Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Top Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama
Top Restaurants in San Pedro de Atacama
Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region: The Best Bodies of Water
Looking for an unusual and beautiful landscape? Sandstone canyons, flamingo-dotted salt flats, steaming geysers, hot springs, volcanic peaks and alien-looking rock formations are on offer all around San Pedro de Atacama. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are the preferred means of exploration. Death Valley here is surprisingly great for picnics.
Restaurants in San Pedro de Atacama
1. Lagunas Miscanti y Miniques
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,676 reviews
Reviewed By 965ianf - Norfolk, United Kingdom
This trip to the lagoons at over 4000m altitude was to witness some truly unique and spectacular scenery. The blue lagoons with the backdrop of snow capped peaks and white salt terrain was breathtaking. This was a day trip from San Pedro and the excursion included an outdoor lunch in the sunshine. A great trip with a stop off on the way back at the point where we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn at Lat 23 degrees. A much over used word these days but the vista really was 'amazing'. A special place indeed.
2. Salar de Aguas Calientes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By SophiaK - Athens, Greece
What an unbelievable spot. We did the Aguas Calients with Cosmo Andino tours and we drove on a perfect road from lakes Miscanti and Miniques. It is an amazing place, I can only compare it to a painting! The amazing colors of the lake, and the backdrop of high volcanoes, the freshness of the air, the calm and quiet. It is truly breathtaking!
3. Lagunas Altiplanicas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By G3719EIstephaniec - Bristol, United Kingdom
Simply a beautiful place to visit. Was lucky enough to see wild vicuñas grazing by the side of this lake. My iphone camera did not do justice to this perfect place.
4. Tebinquinche Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,583 reviews
Reviewed By SUNTAN47 - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Visited as part of a tour group. This is amazing, a beautiful location with mountains , lakes, pink flamingos and a peaceful vibe. So glad we came.
5. Laguna Chaxa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,173 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Laguna Chaxa is a salt flat located at a short driving distance from San Pedro De Atacama. It is in the midst of magnificent picturesque natural surroundings. Flamingos in their natural wild habitat are the highlight. One gets to see the Chilean Flamingo and the Andean Flamingo from very close. In addition there are several other birds and lizards. The heat can be very intense in the middle of this salt flat, so would recommend to be prepared for the same and even considering taking an umbrella to block the direct adverse effects of the strong sun. Certainly would very highly recommend this salt flat to any tourist in San Pedro De Atacama.
6. Laguna de Piedras
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By JrnyJunkie - Cleveland, United States
We saw some different birds as well as flamingos here, although they were a good way off compared to some other locations. It is still a very interesting stop in the Atacama.
7. Laguna Tuyajto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Laguna Tuyajto was a pleasant surprise after having visited Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miniques. It is located close to Piedras Rojas. This lagoon has it’s own unique beauty in the midst of picturesque surroundings. One will be able to spot some interesting birds as well. Certainly worth a photo stop when visiting the other 2 lagoons mentioned.
8. Lagunas Baltinache
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By Carl787 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Early in our trip to Atacama we had an afternoon free and having read some reviews decided to give Lagunas Baltinache a try. Without a doubt for the 5 of us - it was one of our absolute highlights! Firstly the drive. Yes it’s long, bumpy and not massively enjoyable but it’s flat and relatively easy to drive. I wouldn’t say a 4x4 is needed, you would just need to drive slower! It took us just over an hour from San Pedro. Once you arrive there are 7 pools of which you can swim in the first and last. Swimming in the salt lakes on its own is an incredible experience. However once you add in the amazing scenery and colours it makes it’s a very unique and super fun activity. Our three children (ages 5,8,10) loved it. One thing worth noting, completely unplanned, we got there around 15:00 and it was virtually empty. However at 16:00 suddenly it filled up hugely with tours so if you are able to self drive - worth planning around that!
9. Lagunas Escondidas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By CO-Traveler-Life
Note there is another Laguna Baltinache that I think sometimes get confused. These salt pools are about an hour away from San Pedro de Atacama, and about 40 min of that is on a rough dirt road (B241). Be sure you're googling the right pools! The roads are well marked so easy to drive yourself, but definitely recommend a truck if you have the option over a car! There are 7 pools, of which you can swim in 2 (the first and the last) and there is a wooden walkway to guide you between them. There are also showers (no soap allowed) so you can rinse the salt off after your swim. Note the pools are not warm (chilly, in fact) so be prepared! Floating straight up and down like a cork was quite the experience...absolutely a must-do for adventurous travelers to this region.
