Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Atacama Salt Flats. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full Atacama - SORBAC (Private Groups)

• Half-Day Tour to Laguna Cejar

• Highland Wonders: Red Stones and Lagoons

• Piedras Rojas Salt Flats and Altiplanic Lagoons

• San Pedro de Atacama: 4-Day Magic Desert Adventure

The Atacama Salt Flats are free to visit, although some salt lakes and reserves in the region charge an entry fee. However, most travelers opt for a guided tour from San Pedro de Atacama, with prices starting at US$35 for a half-day tour or US$122 for a full-day tour.

Yes, definitely. The vast Atacama Salt Flats are among the largest of their kind in the world, and afford some spectacular views—and photo opportunities. Having said that, exploring the salt flats and lagoons of the Atacama Desert is challenging without your own vehicle, so consider joining one of the many tours from San Pedro de Atacama. (Plus, visiting with a local guide provides insight into the region's unique natural landscapes, as well as takes you to places you probably wouldn't find on your own.)

Per one customer who booked the Toconao and Salt Flats in Atacama, "This was one of my favorite tours we did in San Pedro de Atacama! [...] Tiari was a great guide: [they] gave us a thorough history lesson on the area, told us stories and legends of the volcanoes that the Indigenous communities told, and, along with [our driver] Willie, took us to the best spot to see and photograph the three species of flamingoes found in the area. [...] I would definitely do this tour again!"

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.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Atacama Salt Flats. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around San Pedro de Atacama:

• Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)

• El Tatio Geysers

• Chaxa Lagoon (Laguna Chaxa)

• Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris)

• Cejar Lagoon (Laguna Cejar)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in San Pedro de Atacama.