Ojos del Salar
Two surreal blue ponds in the Atacama Desert, famous for their mirror-like reflections against the stark white salt flats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light.
Ojos del Salar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Two surreal blue ponds in the Atacama Desert, famous for their mirror-like reflections against the stark white salt flats.
"A simple but very beautiful place, perfect for stunning reflections and unique desert photography."
🎟️ Buy Tickets On Arrival
No need to book ahead! Purchase your 5,000 CLP ticket directly at the entrance.
☀️ Beat the Tour Buses
Arrive early or after the 1:30 PM-2:30 PM break to avoid crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirrored Ponds
Main viewing area
Two small, striking blue ponds offering incredible reflections, perfect for photography.
Laguna Exploration
Adjacent to the ponds
A short, scenic walk around a larger lagoon, showcasing the unique desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket & Entry Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets On Arrival
No need to book ahead! Purchase your 5,000 CLP ticket directly at the entrance.
☀️ Beat the Tour Buses
Arrive early or after the 1:30 PM-2:30 PM break to avoid crowds.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
One pond offers stunning reflections; capture it before the crowds arrive.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's the desert! Bring plenty of water, especially if visiting during warmer hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets On Arrival
No need to book ahead! Purchase your 5,000 CLP ticket directly at the entrance.
☀️ Beat the Tour Buses
Arrive early or after the 1:30 PM-2:30 PM break to avoid crowds.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
One pond offers stunning reflections; capture it before the crowds arrive.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's the desert! Bring plenty of water, especially if visiting during warmer hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ojos del Salar a beautiful and simple stop, particularly praised for its striking blue ponds and photographic potential. While the visit is brief, the unique reflections and desert scenery are memorable. Some note that the opening times can be inconsistent, with staff arriving late, and advise visiting early to avoid tour bus crowds.
"Nice place. I went there with a tour guide and we had around 10-15 minutes there."
Vanessa Morais
"Two small ponds, one is good for photos with reflections"
Spinning Duck
"It's a simple but very beautiful place."
SH Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ojos del Salar is typically visited as part of a tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Many tours combine it with other attractions like Laguna Cejar. Driving yourself is also an option if you have a suitable vehicle, but be aware of road conditions.
Public transport directly to Ojos del Salar is very limited. It's best accessed via organized tours or by renting a car.
The drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Ojos del Salar is approximately 30-40 kilometers, taking around 30-45 minutes depending on road conditions and your vehicle.
While the main road is generally okay, some sections can be unpaved or bumpy. A 4x4 is not strictly necessary for most tours, but a higher clearance vehicle can be beneficial.
Yes, you can visit independently if you have a rental car. However, tours often provide valuable context and handle logistics.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 5,000 CLP per person, payable at the entrance. No advance booking is required.
Ojos del Salar opens at 9 AM. It has a mandatory pause for entry and exit between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, reopening afterwards.
No, you do not need to reserve tickets in advance. They are purchased directly at the entrance.
While you buy tickets at the entrance, tours often combine Ojos del Salar with other nearby attractions like Laguna Cejar, which may have separate ticketing or be included in the tour package.
No, the park is closed for entry and exit between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. If you are inside, you can stay, but you cannot leave until after 2:30 PM.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is generally in the morning when the light is softer and crowds are smaller, allowing for clearer reflections.
Yes, one of the two small ponds is particularly known for its excellent reflection capabilities, making it a prime spot for photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscape and reflections. A polarizing filter can help manage glare and enhance colors.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and park regulations before flying a drone, as they may not be permitted.
Visit when there's minimal wind to ensure calm water surfaces for clear, mirror-like reflections. Early mornings are often the least windy.
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes at the ponds themselves, with an additional 30 minutes for a walk around the adjacent lagoon.
Yes, there are clean toilets available on-site for visitors.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for a desert climate. Layers are recommended as temperatures can fluctuate. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is essential.
There are no food or drink facilities within Ojos del Salar itself. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and water.
The area around the ponds is relatively flat and easy to walk. The walk around the lagoon is also generally easy terrain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site. Ensure everyone wears sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, as the desert sun is intense. Visiting in the morning, right at opening, is best to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the scale of the landscape. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky and reduce glare. Be patient and wait for moments of stillness in the air for the most pristine reflections.
🚗 Independent Travelers
Independent traveler advice: Be sure to check the midday closure (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM) to plan your route accordingly. Bring all your own supplies, including water, snacks, and any camera gear you might need, as amenities are limited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Ojos del Salar
While the ponds themselves are small, their visual impact is significant. One of the 'eyes' is particularly renowned for its perfect, mirror-like reflections of the sky and surrounding desert, offering a magical photographic opportunity. The area also includes a larger, adjacent lagoon that visitors can walk around, providing a broader sense of the unique desert ecosystem.
The experience at Ojos del Salar is often brief, with most visitors spending around 10-15 minutes at the ponds and an additional 30 minutes exploring the nearby lagoon. It's a place that captivates with its simple yet profound beauty, offering a moment of wonder amidst the vastness of the Atacama.
Navigating Your Visit
Tickets are purchased directly at the entrance for 5,000 CLP per person, and no prior reservation is necessary. A crucial detail to note is the midday break from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, during which no one can enter or exit the park. If you are already inside, you can stay, but you'll need to wait until after 2:30 PM to leave.
Facilities at Ojos del Salar are basic but functional, including clean restrooms. However, there are no food or drink vendors on-site, so it's essential to bring your own water and snacks. Comfortable clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and sturdy walking shoes are advisable for exploring the area.
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