Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama) Tours and Tickets

The best time of year to visit the Atacama Salt Flats is in the summer (December–February) when the weather is good enough for swimming. However, this time is also popular, so expect crowds. Consider a winter visit if you want a quieter experience and don't mind cold nighttime temperatures.

The Atacama Salt Flats are about an hour's drive from San Pedro de Atacama, and numerous private and small-group tours will transport you between the two cities. You can also take a shared or private taxi from the small town center to the salt flats and back.

Yes, guided tours of the Atacama Salt Flats are available. You can visit them on a half-day or full-day trip from San Pedro de Atacama or on a multi-day tour of the Atacama Desert, which will take you to many of the desert's numerous geological formations.

Yes, you can drive to the Atacama Salt Flats independently, and many people opt to rent a car and explore the region independently. Self-drive experiences are also available and typically include car rentals and accommodation with breakfast plus custom itineraries designed specifically for each group.

You should pack comfortable shoes for walking around and everything you might need to keep yourself protected from the elements. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are both must-haves and layers are a good idea to keep you warm on freezing desert nights. Don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water.

Many people are surprised to learn that despite its dry climate, the Atacama Desert has a lot of wildlife. Creatures you may encounter vicunas 9similar to llamas) and rodents such as viscachas and Darwin's leaf-eared mouse. Birdlife abounds, including flamingos, Puna plovers, swallows, Andean gulls, and even giant hummingbirds.