The Lagoons of Baltinache, also known as Hidden Lagoons (Lagunas Escondidas) are one of the main bodies of water visited by tourists. It is possible to bath in only two of the 7 lagoons composing the whole complex. The most striking about these lagoons is that their high level of salinity makes the bodies float more than usual, making this place very popular for those in search of unique experiences. The tourist agencies also offer departures to this destination including sightseeing and refreshments.
Another place you should not miss is the Flamingos National Reserve, a set of lagoons and plains that serve as migratory passage for several species of birds all the year, the summer being the peak for these migration movements. This Reserve was founded on October 17th of the year 1990 to preserve the biodiversity of endemic and transient fauna and flora.
The reserve begins north of the salt flat with the plains of Vilama and the Tambillo and continues to the center of the Atacama salt flat to the Chaxa lagoon and the Lagoon Barros Negros, both with surprising landscapes. The Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, known as the Lagunas Altiplanicas that are also part of the reserve, host and feed thousands of local and migratory birds visiting the desert year after year.
At the south exit of San Pedro are situated two lagoons, that due to their proximity to the town are very crowded by tourists: the Cejar Lagoon also containing high level of salinity, is another water body in which you can swim with the Andean mountains lying as a background landscape. Further away in the direction of the second lagoon you will meet the Ojos del Salar, two huge craters full of water where you can stop by to take a few pictures and have quick bath before discovering the Tebinquiche lagoon, one of the photographers’ favorite spot at sunset.
