High Plateau Lagoons

Season: Year-round
Type of Excursion: Full-day van excursion
Difficulty: Easy, but take the high altitude into consideration
Altitude: 4,250 meters above sea level.
Distance: 360 km
Duration: Eight hours
Environment: High Plateau / Salt Flat / Lagoons

Itinerary: We depart by van from Casa Atacama, heading southeast. We’ll make a stop in the town of Socaire, before continuing to the Tuyajto Lagoon and the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat (three hours), where we’ll have lunch. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Los Flamencos National Reserve to explore its Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons. Later, we’ll take the van back to the hotel (90 min).

Description: Heading towards the high plateau, we will see the flora and fauna gradually change as we ascend. We’ll pass the Tropic of Capricorn, which intersects with the Inca Trail. After making a stop in Socaire, we’ll continue toward Paso Sico, which marks the border with Argentina. We’ll stop at the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat and the Tuyajto Lagoon to admire the high plateau landscape and have lunch. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Los Flamencos National Reserve to explore its lovely Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons.

Recommendations: Wear very warm clothes. Eat light and do not drink any alcohol the day before the excursion. Drink plenty of water. Bring sunblock, sunglasses and a backpack. It may be possible to bathe in the rustic hot water pool near the geysers.
Noi Equipment: Chairs and tables for breakfast, binoculars and an oxygen bottle.
Includes: A cooler (water and refreshments), lunch.