Salar de Atacama

Salar de Atacama

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Salar de Atacama

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4 excursions and activities at Salar de Atacama
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Located in the Atacama Desert, the Salar de Atacama is the largest salt flat in Chile and one of the most striking landscapes in South America. Its blinding white crust, shallow lagoons and distant volcanoes create a dramatic desert setting.

Background and natural setting

The Salar de Atacama sits at an altitude of around 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) and covers roughly 1,200 square miles (3,000 square kilometers). Formed over millions of years by evaporation and mineral deposits, the basin collects water from the surrounding Andes. The result is a unique ecosystem where salt flats coexist with wetlands and high-altitude lagoons.

Why visit?

The area is famous for its wildlife and scenery. Flamingos gather in lagoons such as Chaxa, feeding in mineral-rich waters against a backdrop of volcanoes and open desert. Visitors are drawn by the contrast between the harsh environment and the surprising abundance of life, as well as the sheer scale of the landscape.

How to experience it with Civitatis

With Civitatis, you can explore the Salar de Atacama on guided excursions from San Pedro de Atacama. These tours typically include visits to lagoons, viewpoints and protected areas, with transport and explanations that help you understand the region’s geology and wildlife.

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