We took a tour with Cosmo Andino which took in these Chaza, Miscanti and Miniques but also "Talar" or "Piedras Rojas" (red rocks) which is currently not a national park.Though the stunning white salt and blue waters of these lagoons were as others have said amazing, Talar was blew them out of the water, the incredible colours of the volcanoes framing the bluest water like a Caribbean sea and red volcanic rock formations were simply the best thing I have seen in Chile so far! It was a long way to go and very rough roads but if I could have I would have gone in a 4x4 and taken a tent, not sure the view would have gotten boring after even a few days!
The lagoons are so incredible! Gorgeous! Beacuse of the altitude, it can get very cold, so just bring a coat and it will be perfect!
The air is thinner and the sun is brighter than you've ever seen,when you are at 4.300+ mts above sea level. Walkinga round does feel different. And what you see around you is ...stunning. The color of the sky is unrivaled here. The deepest shades of blue.
Absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. Altitude is high 4,200 meters above sea level, so take it easy wallking around.
It is very cold so take a coat. You do not get very near to the lagoons which is not what is shown in the brochures. The trip is worth it for the views they are breathtaking. Don't go with Turistour from San Pedro they are rubbish!!!
Of our travels in the Atacama, this was probably my least favorite. The drive was long, beautiful, but long, and altho the view was amazing up here, there wasn't all that much to do once you got here. If you have limited time to spend in San Pedro, I would do other excursions.
A short ride out of San Pedro into the mountains give you a beautiful view of the lagoons. The entry fee to this location was $2,000 clp or $1,500 for senior citizen which seems to be anyone over 40. Walking up and down from the lagoon is relatively easy as the incline is about 20%. You cannot enter the water and there are designated paths that you are required to sat upon. Very basic bathroom facilities and there is always a line as there is onnky one bathroom for men and one for women. Like other tour site in Atacama , there are swarms of tour buses .
Absolutely amazing. Clean. Well kept. The facilities are clean and amazing. Student price is a great deal at 1500. Spent a lot on a taxi out there but it was my favorite thing to do almost on the whole trip. Avoid the rocks on the right side. Go straight to the left when you are approaching the water. Big mistake we made. The rocks hurt!
Imagine a paradise. This is the lagoons and altiplanicas Miscanti Miñiques. You can go to the rental car. The lagoons are 120km distant from San Pedro de Atacama. The road is good and well signposted. You must leave SPA toward Socaire and then Paso Sico (border between Chile and Argentina). After Socaire signs point the way ace and Lagunas Miñiques
This was my favourite trip! Driving past snow capped mountains to the lakes. The lakes are salty. The scenery spectacular. I got some amazing photos of reflection s in the lakes. Acclimatise to the high altitude in San Pedro for two days before attempting this trip! Suitable footwear, warm layers, wind proof jacket and sun screen required.