City: Antofagasta Region
Top Things to do in Antofagasta Region
Top Restaurants in Antofagasta Region
What to do and see in Antofagasta Region, Chile: The Best Bodies of Water
The Antofagasta Region (Spanish: Región de Antofagasta, pronounced [antofaˈɣasta]) is one of Chile's fifteen first-order administrative divisions. It comprises three provinces, Antofagasta, El Loa and Tocopilla. It is bordered to the north by Tarapacá and by Atacama to the south and is the second-largest region of Chile. To the east it borders Bolivia and Argentina. The capital of the region is the port city of Antofagasta, another important city being Calama. The main economic activity is copper mining in the giant porphyry copper systems located inland.
Restaurants in Antofagasta Region
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. Salar de Atacama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
This vast salt lake is blanketed by a thick crust of salt and attracts some interesting varieties of birds including several different types of flamingos.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Salar de Atacama is the largest salt flat in Chile. It is located 55 km south of San Pedro de Atacama. It is surrounded by mountains and has no drainage outlets. In the east it is enclosed by the main chain of the Andes, while to the west lies a secondary mountain range of the Andes called Cordillera de Domeyko. It is best viewed from a hot air balloon ride especially to appreciate it’s vastness. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting same or viewing it from a hot air balloon ride.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Laguna Inca Coya
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
