Last update:
Jan 18, 2023
Also known as:
Laguna de Mescanti, Lagunas Mescanti y Meñiques
These high-altitude lakes are connected by a shallow marsh and are surrounded by beautiful, rugged mountains. The bright, aquamarine waters of the two lagoons contrast with the surrounding rust-colored desert landscape, creating a breathtaking experience.
At a glance
$
10,000
8:00 am
-
5:00 pm
117
km
Rugged
Head south from San Pedro on route 23 towards Paso Sico. After 89 km (about an hour on the paved road), you will reach Socaire, where you will need to check-in with the local community. After checking in, continue on route 23 another 20 km, until you reach a turn-off on the left-hand side. Continue another 8 km on the unpaved road, which will take you over a ridge and into the area around the lagooons
General ticket: 10,000Seniors (over 60): 8,000Children over 5: 8,000Children under 5: FreeThe option to purchase a joint ticket covering Piedras Rojas and Lagunas Altiplánicas is slightly less expensive. There are also discounts for Chilean residents
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The streams flowing through the Valle de Jere create an unusual oasis, where the people of Toconao cultivate crops including peaches, plums, and pomegranates. Take a hike up the gorge to see it all!
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Quebrada Guatin offers a trek of about 5.5 km (with a more challenging option of up to 19 km), where hikers can see centuries-old cactus that grow in the gorge.
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Visitors can take a dip in the crystal clear turquoise waters of these hidden lagoons, located in the desert between San Pedro and Calama. The water in the lagoons is high in minerals, especially salt, which means that you float!