"SALT FLATS ROUTE & MONJES DE LA PACANA + LUNCH" Tour

"SALT FLATS ROUTE & MONJES DE LA PACANA + LUNCH" Tour

SALT FLATS ROUTE & MONJES DE LA PACANA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA. Discover one of the most remote, dramatic, and awe-inspiring landscapes of northern Chile on the Salt Flats Route & Monjes de la Pacana, an extraordinary high-altitude journey through the heart of the Atacama Desert. This excursion is designed for travelers seeking vast open spaces, pristine nature, and unique geological formations far from the conventional tourist routes. The experience takes you across the Andean salt flats, immense white expanses formed over thousands of years by the evaporation of ancient lakes. Surrounded by volcanoes, colorful mountains, and endless skies, these salt flats create a surreal and almost otherworldly setting, offering exceptional opportunities for photography and contemplation. Along the way, you may encounter native wildlife such as vicuñas, flamingos, and Andean foxes, perfectly adapted to this extreme environment.

The highlight of the journey is the visit to the Monjes de la Pacana, a group of towering stone columns sculpted by wind, temperature changes, and erosion over millions of years. Rising dramatically from the high-altitude plateau, these natural monoliths resemble silent monks standing guard over the desert, creating one of the most iconic and mysterious landscapes in the Atacama. Their scale, isolation, and raw beauty leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Throughout the route, expert guides provide insightful explanations about the region’s geology, volcanic activity, ecosystems, and cultural significance, enriching the experience with scientific and local knowledge. The journey is complemented by breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, moments of silence in untouched nature, and a deep sense of connection with one of the oldest deserts on Earth.

Ideal for adventure travelers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts, the Salt Flats Route & Monjes de la Pacana offers an unforgettable exploration of the Atacama’s most extreme and majestic landscapes—a true off-the-beaten-path experience that reveals the desert in its purest and most powerful form.

Itinerary

• We depart early in the morning from San Pedro de Atacama, heading east around 8:30 a.m. toward one of the most striking and remote landscapes of the Atacama Desert: the Monjes de la Pacana. These impressive natural rock columns rise vertically from the high-altitude plateau, standing in isolation amid one of the driest environments on the planet and creating a truly unforgettable.
• Throughout the journey, the route reveals a remarkable contrast between sparse desert vegetation and imposing mountain scenery. Along the way, we have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of native flora and wildlife adapted to the extreme conditions of the Andean highlands, making the drive itself an essential part of the experience.
• After a full day immersed in these vast and pristine landscapes, we begin our return to San Pedro de Atacama, arriving back at the hotel at approximately 4:00 p.m., concluding an excursion rich in natural beauty, exploration, and unforgettable desert scenery.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Entrance fees.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Lunch.
• Water.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: low.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 7 years old.
• It´s important to note that during this excursion, the wind can be very strong, so the guide will decide along the way the best place to stop and enjoy lunch.