San Pedro de Atacama

Viewpoints and natural wonders in San Pedro de Atacama

This collection highlights the dramatic geological formations of the Atacama Desert. It features the salt-crusted peaks of the Cordillera de la Sal, the high-altitude Altiplanic lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, and the geothermal activity of Volcán Putana. Notable sites include the Monjes de la Pacana—towering volcanic rock pillars—and the iron-rich red stones of Piedras Rojas. Visitors can observe Andean flamingos at Laguna Chaxa and explore the impact history of the 663,000-year-old Monturaqui crater.

Viewpoints and Natural Wonders — Map

Heretiq / CC BY-SA 2.5

A

Death Valley

Set next to the Valley of the Moon, it has a similiar surface resembling the moon. Incredible views and surroundings, a must-see.

Michael Lejeune

B

Quebrada de Jerez

Explore this unique wooded area with an oasis. There are even pools suitable for swimming.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Ojos del Salar

Two deep, circular freshwater lagoons formed by underground water sources in the middle of the Atacama Salt Flat.

Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Tara Salt Flat

Marvel at the beautiful lakes in the area which was declared a Wetland of International Importance. A must-see if you're visiting the desert.

AndresGottlieb~commonswiki / Public domain

E

Chaxa Lagoon

Enjoy the glorious sunrise or sunset while observing the pink flamingos who live in this lagoon. It's a part of the nature reserve.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Piedra del Coyote

A prominent rock outcrop overlooking the Valley of the Moon, used as a vantage point for the Cordillera de la Sal.

Till Niermann / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Laguna Miñiques

A high-altitude brackish lagoon located at the base of the Miñiques volcano within the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

H

Duna Mayor I

The highest sand dune in the Valley of the Moon, offering views of the surrounding salt-encrusted rock formations.

I

Three Maries

Natural rock formations composed of clay, salt, and quartz, shaped by erosion into figures resembling three praying women.

Vale T. Ramos / CC-BY-SA

J

Cordillera de La Sal

A mountain range formed by tectonic pressure and wind erosion, consisting of salt, gypsum, and clay deposits.

Rosentiehl Erich / CC-BY-SA

K

Cráter del Volcan Licancabur

The summit crater of the 5,920-meter stratovolcano, containing one of the highest altitude lakes in the world.

Paulo Cassis / CC-BY-SA

L

Laguna de Talar

A turquoise lagoon located within the Salar de Talar, bordered by salt crusts and volcanic mountains.

Juan Manuel Fluxà / CC BY 2.0

M

Monturaqui

Monturaqui is an impact crater in Chile. It lies south of the Salar de Atacama and was formed 663,000 ± 90,000 years ago by the impact of an…

N

Piedras Rojas

Volcanic rock formations oxidized into a deep red color, situated alongside the turquoise waters of the Aguas Calientes salt flat.

O

Valle de Marte

Also known as Death Valley, this area features massive sand dunes and jagged red rock canyons formed by wind and water.

P

Mirante de Paso de Jama

A high-altitude viewpoint located near the international border crossing between Chile and Argentina.

Q

Piedras Rojas

Red volcanic rock deposits contrasting with the white salt crusts of the Altiplanic landscape.

R

Cari Viewpoint & Path

A vantage point providing views of the Quebrada de Cari and the eroded salt landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

S

Laguna Quisquiro

A high-altitude salt flat and lagoon near the Argentinian border, serving as a habitat for Altiplanic bird species.

T

Laguna Tuyaito

A shallow, pale-blue salt lake situated at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level.

U

Viewpoint Aguas Calientes

Overlook providing a perspective of the Aguas Calientes salt flat and its surrounding volcanic peaks.

V

Lake and animals

A high-altitude wetland where vicuñas and various bird species graze near the Putana River.

W

View point

Elevated location providing views across the vast expanse of the Salar de Atacama.

X

Laguna

High-altitude lagoon surrounded by volcanic deposits and mineral-rich sediment.

Y

mirador de Volcán Putana

Viewpoint overlooking the active Putana Volcano, characterized by constant fumarole activity at its summit.

Z

Mirador Achaches

A high vantage point in the Valley of the Moon overlooking the Great Dune and the salt mountain range.

Tunnel

A passage through the salt mountains originally used for mineral transport.

Laguna Miscanti

A large, deep blue lagoon situated over 4,000 meters above sea level in the heart of the Altiplano.

Piedra del Indio

A natural rock formation sculpted by wind erosion to resemble a human profile.

flamingos

A site within high-altitude wetlands used for observing colonies of Andean and James's flamingos.

Laguna Miniques 2

Secondary viewpoint for the Altiplanic lagoon located at the foot of the Miñiques Volcano.

flamingos

Natural habitat for flamingo colonies within the high-altitude salt lakes.

Portezuelo del Cajón

Portezuelo del Cajón, also known as Hito Cajón, is a mountain pass on the border between Chile and Bolivia, located on the lower southeast…

Monjes de la Pacana

Vertical pillars of volcanic rock, also known as the Moais of Tara, formed by ancient ash deposits.

Valley

Also known as Rainbow Valley, these hills display various colors due to high concentrations of clay, salt, and minerals.

Monjes de La Pacana

Solitary volcanic rock columns standing in the high-altitude desert of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

Cañón de Guatin

A canyon at the confluence of the Puritama and Purifica rivers, known for its giant cacti and thermal activity.

Other Lists

San Pedro de Atacama: Absolute Must-Sees Hidden Gems Andean Volcanoes Ancient Archaeological Sites Wetlands and Lakes