Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache
Experience the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert's turquoise salt lagoons, where you can effortlessly float in hypersaline waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids lunch closure, ensures entry
Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache
Best Time
Avoids lunch closure, ensures entry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert's turquoise salt lagoons, where you can effortlessly float in hypersaline waters.
"Bucket list experience of a lifetime. The colors on all the pictures are not tweaked at all."
⏰ Strict Entry Time
Arrive by 5 PM sharp! They won't let you in after this, even if Google Maps says later. :clock10:
🚗 Tire Check is Crucial
Inspect rental car tires thoroughly before leaving. Worn tires are a common issue here. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lagoon 7 Swim
Lagoon 7
Experience the surreal sensation of floating effortlessly in extremely salty, turquoise waters amidst a stark desert landscape.
Salt-Crusted Landscapes
All lagoons
Marvel at the otherworldly scenery where salt formations create a dazzling, white, and surreal environment.
The Scenic Drive
Road to the lagoons
Enjoy a visually stunning journey through the Atacama Desert, with the final approach offering unique off-road adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Car & Road Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Atacama Desert, Chile
⏰ Strict Entry Time
Arrive by 5 PM sharp! They won't let you in after this, even if Google Maps says later. :clock10:
🚗 Tire Check is Crucial
Inspect rental car tires thoroughly before leaving. Worn tires are a common issue here. :car:
Just a casual swimming hole in the middle of a salt flat in the desert. Chile has been full of crazy shit so far.
Atacama Desert
💰 Bring Cash for Tickets
While card payment is available, having cash can be a backup for entry fees. :moneybag:
🥶 Water is COLD!
Don't jump in! The water is extremely salty and very cold, especially in winter. Float on your back. :ice_cube:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Strict Entry Time
Arrive by 5 PM sharp! They won't let you in after this, even if Google Maps says later. :clock10:
🚗 Tire Check is Crucial
Inspect rental car tires thoroughly before leaving. Worn tires are a common issue here. :car:
💰 Bring Cash for Tickets
While card payment is available, having cash can be a backup for entry fees. :moneybag:
🥶 Water is COLD!
Don't jump in! The water is extremely salty and very cold, especially in winter. Float on your back. :ice_cube:
🚿 Showers Available, No Towels
Cold showers are on-site, but remember to bring your own towel. :shower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache for their breathtaking, otherworldly beauty and the unique sensation of floating in extremely salty water. The surreal salt-encrusted landscapes are a major highlight. However, many note the water is surprisingly cold, especially in winter, and caution against jumping in. Some also experienced issues with rental car tires, emphasizing the need for thorough checks.
"We visited the salt lagoons and it was an incredible experience! The views were breathtaking – it felt like everything was covered in salt, creating a surreal and magical landscape. You can swim in the lagoon, although we expected the water to be warm… it was actually very cold (we went in the winter season).
Important notes:
– Don’t jump into the water – the cold shock can be dangerous.
– The water is extremely salty, so it’s best to float on your back, not your stomach.
Even though the water was cold, the air temperature was very pleasant, and the swim was absolutely worth it.
One important warning: check the condition of your rental car’s tires before heading out. We got a flat – not because of the road, but because the rental car had severely worn-out (bald) tires. We weren’t the only ones – several travelers had the same issue. So double-check the tires before your trip to avoid a nasty surprise in the middle of nowhere.
Other than that – the road to the lagoons and the views at the destination are simply stunning. Highly recommended!"
Krystian Tomaszewski
"This place was awesome.
Get there at 2:30pm once they open up after their lunch break.
Was able to swim in Lagoon 7, but get ready for the wind. It was crazy."
Team Sauce Travels
"Amazing experience to be floating in a natural spring in the middle of one of the driest places on the planet.
Well worth the drive, but check beforehand as the springs are closed on different days"
Peter Barras
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by rental car, ideally an SUV, from San Pedro de Atacama. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours. While most of the road is paved, the last section is off-road but manageable for SUVs. Some tours also offer transportation.
The road is generally good, with about 90% paved. The final 5-10% is gravel and off-road, but typically navigable with an SUV. Travelers report passing 'road closed' signs without issue.
