Monjes de la Pacana, Salar de Tara, and wetlands. Desert life.｜Chile

At an elevation of 13,776 feet (4,200 meters), the Salar de Tara salt flat and the Monjes de la Pacana, rock formations that stand in perfect balance in the middle of the Atacama Desert plain in northern Chile, are among the least known and least visited of all the attractions clustered around San Pedro de Atacama.

We will set off east of San Pedro de Atacama to enter the Andes Mountains. Our first stop will be the Licancabur viewpoint, where, weather permitting, we will enjoy breakfast with views of the volcano. If conditions do not permit it, you will have breakfast at the Quepiaco River wetlands, an oasis of Andean vegetation surrounded by hills.

You will continue to the La Pacana viewpoint and then to the Monjes de la Pacana, stone pillars that rise alone in the middle of the Atacama Desert, a perfect spot for photographs.

You will then continue to the Salar de Quisquiro, at an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), where you will have time to rest and admire the highland landscape. On the way back, you will pass through the Aguas Calientes Salt Flats, famous for their multicolored waters, before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

Ideal for: Lovers of nature, geology, and absolute tranquility.