Puna Salt Flats - Full Day Tour - San Pedro de Atacama - Must Visit

Legend has it that, long time ago, the Licancabur volcano had a relationship with Quimal, the hill that was next to him in those days. However, his brother, Jurique, also wanted to be with her, so Licancabur cut his head, which justifies its form. This fight caught the attention of the Láscar volcano, who decided to stop the conflict moving Quimal to the other side of the Atacama valley, taking her away from her lover forever. Nonetheless, once a year the sun comes out from behind the Licancabur, and its shadow touches the Quimal’s slope, letting them meet one more time, meanwhile the Atacama valley, remembering this legend, watches the two lovers connect again. Licancabur is the most impressive volcano in San Pedro de Atacama, with 5900 meters high. Its name in Kunza means “the people’s mountain” and every day, almost everywhere in the Atacama valley, can be seen. And he will see you.

Vegas de Quepiaco

Pass-by Only

Quepiaco Viewpoint. There are different places near San Pedro de Atacama where you feel the peace, silence and patience that nature has used to make its own space to build, destroy and rebuild itself. Aguada de Quepiaco is a wetland on the way to Paso de Jama, where you feel the calm and silence that reflect the magic of this area. Stopping for a moment in this place after travels, tours and schedules; leaning in this viewpoint and watching the flamencos and some other birds rest in the water, just like vicuñas, are experiences worth living, especially when you feel your own breathing getting softer and softer, and the fresh air filling every inch of your lungs. In the background, the landscape is completed by the hills of the Atacama valley that make you remember that there is still road ahead, and when you turn you see the impressive Licancabur, that will accompany and guide you during your visit.

Salar de Tara

One of the biggest secrets of the Atacama paradise is inside Los Flamencos National Reserve, protected by the impressive Tara Cathedrals and guarded by the mysterious Pecana Monks: it is the Tara Salt Flat. The erosion through the years and the result of previous volcanic activity compound a landscape unique in stories, colors, geological faults and cracks that give life to this true oasis at 4400 meters high. The reflection of the sunlight and the many meters of plateau show the kilometers of extension of this salt flat, its opaque water lagoon with white borders from the salt, and the brown and yellow hills that show how its sediments have fallen since many years ago. Wind and cold temperatures in this basin are a subtle touch that invite you to be a part of this altiplanic valley surrounded by hills, water and animals in San Pedro de Atacama.