San Pedro de Atacama: Baltinache Lagoons Swim & Snack Tour

Summary

Swim in salt lagoons near San Pedro de Atacama with local snacks

You’ll cross a lunar landscape from San Pedro de Atacama to reach seven surreal saltwater lagoons—swimming allowed in one since 2025—with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Taste salty air on your lips, snack on fresh fruit or pisco sour by the water’s edge, and watch sunset colors spill over silent rock formations.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road to the Baltinache lagoons to feel so empty—like we were driving across the surface of some other planet. Our guide, Marcela, kept pointing out weird rock shapes and told us how the Cordillera de la Sal got its name. There was this odd silence outside, just wind and tires crunching over sand. I kept thinking: how can there be water out here?

The first glimpse of those seven hidden lagoons was honestly strange. The water’s this wild turquoise against all that pale rock, almost fake-looking. We walked along the trail as Marcela explained why only one lagoon is open for swimming now—something about preservation, which makes sense when you see how clear everything is. I dipped my hand in and it felt slick from all the salt, left a weird taste on my lips later (don’t ask).

I tried floating in the allowed lagoon—felt like being a cork in soup. Some folks laughed at me because I couldn’t stop grinning; it’s impossible not to float with all that salt. Afterward, we sat on rough stones eating cookies and drinking juice (or pisco sour if you wanted), and someone shared potatoes with this spicy sauce I still think about. The sun was already dropping behind the mountains by then, turning everything pinkish-gold. It’s hard to explain but there’s this hush over the whole place—you just want to sit and stare for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Baltinache hidden lagoons

• Travel to Llano de la Paciencia
• Pass Cordillera de Sal and Domeyko
• Walk to trail start for lagoons
• Explore 7 hidden lagoons
• Swim in one lagoon (from March 3, 2025)
• Return via Llano de la Paciencia

Top questions

How far are the Baltinache lagoons from San Pedro de Atacama?

The hidden lagoons are about 1 hour away by car from San Pedro de Atacama.

Can you swim in all of the Baltinache lagoons?

No, since March 3, 2025, swimming is only allowed in one designated lagoon to help preserve the area.

Is food included on this tour?

Yes, breakfast or snacks are included depending on your tour time—options include fruit, bread, juice, cookies, cheese or pisco sour and appetizers.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes pickup from San Pedro de Atacama.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available for travelers who need them.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical conditions at altitude.

What should I bring for swimming in the lagoon?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in the designated lagoon.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from San Pedro de Atacama and a guided drive through Llano de la Paciencia between two mountain ranges before reaching the seven Baltinache lagoons. Depending on your tour time you’ll get either breakfast with fruit, bread and coffee or afternoon snacks like pisco sour and potatoes—all before heading back as evening falls.