The final piece of the Atacama travel guide, for other destinations, check out the <Chile Collection> homepage. The itinerary below can be completed in 1-2 days, mostly along Highway 23, which I believe captures the essence of Atacama. Some places are at a higher altitude (around 4000-4200m), so plan according to your physical condition and be mindful of altitude sickness.
📍Laguna Cejar Salt Lake Floating
📍Laguna Chaxa Park Flamingos in the Salt Lake
📍Jere Valley Canyon
📍Salar Aguas Calientes (Piedras Rojas) Salt Lake
📍Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques Two Salt Lakes
⚠️ Laguna Cejar: If you’re not part of a tour group, tickets for floating are only available early in the morning; other times are reserved for organized tours. It can be quite chilly in the morning, so we opted out (we had already experienced floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan).
⚠️ Chaxa Park + Jere Valley: There is no cell signal on-site, and tickets must be purchased online in advance (they come as a package deal, not individually). Entry is via QR code. A half-hour hike is required, and the park closes at 7 PM.
⚠️ Piedras Rojas + Miscanti y Miñiques: These two sites are very close, so a combined ticket is usually the best option. For self-driving, here are some key points to remember:
‼️ Purchase tickets online at least one day in advance, choose the order of visits, and select the date and time. No tickets are sold on-site!
For example, if your ticket is for Piedras Rojas first, you must go there before heading to Miscanti y Miñiques. You must follow the order, or you will not be allowed to enter.
‼️ On the way to the salt lakes, you’ll pass through the town of 📍Socaire. You must register in the town at least one hour in advance!
If your ticket is for 12:30, you need to arrive by 11:30. Have your ticket QR code and license plate number ready for registration. The staff will provide a receipt and share essential information (speed limits, restroom locations, etc.).
‼️ Keep the receipt safe, as it will be checked upon arrival at the salt lakes.
Even with a ticket, failure to register will prevent you from entering.
‼️ After Socaire, there are no supplies available, so pack food and drinks, which can be purchased in the town.
‼️ Piedras Rojas requires about an hour of hiking. The path is easy and doesn’t involve climbing, but the wind can be strong, so dress warmly.
The altitude is around 4000m.
‼️ Miscanti y Miñiques, these two lakes require less walking, with an altitude of around 4200m. The road conditions are poor, making for a bumpy ride.
