the Lagoons?
Visitors can swim, float, and take photos at the last lagoon due to its high salt content. The other six lagoons are for exploration and enjoying the scenic desert landscape.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache tour. The tour welcomes participants of all ages and provides a floating experience in the high-salt content lagoons, suitable for both adults and children.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Lagoons?
Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the lagoons. However, a light snack and beverage are typically included in the tour price, so bringing additional sustenance may not be necessary.
The Sum Up
The Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache offer a captivating 6-hour excursion from San Pedro de Atacama. Visitors will discover seven stunning lagoons with mesmerizing hues, culminating in a relaxing floating experience. The tour concludes with a scenic return showcasing the desert’s shifting colors at sunset, creating an unforgettable adventure.
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