Ollagüe + Alto del Loa Salt Flats Private Tour
On this private tour of Ollagüe + the Alto del Loa Salt Flats, see volcanoes, villages over 3,500 meters above sea level, and Chile's most extreme terrain!
- 10 - 11 hours
Private Tour of Ollagüe and Alto del Loa Salt Flats
Embark on an exclusive journey through Ollagüe and the breathtaking Alto del Loa Salt Flats, where majestic volcanoes, remote villages situated over 3,500 meters above sea level, and the fierce beauty of northern Chile's wilderness await your discovery!
Description
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Calama. From there, we will set off for an exploration of Ollagüe and the Alto del Loa Salt Flats, an area renowned for its striking natural beauty in northern Chile.
Itinerary
Our journey will take us on a scenic drive of 190 kilometers (118 miles) through stunning vistas, including views of the San Pedro, San Pablo, and Ollagüe volcanoes. Upon reaching the Ascotán salt flat, a magnificent sight of expansive gypsum and halite formations will greet us. During the rainy season, this enchanting landscape transforms, revealing lagoons fed by the salt flats. Expect to learn intriguing facts throughout our exploration!
Continuing our expedition, we will approach the Carcote Salt Flat, nestled between volcanoes such as Ollagüe and Aucanquincha. Here, small lakes linger near the salt flat's edges, with Laguna Verde standing out as a notable highlight.
Approximately at 2:30 PM, we will stop at the historic Buenaventura sugar refinery, a site integral to the local economy due to the salt flats' advantageous location.
Before our return to Calama, we will take a moment to visit Ollagüe, where you can savor lunch at one of the nearby local eateries. This rural area, established in 1979 and perched at an impressive 3,660 meters (12,007 feet) in the Loa highlands, offers a unique perspective of the Antofagasta region.
Finally, we will conclude our day with a return trip to your hotel, with an estimated arrival time between 10 and 11 hours after the initial pickup.
Services Included
Private transport from and to your hotel in CalamaGuided tourVisit to notable sites including salt flats and lagoonsLunch at a local restaurant in Ollagüe
Services Not Included
GratuitiesPersonal expenses
Meeting Point
The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Calama.
Practical Information
Ensure you are prepared for high altitude conditions, and consider bringing water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Prices
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop–off
- Transport by 4x4
- Spanish–speaking guide
- Private and exclusive tour, there will be nobody else in your group
Not included
- Food and drink
Tips
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
