| Price per person: | $40,000 per person. |
| Schedules: | AM and PM (depending on availability) |
| Includes: | Transportation, certified guide, breakfast (if AM) and snack (if PM). |
| Booking: | Reservations must be made 2 or 3 days in advance. |
The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in San Pedro. You take a secondary route with arid landscapes and mountains on the horizon. It's approximately 60 km along a dirt road to reach the lagoons. This journey adds to the charm, as it allows you to appreciate the complete isolation of the place.
Upon arrival, the guides provide a brief explanation of the geological formation of the hidden lagoons of Baltinache Atacama, their saline properties, and the rules for ecosystem preservation. Buoyancy in Laguna Baltinache is extremely high, due to the salt concentration, similar to that of the Dead Sea.
A trail connects several of the lagoons, which range from small pools to deep bodies of water. You can explore them on foot, allowing time to observe the colors and take photographs. Some are completely off-limits to swimming, while others are open to entry.
The central experience of the tour is swimming in Laguna Baltinache. Swimming is only allowed in one or two designated pools. The sensation of effortlessly floating in such a pristine environment is difficult to describe. The water is cold but bearable, and the absolute silence amplifies the connection with the place.
After the swim, there's time to relax, have a small snack (included by some agencies), and enjoy the tranquility of the scenery.
The return is made via the same route, with an estimated arrival in the afternoon.
1. What are the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache?
They are a group of seven salt lakes located in the Atacama Desert, known for their turquoise waters and high salt concentration. They are called "hidden" because they are remote and poorly marked.
2. Where exactly is Laguna Baltinache?
About 60 km southwest of San Pedro de Atacama. The route is mostly on dirt roads.
3. Can you go on your own or is it better to take a tour?
You can go on your own, but it's most practical to book a Laguna Baltinache tour, as many agencies include transportation, a guide, and tickets.
4. What is the entry fee?
The entrance fee to Laguna Baltinache is approximately CLP 1,000-CLP 10,000. Some tours include it, others don't.
5. How many lagoons can you swim in?
Only one or two. The others are for observation, to protect the purity of the water and the salt formations.
6. Is buoyancy real?
Yes. Thanks to its extreme salinity, buoyancy in Laguna Baltinache is similar to that of the Dead Sea. You don't need to know how to swim to stay afloat.
7. What should I bring on the tour?
Swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen (only out of the water), comfortable clothing, and a water bottle. There are no shops or services on-site.
8. Are there bathrooms or showers?
Yes, there are basic changing and showering facilities after your swim. Showering afterward is mandatory to remove the salt.
9. What is the best time of day to go?
The best time to visit Laguna Baltinache is between 9:00 and 11:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. This way, you'll avoid extreme heat and get better light for photos.
10. Is it worth it compared to other lagoons in the desert?
Yes. The Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache, Chile, offer a more intimate and visually stunning experience. It's an ideal contrast to the highland lagoons.
AtacamaTours offers advice and reservation management with the best tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama so that you can enjoy your vacations to the fullest.
Pickup times are limited to a 40-minute window. If the time limit is reached and we haven't made the pickup, please call one of the following numbers: 977834208 – 982839659 – 978380416.
At Atacama Tours, your security is our priority. We will never ask you to transfer money to private or third party accounts. All payments are made exclusively through Business Account or WebPay.
Please note that a document detailing the cancellation policies is available upon request. Please don't hesitate to ask; we'll be happy to provide it.
If you wish to make changes or cancellations to the itinerary without additional cost, you must notify us at least 48 hours before the tour departure. After this time, changes, cancellations, and refunds will not be accepted.
Once tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable due to the regulations established by the parks.
Please note that all tours are subject to change or cancellation due to adverse weather conditions. In these cases, the activity will be rescheduled or the full amount of the missed tour will be refunded.
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