The high plateau salt flats route, known locally as the Ruta de los Salares, climbs from the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama onto the windswept Altiplano above 4200 meters. The journey traverses an extraordinary high desert landscape of volcanic ignimbrite monoliths, vast crystalline salt basins, and shallow mineral lagoons frequented by Andean flamingos.
Highlights along this remote border route include the solitary stone pillars of Monjes de la Pacana and the vast, colorful salt flats of Quisquiro and Aguas Calientes.
| Location | Los Flamencos National Reserve and High Altiplano, Antofagasta Region, Chile |
| Activity Type | High Altitude 4WD Overland Expedition |
| Highest Point | 4500 m on the Altiplano plateau |
| Duration | Full Day (8 to 9 hours) |
| Starting Point | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Key Highlights | Monjes de la Pacana, Salar de Quisquiro, Salar de Aguas Calientes |
| Difficulty | Easy walking (high altitude acclimation required) |
| Best Season | Year round (optimal October to April) |
| Date Visited | December 19, 2021 |
TRAILHEAD AND PLANNING LOGISTICS
The expedition starts from San Pedro de Atacama, ascending eastward on the paved international highway (Route 27) toward the Paso de Jama border crossing with Argentina. A sturdy four wheel drive vehicle or guided tour is essential, as the route branches off the main road onto unmarked desert tracks and sandy volcanic plains.
Because the tour operates consistently above 4000 meters elevation, visitors should spend at least two full days acclimating in San Pedro de Atacama before embarking on this journey. Organized day tours provide breakfast and a picnic lunch served directly on the plateau.
THE ROUTE AND TRAIL REPORT
Ascent to the Altiplano: Climbing steadily past the imposing symmetrical cone of Licancabur volcano, the road ascends over two thousand vertical meters within an hour, reaching the expansive high altitude plateau where herds of wild vicuñas graze on golden tussock grass.
Monjes de la Pacana: Emerging from the sandy plain are the Monjes de la Pacana (also known as the Moais de Tara), colossal volcanic pillars of compacted ash and ignimbrite sculpted over millions of years by relentless wind and sand erosion. The largest stone obelisk, standing solitary like a stone sentinel, rises over twenty meters above the desert floor.
Salar de Quisquiro & Aguas Calientes: Continuing across the plateau leads to the immense salt basin of Salar de Quisquiro. The shallow waters reflect intense blue and emerald hues created by dissolved minerals, surrounded by gleaming white borax and salt crusts. Andean, Chilean, and James flamingos wade quietly along the mineral margins, feeding on microscopic brine shrimp.
PRACTICAL TIPS AND ESSENTIALS
Altitude Management: Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals before departure. The thin air at 4500 meters makes even short walks feel noticeably more demanding.
Sun and Wind Protection: Solar radiation on the Altiplano is extreme. Bring high factor sunblock, polarized sunglasses, a wide brim hat, and a windproof jacket to counter the brisk plateau breezes.
PHOTO GALLERY
