Baltinache Lagoons Tour
DESCRIPTION
The Baltinache Lagoons are a group of seven intensely turquoise lagoons surrounded by desert and white salt formations. They are located about 60 km from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and are notable for their high salt concentration, which allows you to float effortlessly in their waters, similar to the Dead Sea.
This place offers a unique and tranquil landscape, ideal for relaxing and enjoying a stunning natural experience in the middle of the arid desert.
📍 Location of the Baltinache Lagoons
Community: They are located in the Antofagasta Region (Chile), near San Pedro de Atacama.
Distance from San Pedro de Atacama: Approximately 59 km by road
Altitude: The lagoons are about 2,450 meters above sea level (masl) according to official tourism sources.
Dimensions: The lagoons vary greatly in size: from 3 to 30 meters in diameter depending on the season and rainfall.
ITINERARY
🗺️ Detailed Itinerary – Baltinache Lagoons
🏨 Pick-up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
The guide and tourist transportation will pick you up from your accommodation in downtown San Pedro. A brief introductory talk will be given about the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache and the environmental preservation measures that visitors must follow.
🚐 Transfer to Baltinache
The road will be taken towards the Cordón de la Sal (Salt Range), crossing the unique desert landscapes of the Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) and the Cordillera de la Sal. During the journey, brief photo stops will be made to admire the dunes, geological formations, and the vast desert.
🍳 Arrival at the Community Entrance Area
Welcome by the Atacameño Community of Coyo, who manage access. Entrance fees are paid, and recommendations on the care of the lagoons are provided.
🏞️ Hike and visit to the 7 Hidden Lagoons
- Guided tour along the designated trail that connects the seven lagoons in the middle of the salt flats.
- Explanation of their geological origin, their high salt concentration (more than 200 g/L), and the minimal biodiversity that survives in this extreme ecosystem.
- Free time for landscape photography: contrasts of turquoise blue water, white salt rims, and the clear desert sky.
👉 Special note: Only the first and last lagoons are open for swimming; the other five are protected.
🏞️ Floating experience in the lagoons
Entry is only permitted to authorized lagoons. Thanks to its high salinity, the body floats effortlessly, similar to the Dead Sea. It is recommended not to stay longer than 20 minutes and to rinse off afterward in the showers provided.
🌉 Return to San Pedro de Atacama
Return by tourist transport. During the journey, the guide shares information about other nearby attractions such as the Valley of the Moon, the Atacama Salt Flat, and the Tatio Geysers, thus enriching the experience.
INCLUDES
✅ What does the tour include?
🚐 Pick-up from your hotel or a central location in Atacama
Punctual service in tourist transport, valid for hotels located in San Pedro de Atacama
🚌 Round-trip tourist transport (Atacama – Valley of the Moon – Atacama)
Comfortable, safe, and authorized transport for rural and high-altitude routes, with panoramic windows and adequate space for groups.
🧭 Professional Bilingual Tour Guide (Spanish/English)
Local guide specializing in culture and the details of the attraction.
📸 Stop at the Baltinache Lagoons
Stop for photos and observing the lagoon formations.
🌉 Guided Tour of the Baltinache Lagoons
Complete exploration of the 7 Baltinache lagoons.
🛟 Ongoing Assistance Throughout the Tour
Support from the team of guides and drivers in case of any need during the trip.
NOT INCLUDED
❌ What’s Not Included?
💸 Entrance Fee
The entrance ticket must be purchased at the entrance.
💼 Travel Insurance or Personal Insurance
Medical assistance insurance is not included. It is recommended to purchase your own travel insurance.
🍬 Additional snacks or bottled drinks
It is recommended to bring your own water, dried fruit, or additional snacks if you would like something during the trek.
💸 Voluntary tips for guides or the community
Not mandatory, but a gesture of appreciation is very welcome from the local team and host families.
🧥 Personal items (raincoat, sunscreen, hat, etc.)
The tour does not include personal items. It is suggested that you bring a backpack with everything you need for the day.
📷 Photography equipment or personal cameras
Multimedia equipment is not provided. Visitors must bring their own cell phone, camera, or drone if they wish to take photos or videos.
RECOMMENDATIONS
🌟 Recommendations
🧣 Dress in layers
During the trek, you will be traveling between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Bring comfortable clothing, a windbreaker, lightweight gloves, and a backpack. Andean hat or cap.
👟 Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
Some sections may have loose soil or rocks. Good sneakers or lightweight trekking boots will make all the difference.
👟 Bring a swimsuit.
Bring a towel, sandals, and a comfortable swimsuit.
🌞 Sun and eye protection.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Solar radiation at high altitude can be strong, even on cloudy days.
🧴 Hydration and personal snacks.
Although the tour includes breakfast and lunch, it is recommended to bring a water bottle, nuts, or energy bars for the hike.
📸 Camera with sufficient battery and memory.
This tour offers numerous photo opportunities, from Andean landscapes to cultural portraits by the bridge.
❤️ Respect the environment and the communities.
Q’eswachaka is not just a tourist attraction; it is a living, sacred space of heritage value. Respect the rituals and customs, and don’t leave any trash.
🧴 Plenty of water
Bring plenty of water to hydrate your body.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this excursion?
The maximum altitude reached is similar to that of San Pedro de Atacama (2400 m), so this excursion does not require prior acclimatization.
What days of the year does this excursion take place?
This excursion takes place every day of the year, except for January 1st and December 25th.
Is swimming allowed in the lagoons visited on this excursion?
Swimming is only allowed in two of the seven lagoons of Baltinache.
How far in advance should I book the activity?
We accept reservations up to 48 hours in advance. However, spaces are limited and always subject to availability, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
What type of vehicle is used for this activity?
The vehicle will depend on the group size, and could be a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or similar) for 12 to 18 people.
Is it possible for the tour duration to be modified?
The tour may take up to one hour longer than originally planned, due to road conditions and/or the group’s pace. It is a challenging road, which could cause some damage to the vehicle, but we are prepared to address any issues as quickly as possible.