Salar de Atacama

Oasis Villages by the Salt FlatAround the Salar are the Atacameño oasis villages, including Toconao with its 18th-century bell tower and walls of Liparit, a light volcanic rock. Its irrigation ravines are still used today for fruit and vegetable cultivation. Further south are smaller settlements like Camar, where residents keep llamas and sheep and cultivate corn.The communities participate in the management of the Los Flamencos National Reserve and collect entrance fees themselves at several lagoons. Respect the marked paths and barriers; they protect nesting sites and salt crusts.Lithium and WaterThe Salar is both an economic and political conflict area. Lithium extraction pumps large quantities of brine to the surface, along with freshwater extraction for processing. How much this strains the water balance and flamingo populations has been debated for years among companies, authorities, and local communities.

From San Pedro, it's about 65 kilometers to Laguna Chaxa, via Toconao, with the last few kilometers on gravel. Most visitors arrive on an afternoon tour, often combined with the highland lakes Miscanti and Miñiques or the village of Toconao. The route is traversable by rental car under normal conditions, even without a 4x4.The Atacameño community of Toconao charges admission for Laguna Chaxa; tickets can be purchased via their online platform. As of 2026, the fee was approximately 10,300 Pesos for Chilean citizens and 13,700 Pesos for foreign visitors. The area opens around 8 AM and closes in the early evening; it's busiest at sunset. Always confirm prices and times beforehand.On-site, you'll move along a short, marked circular path of a few hundred meters. The crust off the paths is sharp-edged and breaks in, and any deviation also disturbs the flamingos. Binoculars are recommended, as the birds keep their distance.