Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache & Vallecito Tour

Observe salt mirrors, golden dunes and living geology on an intimate sunrise route.

🌊 Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache

This complex of seven saltwater pools forms a surreal oasis in the middle of the desert, located in the Llano de la Paciencia, at the foot of the Cordillera de la Sal and the Cordillera de Domeyko. Its geological origin dates back to the Cretaceous period, when the rise of the Andes trapped marine arms that, through evaporation and millions of years of aridity, formed this salt flat with extreme salinity of 220 grams per liter—almost six times that of the Dead Sea. The lagoons, with an average diameter of only 5 meters, are natural mirrors where the desert sky reflects in turquoise and crystalline waters that create a striking contrast with the terracotta and reddish tones of the surrounding landscape. Only two of the seven lagoons are enabled for bathing, offering a unique floating experience while the other five remain protected, preserving their virgin beauty. In the last lagoon, reddish gelatinous formations compatible with extremophile bacteria have even been detected, evidence of life in extreme conditions that fascinates scientists and visitors alike.

Visitors experience a deep connection with living geology: when immersing themselves in the hyper-saline waters, they feel on their skin the history of a prehistoric ocean, while the desert silence amplifies the perception of this landscape that combines the austere majesty of the Cordillera de la Sal with the delicate transparency of the lagoons. Access via a reddish dirt road dotted with cacti intensifies the feeling of arriving at a secret place, almost untouched since its formation millions of years ago.

Vallecito & Magic Bus

Located precisely in the Llano de la Paciencia, Vallecito represents the less crowded but equally spectacular part of the Cordillera de la Sal, where time and nature have sculpted landscapes that seem from another planet. The striking formation of the Hidden Magic Bus emerges as a contemporary icon in this prehistoric setting, creating a surreal scene that contrasts recent human footprints with the immensity of the desert. The impressive rock formations of Vallecito display a palette of changing colors according to the daylight, from intense ochers to ethereal violets, revealing sedimentary layers that narrate the tectonic history of the region.

The geological experience intensifies when walking on the high dunes, where the soft sand underfoot transmits the energy of the wind, the main architect of this landscape. From the summits, panoramic views extend as far as the eye can see, showing textures and erosive patterns that only millions of years of wind and aridity can create. When exploring the ancient channels used by pre-Hispanic inhabitants, visitors connect with human ingenuity adapted to this extreme environment, completing an experience that unites geology, history and the primordial force of the Atacama Desert.