To ensure you arrive before the 5 PM entry cut-off, it's recommended to leave San Pedro de Atacama by 4 PM at the latest, accounting for potential traffic or delays.
Yes, many tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama offer guided tours to the lagoons, which include transportation. This can be a good option if you prefer not to drive or worry about car maintenance.
While the roads are generally good, it's crucial to check the condition of your rental car's tires before departing. Severely worn tires have been a problem for some visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The lagoons have a lunch break, typically from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, during which you cannot enter but can exit. The latest entry time is strictly 5 PM, even if Google Maps indicates a later closing time.
Entry fees are typically paid at a machine on-site. While card payment is usually accepted, it's advisable to bring cash as a backup.
Advance booking is generally not required. Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance machine. However, always check for any updated policies before your visit.
No, you can only swim in the largest lagoon, Lagoon 7. The other lagoons are for viewing and appreciating the salt formations.
The water is extremely salty and cold. Visitors are advised not to jump in due to the cold shock and to float on their backs rather than stomachs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are changing rooms and cold showers available. The showers are located at Lagoon 1, so remember to bring your towel with you to Lagoon 7 and back.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for desert weather. For swimming, bring your swimsuit. A towel is essential for after your swim. Consider water shoes for walking around the salty areas.
The water is very salty, which allows for easy floating. However, it is also very cold, especially in winter. Avoid jumping in and float on your back. The air temperature is usually pleasant.
The landscape is surreal and otherworldly, with everything appearing to be covered in salt. The turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the white salt formations, creating a magical scene.
Allow at least 1-2 hours. This includes the 20-minute walk to Lagoon 7, time for swimming and enjoying the views, and the walk back to your car.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire landscape is incredibly photogenic, with the vibrant turquoise water and stark white salt formations. Capture yourself floating effortlessly and the unique salt crusts. The colors are naturally stunning.
No, a good smartphone camera is sufficient to capture the beauty. However, protecting your camera from salt spray is advisable. Consider a waterproof case or lens wipes.
Late afternoon, leading up to sunset, can offer beautiful lighting. However, the stark contrast of the salt and water is striking at any time of day.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment. Avoid using drones without proper authorization.
Focus on the unique textures of the salt and the vibrant colors of the water. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to highlight the surreal nature of the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical considerations include bringing plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The drive itself can be long for young children, so consider their tolerance for car journeys. Checking your rental car's tires is especially important when traveling with family to avoid unexpected breakdowns. The cold showers might also be a challenge for some children, so a quick rinse and drying off promptly is advisable.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of potential hidden costs, such as tire damage or unexpected repairs if your rental vehicle is not in optimal condition. Bringing your own food and drinks from San Pedro de Atacama will also save money compared to purchasing them at the site, where options are likely limited or non-existent. The experience itself, with its unique natural phenomena, offers excellent value for the cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science of Salt and Floating
While the floating is the main draw, the surrounding landscape is equally captivating. The edges of the lagoons and the ground nearby are often encrusted with thick layers of salt, creating a dazzling white, almost lunar-like terrain. This stark, crystalline environment, combined with the vibrant turquoise of the water, makes for a visually stunning and otherworldly experience. The colors are not enhanced in photos; they are naturally this vivid.
It's important to note that the water temperature can be quite cold, especially during the winter months. While the air temperature might be pleasant, the shock of the cold water can be significant. Therefore, visitors are strongly cautioned against jumping into the lagoons. Instead, a gentle entry and a focus on floating are the recommended ways to enjoy this natural wonder safely.
Navigating the Atacama Desert Roads
An SUV is highly recommended for this journey, not necessarily for extreme off-roading, but for its higher clearance and more robust suspension, which can handle the uneven terrain more comfortably. Some travelers have reported seeing 'road closed' signs on certain sections, but have proceeded past them without issue. It's always wise to exercise caution and assess the conditions as you go.
A critical piece of advice from recent visitors is to thoroughly inspect the tires of your rental vehicle before departing San Pedro de Atacama. Several travelers have experienced flat tires, not due to the road itself, but due to severely worn or 'bald' tires on their rental cars. This oversight can lead to significant inconvenience and potential danger in a remote desert environment. Double-checking your vehicle's condition is paramount for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit