Route of the Salt Flats: Crossing the White Desert

Northern Chile’s Route of the Salt Flats offers an unforgettable journey through the region’s stark and breathtaking landscapes. Over the course of 8 hours, travelers can marvel at the unique geological formations of the Salar de Quisquiro and Salar de Aguas Calientes, including the impressive Pacana monks. This tour also provides the opportunity to witness the vibrant wildlife found in the Quepiaco River wetland. With convenient pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and included meals, the experience promises an adventure that truly captures the high-altitude desert’s stark beauty. There’s more to discover about this captivating route.

Key Points

• The tour crosses the white desert of northern Chile to explore the Salar de Quisquiro and Salar de Aguas Calientes salt flats.
• The 8-hour journey is priced at €76.45 per person and includes free cancellation, pickup, bilingual guide, meals, and transportation.
• Highlights of the tour include visits to the Quepiaco River wetland, Licancabur lookout point, and the Pacana monks, a geological formation.
• The tour starts at the Licancabur viewpoint, continues to the Quisquiro and Aguas Calientes salt flats, and concludes with a return to San Pedro de Atacama.
• The tour is designed for a hassle-free exploration of the stunning landscapes, but pickup is limited to accommodations within the urban radius of San Pedro de Atacama.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Crossing the white desert, this route offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning salt flats of northern Chile.

Priced from €76.45 per person, the 8-hour journey includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlighting the experience, travelers will visit the Salar de Quisquiro and Salar de Aguas Calientes salt flats, explore the Quepiaco River wetland, and marvel at the Pacana monks, gigantic stone pillars in the desert.

Pickup from accommodations in the urban area, a bilingual guide, breakfast and lunch, and transportation are all included in the service.

Experience Highlights

This route allows visitors to experience the highlights of the stunning salt flats in northern Chile.

Guests will visit the Salar de Quisquiro and Salar de Aguas Calientes, two expansive salt flats that showcase the region’s unique geological features.

The tour also includes a stop at the Quepiaco River wetland, where travelers can observe the diverse local wildlife.

Another highlight is the Licancabur lookout point, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Itinerary Details

What does the day’s itinerary entail?

The tour begins at the Licancabur viewpoint, where participants can enjoy breakfast if weather permits. If necessary, the group will stop at the Quepiaco River wetland for breakfast.

The journey then continues to the impressive Pacana viewpoint. Next, the tour enters the Quisquiro salt flat, situated at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters.

The final destination is the Salar de Aguas Calientes, known for its varied water tones. The tour concludes with a return to San Pedro de Atacama.

Key highlights include:

1. Witnessing the remarkable Pacana monks, gigantic stone pillars in the desert.
2. Exploring the diverse Salar de Aguas Calientes salt flat.
3. Appreciating the breathtaking views from the Licancabur and Pacana lookout points.

Included Services

The tour package includes several services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

Pick-up from accommodations in the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama is provided, as well as a bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English.

Breakfast and lunch are included throughout the day’s activities.

Transportation to and from the city center is also covered.

This comprehensive service offering allows travelers to focus on seeing the stunning natural landscapes of the salt flats without worrying about logistics.

The tour operator has designed the experience to cater to the needs of visitors, making it a hassle-free way to explore this remarkable region.

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Important Notes

Pick-up service isn’t available for accommodations located outside the urban radius of San Pedro de Atacama, including the ayllus near San Pedro (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, Coyo), or Toconao town.

Travelers should check availability for starting times.

This tour offers:

1. A chance to explore the vast and mesmerizing salt flats of Quisquiro and Aguas Calientes.
2. An opportunity to marvel at the Pacana monks, gigantic stone pillars in the desert.
3. Stunning views from the Licancabur lookout point.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, and transportation is included.

Guests will be dropped off in the city center upon returning from the tour.

Transportation and Pickup

Transportation and pickup for this tour is straightforward. The tour operator provides convenient pickup service from accommodations within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama. Their bilingual guides will greet you and ensure a smooth start to your journey across the salt flats.

However, pickup isn’t available for accommodations outside the urban radius, including ayllus near San Pedro or Toconao town. Participants should check availability for starting times and plan accordingly.

Once the tour begins, transportation is included throughout the day, with a comfortable ride back to the city center at the end of the excursion.

Weather and Accessibility

Weather and the elements play a vital role in the accessibility of this salt flat tour. Heavy rains can flood the low-lying areas, making sections of the route impassable. Wind and blowing sand can reduce visibility and make the journey unpleasant.

On top of that, the high altitude of over 4,000 meters means that the area is prone to sudden temperature drops and extreme conditions:

1. Inclement weather can force the tour to be rerouted or canceled for safety reasons.
2. Visitors should come prepared with warm, weatherproof clothing to handle the unpredictable climate.
3. Those with altitude sickness or respiratory issues may struggle with the thin air and should take precautions.

Booking and Cancellation

Offered with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this salt flat tour allows travelers to book with the flexibility to change their plans if needed.

The tour is priced at €76.45 per person and lasts 8 hours, with pickup and drop-off in the city center of San Pedro de Atacama. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, a convenient option for planning.

The tour includes a bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, and transportation. However, pick-up service isn’t available for accommodations outside the urban radius, so travelers should check availability based on their location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Travel Insurance Provided or Recommended?

The overview does not mention if travel insurance is provided or recommended for this tour. Travelers should check with the tour operator or their own insurance provider about purchasing additional coverage for this activity.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, breakfast and lunch are provided as part of the included services, so bringing additional items is optional.

What Should Participants Wear and Bring for the Tour?

Participants should wear comfortable, warm clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen. They’ll also need a water bottle and any personal snacks or medications they may need during the 8-hour tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility challenges. It involves hiking over uneven terrain at high altitudes. The operator doesn’t provide specific accommodations, so participants should check if their needs can be met.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions or Opportunities During the Tour?

The tour offers ample photography opportunities throughout the salt flats and scenic viewpoints. There are no specific restrictions, allowing travelers to freely capture the stunning desert landscapes during the excursion.

The Sum Up

The Route of the Salt Flats: Crossing the White Desert offers an awe-inspiring journey through Chile’s stunning landscapes. Travelers can marvel at the unique geological formations, vibrant wildlife, and the stark beauty of the high-altitude desert. With convenient pickup, bilingual guides, and included meals, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the breathtaking Salar de Quisquiro and Salar de Aguas Calientes.

You can check if your dates are available here: