April 6, 2025
Today, I embarked on a 165-kilometer journey along Route 23, a drive that was nothing short of spectacular. The landscape was alive with wildlife, from the graceful guanacos to the elusive small foxes, the vibrant flamingos, and the towering wild ostriches. As I ascended from 2,400 meters to a breathtaking 4,000 meters, the air grew thinner, especially during my trek through Red Rocks Park, which left me slightly breathless.
It’s highly recommended to take altitude sickness medication in advance. The winds at Red Rocks are fierce, so don’t forget to pack an extra windproof jacket.
The three parks along Route 23, while requiring admission fees, are absolutely worth the visit. We opted for a combined ticket, priced at CLP15,000 per person, which granted us access to all three. You can purchase these tickets online one day in advance at socairechile.cl. When buying, you’ll need to select a time slot: 9:00, 11:00, or 13:00.
We chose the 11:00 slot. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. On the day of your visit, make sure to check in early at the town of Socaire, where you’ll exchange the QR code for a paper ticket and get it stamped at the park entrance. Using Google Maps to navigate to the Socaire check-in point will ensure you find it without any hassle.
– Lagunas Miscanti: Admission fee, P123
– Lagunas Miniques: Admission fee, P456
– Piedras Rojas: Admission fee, P789
Following our adventure at Red Rocks, we continued our drive and stumbled upon two hidden gems: a serene, free lake and an area filled with otherworldly rock formations, both of which are free and definitely worth a visit.
– Lagunas Tuyajto: Free
– Campo Pedras Vulcanicas Jucones: Free, P101112
