Tourism in The Salar de Atacama

Distance: 55 kilometers away from San Pedro de Atacama

 A natural reserve of minerals that has several lagoons with varied fauna. It is internationally famous among archaeologists thanks to the presence of archaeological deposits.

It comprises a territory of great depressions and dry lands without water that are located to the west of the Domeyko range.

This land is surrounded by some oasis and enclosed by the Andes range and some snow-covered volcanoes. It is the biggest salt deposit in Chile, with a white and rough surface that hides a big salt lake.

It is interesting to visit La Punta, Salada, Barros Negros, the small lakes of Tevinquiche, the Chaxa lagoon and and the ruins of Tulor.

Aldea de Tulor (village)
It is located 12 km from San Pedro de Atacama.

It is considered the oldest vestige of an ancient village (it dates back between 800 b.C and 500 a.C.) miraculously conserved and covered by sand.
Only the 10% of the village was discovered by excavations carried out in 1982.

Valle de la Luna (valley of the moon)
It is located 21 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama.

This place was declared a Sanctuary of Nature. It is placed in the Range of Salt and it is formed by a depression surrounded by mountains which presents impressive sharp crests.

You can observe some natural figures that seem to be sculptures: Las Tres Marias and the Anfiteatro.

Baños de Puritana (baths)
It is located 28 km of San Pedro de Atacama.

These are natural baths of warm water that come out of the rocks. There is a nice hotel in the region called “Explora”.

Geiseres del Tatio (geysers)
It is located 94 km from San Pedro de Atama.

It is a geo-thermical area linked to the Tatio volcano. The steam of water rises 6 meters up from the ground.

Peine Town
It is located 98 km from San Pedro de Atacama.

It is situated 2400 meters above the sea level. It is an oasis in the midst of the Andes.

This town dates back from the XVII century. The famous Road of the Inca went through Peine and also, the Spanish conquerors Diego de Almagro and Pedro Valdivia went by this place.

Two interesting places to visit are: The Mine of Lithium and The church of San Roque.