Summary
A Visit to Salar de Tara in Chile
The Bolivian salt flats of Salar de Uyuni are an absolute must-see in South America. However, there is another breathtaking location in the Atacama Desert that rivals its beauty – Salar de Tara. During my recent trip to South America, I regrettably didn’t allocate enough time to visit Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, but luckily, my visit to Salar de Tara in Chile turned out to be a fantastic alternative.
Interestingly, I learned from fellow travelers that the rainy season didn’t hinder their experiences. They enjoyed encountering the renowned ‘mirror effect’ of Salar de Uyuni, created by a thin layer of water on the salt flat. Yet, that’s the reality of travel – one often wishes to experience different aspects, and I can relate! Nevertheless, I chose to explore the Atacama Desert and wasn’t disappointed.
Tour of Salar de Tara
The highlight of my week in the desert was a tour to Salar de Tara, organized by Cosmo Andino. This agency is reputable, and while their services come at a premium price, I genuinely believe it’s worth every penny. The guides were enthusiastic, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable; they kept the group size small, provided excellent food (with dietary requests accommodated), and allowed ample time for taking stunning photos.
Where is Salar de Tara?
Salar de Tara is located within the Los Flamencos National Reserve in Northern Chile, bordering both Bolivia and Argentina. The journey to these salt flats includes various stops to appreciate the unique geological formations and diverse landscapes while also allowing for acclimatization, as altitudes in the region reach up to 4,860m.
The first stop featured a small salt flat, showcasing smooth desert textures and a mesmerizing array of orange, pink, blue, and yellow hues, creating an otherworldly scene. It’s a marvelous representation of the Atacama Desert’s uniqueness, where distinct natural features blend into a captivating, science-fiction atmosphere.
Continuing our adventure, we visited a deep blue lake with hints of green, framed by purple mountains and volcanic backdrops. It was a surreal experience, each stop preparing us for the next destination as we navigated off-road into the expansive desert.
- Don’t forget your guidebook for discovering the best of South America.
Rock Spires of the Atacama Desert
The initial sight on this leg of the journey was an immense rock spire rising from the ground. I can’t emphasize enough how gigantic it was; standing beside it would make me feel minuscule in comparison. Throughout the barren terrain, surreal rock formations emerged unexpectedly.
Adventure in the Atacama Desert
After some uphill driving, we encountered a minor mishap as our minivan got stuck. However, as adventurous travelers, we all participated in pushing it free, and our journey continued without a hitch.
First View of Salar de Tara
As we neared the vantage point, the initial view of Salar de Tara took my breath away. Unbelievable! How could such a captivating landscape exist on our planet? This location felt genuinely remote, far removed from everything familiar.
As I gazed across the vast desert expanse, I witnessed a spectacular array of colors from the multi-colored lake of the salt flat and the towering ‘rock cathedrals’.
Multi-coloured Lake of the Salt Flat
My awe seemed to grow with every glance. We drove down toward the lake, where we would later enjoy lunch. The walk to the lake’s edge was lined with spiky green plants and aquatic vegetation, a wonder in these arid conditions – the driest non-polar desert on Earth.
By the lake, flamingos gathered, enhancing the serene ambiance with their gentle sounds and movements. The tranquil setting, complete with the soft sounds of water and the flamingos, added a dream-like quality to the experience.
Ultimately, the highlight of the trip was walking along the lakeshore, marveling at the contrast between the vibrant vegetation, purple mountains, and the mystical shimmering lake.
Colors of Salar de Tara
Where do all these colors originate? I couldn’t help but envision an artist accidentally spilling an array of paints into the lake, resulting in this magnificent masterpiece. The atmosphere was psychedelic, creating a sense of wonder as I immersed myself in the beauty of this crystalline lake.
Surrounding me were the bizarre vegetation and uniquely shaped mountains, all contributing to an otherworldly ambiance. We enjoyed lunch, exchanging thoughts on the stunning scenery.
Best Tour in Chile
For many adventurers in San Pedro de Atacama, this is their favorite tour. Notably, a family in the group was on their second tour, highlighting the endless opportunities for spectacular photos.
After lunch, we journeyed back, stopping at additional incredible rock formations. One last stop led us to another colorful lake—another masterpiece! It seemed like the artist had been here once more, spilling white paint into the water, as puffy clouds floated serenely overhead.
This tour was undoubtedly the pinnacle of my experiences, overshadowing others like Valle de la Luna, Piedras Rojas, and Lagunas Altiplanicas. If your time in this magnificent region of Chile is limited, I wholeheartedly recommend this tour. The otherworldly scenery delivers a delightful and unforgettable adventure that will make you eager to see the Bolivian salt flats in the future. For anyone seeking an alternative to the more well-known Salar de Uyuni, Salar de Tara is an exceptional choice.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to enhance your travel planning? Consider using trusted resources that facilitate a smooth trip.
Find Your Flights: Begin by discovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner.
Secure Your Hotel: Locate the best accommodations through Booking.com for Europe or TripAdvisor for elsewhere.
Apartment Rentals: Access the most affordable apartment rentals via VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t forget travel insurance. Here’s a reliable option:
- Safety Wing – Great for occasional travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Book Your Activities: For walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more, explore Get Your Guide.
For further travel assistance, visit our Resources Page, highlighting reliable companies for your journey.
