The Atacama Salt Flat, known locally as the Salar de Atacama, lies in the heart of the Atacama Desert in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. It is the largest salt flat in Chile and the third largest in the world, a vast white basin that stretches across the high desert plain.
The landscape is stark and open. Much of the surface is a pale crust of salt, broken in places by mineral formations that give the flat its distinctive character. Its scale is part of the appeal: from the edge of the flat, the horizon seems to recede for a long way, and the silence of the desert makes the setting feel remote.
What to expect
- Flamingos: the flat is home to flamingos, which are often seen feeding in the shallow waters of the area.
- Mineral formations: the salt crust and its surrounding features are the main visual draw for most visitors.
- Desert setting: the flat is part of the wider Atacama Desert, one of the driest landscapes on Earth.
Planning a visit
The Salar de Atacama is best approached as a day or half-day excursion, combined with time in the surrounding area. The nearest town is San Pedro de Atacama, which serves as the usual base for visitors exploring the region. Because the desert is high and dry, it is sensible to bring water, sun protection and warm layers, as temperatures can change quickly between day and night. For current contact details, the listed phone number is +56 55 2851023.