The Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache (Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache) are a relatively unknown spot near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Reaching them requires driving nearly 25 miles (40 kilometers) on curvy, unpaved roads through an area dubbed the “valley of patience.” Hidden 7 salt lagoons Lagunas Baltinache amaze everyone who comes to know them, the high salinity of the water will allow your body to float without any effort. Bathing is only allowed in the first and last lagoon.
Lagunas Baltinache Opening hours daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lagunas Baltinache Entrance fee is 5000 pesos
How to get there
Driving to Lagunas Baltinache guide
The road is bumpy, I’d recommend a 4×4 (or at least a 2×4 SUV), just follow two advices: release some tire pressure (down to 1.5 bar or 1.8 bar, don’t know what’s it in PSI), and drive at least 80km/h FOLLOW GOOGLE MAP DIRECTION HERE
Take a route that goes towards Calama for approximately 14 km until an intersection/crossroad where there is a small signpost. At this junction, take the road on the left road (B-241) to the south and continue for 45 km of unpaved road until you reach the lagoons.
- Don’t go here by yourself unless you have a 4×4 and know what you are doing.
- People have gotten fatally stranded on this road after a punctured tire.
- It’s best to go with a tour guide who knows the area and has a proper car.
Tour to Hidden Lagoons - Baltinache
The best way/hassle free to get to the salt lagoon From San Pedro de Atacama taking a guided tour will be much easier but if you are in for a little adventure you can drive, below more details for guided tour
Once safely at the lagoons you’ll find a series of dazzling blue lakes surrounded by shimmering crystals of salt. You can swim in a couple of the lakes, though the rest are off-limits for research and conservation purposes. The water is relatively cold, at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), but in the burning desert Sun, it feels refreshing.
TIPS & THINGS TO KNOW
Due to the high salinity it is not recommended to bathe for more than 20 minutes.
- Putting on sunscreen after bathing, so as not to contaminate the water in the lagoons.
- Bring a can of fresh water and rinse immediately when you get out of the water. The showers are a bit out of the way and the salt itch is very intense.
- Bring drinking water to drink.
- Respect the natural environment and take your garbage.
- Some of the Rules:
– Don’t apply sunscreen before swimming
– Don’t go close to the edges (except for the entry/exit)