In the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, a landscape dotted with salt flats serves as a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including flamingos and llamas. Among these, the Salar de Tara, nestled on the border, remains a more enigmatic and lesser-known gem. This area, shrouded in mystery, is a protected zone 🦩, and recent discoveries of mineral deposits have led to its closure for much of the year, leaving it unexplored by many passing tourists.
It’s said that only certified travel agencies are permitted to operate tours to the Salar de Tara. I was fortunate enough to secure a spot with one of these agencies, and we embarked on a journey into this breathtaking and expansive salt flat. The itinerary, etched in my memory, unfolded like this:
A breakfast under the shadow of a volcano (where you might even cross paths with llamas) – A visit to the mesmerizing Bicolored Salt Lake, locally known as the Diamond Lake – An exploration of the striking Walnut Monk Rock – A trek through the vast Salar de Tara – A well-deserved lunch
Travel Tips: The Salar de Tara sits at an elevation of over 4000 meters. As you approach the salt flat, the road becomes rough and bumpy, so be mindful of the potential for altitude sickness. Our trip in October was marked by fierce winds and biting cold, making breathing a bit challenging 😮💨.
