Tara Salt Flat, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile Tours in San Pedro de Atacama

This place, which in the Kunza language means "place of flamingos", is located at 4300 m.a.s.l., 130 km to the east of San Pedro de Atacama. To get there, follow the route that leads to the Jama international pass, passing by the side of the Licancabur, and crossing the mountain ranges of the Andes. On the way, you will visit the Quepiaco wetland and the beautiful Pujsas Salt Flat. Located at the foot of the Pili hill, this salt flat provides an incredible spectacle in summer, where the pink color of the thousands of flamingos contrasts with the white and yellow of the salt flat. Here it is common to see culpeo foxes, herds of vicuñas, and the three species of flamingos that live in Chile, James Flamingo or Parina Chica, Chilean Flamingo, and Andean Flamingo or Parina Grande.

Continuing along the road and after several inclines at about 5000 m.a.s.l. you arrive at the Monjes de la Pacana, huge stone pillars that rise vertically and solitary on the desert sand, overlooking the Salar de Aguas Calientes. From here, you leave the road to follow a trail that crosses plains and gentle hills of enormous extensions, in a route where it is common to find vicuñas, rheas, kiulas or puna partridge in the middle of nowhere.

salar-de-tara

The Salar de Tara is surrounded by the Tara Cathedrals, huge rock formations that resemble real buildings overlooking the Salar. From its summit, it is possible to get a beautiful view of the Zapaleri hill and the salt lake.

The Salar de Tara (part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve), located at an altitude of 4,300 meters, lies inmidst of volcanoes, where meadows, rivers, and lagoons develop, where it is common to see Atacameño families grazing llamas.

The salt lake has an area of 3 to 25 km², depending on the time of year. Its main source is the Zapaleri River, which rises in Bolivia and gives life to the flora and fauna of the place, finding flamingos, Guallatas, various types of ducks, vizcachas, foxes, and vicuñas.

For tour bookings write to: reservas@toursanpedrodeatacama.com