The secret route to the hidden lagoons in Atacama

The lost treasure in the middle of San Pedro, Atacama.

Take notes, here we’ll tell you the secret of how to get to this incredibles hidden lagoons on a fantastic road trip, ideal for campers. Atacama is one of the favorite tourist destinations for foreigners and chileans, it’s the most arid desert in the world, and has landscapes from other planet, not only beautiful but breath taken. That’s how we got to know the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache: a lost treasure in the Salt Mountain range, only a few minutes away from San Pedro of Atacama.

The nearest lagoon is Laguna Cejar, the one that takes all the attention from visitors because of the chance of floating in one of the most salted lagoons on earth.

The next destination also offers the experience of diving in salt water: “ El salar de Atacama” The biggest salt flat in chile, with 100 Km of length and 80 kms wide, was once an enormous lake that within time became dry and isolated, about million years ago. On its surface remains this lagoons that amaze the visitors with intense turquoise water; contrasting the Cordillera de la Sal, which becomes a surrealistic scenery.

This tour it’s ideal for an 4×4 Masai Camper! This trip must be done in all terrain vehicle, because you´ll find dirt roads with rocks, and you´ll have to be prepared with an spare tire. Check your vehicle before the departure, if you have a good spare tire and all the tools to change it you’re ready to go! If you don’t want to risk your vehicle there is the option of taking the tour with a tourist operator.

This road requires a 4×4 vehicle and attetion with the rocks. 

CAMPERS ROUTE

The hidden lagoons of Baltinache are located 57 kms from San Pedro center, the hidden road it’s on the way to Calama, by the route B-241, then you should take a detour that claims “Valle de la paciencia”, from there you´ll must go on 45 kms until the hidden lagoon. This road is full of rocks, with no asfalt, the vehicle must be prepared, you´ll see some deflated tires on the desert… This is one of the main reasons this place has low tourist influx.

Take the time you need for the trip, you´lll have an amazing landscape to contemplate, and a camping option. Enjoy the ride and give it attention to the road. On the distance you´ll see the white salty lake that makes a difference from dust, like an oasis where the Hidden Lagoons are to be found. In the lagoons you´ll have the chance to swim in water that automatically makes you float. We recommend taking the trekking tour till the last and biggest lagoon. 

When you arrive you must pay a ticket of 5000 CLP which includes camping, showers and toilets. Take your swimsuit and dive in high salinity water, the lagoons availables to dive in are the first and the last one of the three.

Take with you fresh water for taking of the salt after swimming. The salt and the sun may cause a rash. For sunscreen we recommend you to use natural and mineral filters without oils that contaminates water. The peace and quiet there are indubitable, the view its extraordinary, and we should respect this environment as visitors, don’t go out of tracks and never leave any waste.  

Use fresh water to rinse off the salt from the body to avoid rashes.

BEST TIME TO GO

The perfect hour to start this trip is around 12:00 m, so you can spend the afternoon on the lagoons, make a picnic and witness an Atacama sunset like no other, with all the colors reflected on the salt flat and all of its lagoons. Remember to bring your camera!

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