Taking a coffee break at a small salt flat on the drive to Salar de Tara
[L]ocated a few hours east of San Pedro de Atacama, the Los Flamencos National Reserve in northern Chile encompasses 740 square kilometers near the Bolivian border.
From San Pedro, it's easy to do a full day tour to visit the Salar de Tara (salt flats) located within the reserve.
I paid $88 for my tour, which included a picnic lunch of rice and chicken.
During the bumpy drive out to the salt flats, you make several stops to take photos, and explore the amazing geology of the region.
These stops also help you acclimatize, as altitudes in the region can reach up to 4,860 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level.
Despite the harsh environment, small tufts of grass manage to grow in the Atacama Desert. Closer to the road, you can still see some snow.
Rock spire. Can anyone guess how it was formed?
To get a sense of scale, I'm standing on the rock formation, while another person looks up at it.
Looking down at our tour van from atop a rocky outcropping.
Snow-capped mountains, jagged rock formations, and a whole lot of desert.
Our first view of Salar de Tara (the Tara salt flats).
Llamas grazing by the water
The water offers a perfect reflection of the nearby mountains
A lone flamingo feeds at the water's edge
The view of Salar de Tara from where we ate our picnic lunch.
Taking a moment to appreciate the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert.
It's amazing llamas, flamingos, or any animal can live in a desert environment 4,000 meters above sea level.
How does one pose in the desert? Here, I try to convey the vast expanse of space using only my arms.
A herd of vicuñas graze on the little grass there is to be found in the desert.
Posing by the entrance sign to Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos on our way back to San Pedro de Atacama.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio, a food blog. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Read the complete story of how he became a pro travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Sam Desautels
Tuesday 24th of February 2015
Hey!
I loved the post and the pictures. If you wouldn't mind, can you tell me which agency you went on the trip with?
-Thanks
Dave
Thursday 26th of February 2015
Thanks. I'm afraid I don't remember as it was a few years ago now. San Pedro is so small, it's not hard to find a tour company that offers these trips. I doubt there's much difference in quality.
David Blatt
Thursday 31st of July 2014
To answer the question under one of your stunning photos...Wind! I believe the incredible shapes of those giant rock formations are created by the wind, which at 12,500 feet above level is surprisingly and consistently strong. The other paradox I discovered was..all that wind, but very little air! I'd always though difficulty to breathe was a myth until I tried to sleep in one of those hostels at -14*. Had to remain sitting up all night.
Jessica
Wednesday 28th of August 2013
WOW, these photos are incredible, have yet to travel there but would really love to visit some time soon!
jhon smith
Wednesday 21st of August 2013
Dave those are really best shots i ever seen of this desert...You rock man.
Thomas
Friday 16th of August 2013
Nice photos Dave and a great place to go take a break. Never thought a desert would look so wonderful and peaceful. What type of camera are you using?
Dave
Friday 16th of August 2013
Thanks Thomas. I was and still am using a Canon S100. I edited them a little with Lightroom 4 too.