Salar de Maricunga Remote Access Route
High-altitude salt flat expedition route
The route to Salar de Maricunga cuts through some of Chile’s most unforgiving high desert, where GPS coordinates become critical as the track dissolves into tire ruts across volcanic pumice fields above 4,000 meters elevation. This salt flat sits in a closed drainage basin between active volcanoes, accessed via mining roads that serve the massive gold operations at Refugio. The crossing requires threading between working haul trucks and navigating soft salt formations that can trap vehicles for days, with the nearest help hundreds of kilometers away through the Copiapó Valley.
Extreme difficulty requiring fully equipped 4WD expedition vehicles with satellite communication, spare fuel, and emergency supplies for at least five days. Altitude sickness is real at these elevations, and weather can turn lethal without warning. Best attempted during the dry season from May to September when salt formations are most stable. Mining permits may be required for some access roads—check current status in Copiapó. This is raw Altiplano at its most demanding, rewarding only the most prepared with views of pristine high desert that few humans ever witness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Salt |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13800 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Full expedition 4WD |
| Nearest town | Copiapó, Atacama |
| Land manager | SERNAGEOMIN |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Tacoma or Land Cruiser handle this route, or does it need full expedition prep?
A stock lifted Tacoma or 70-series Land Cruiser won't cut it alone — you need full expedition preparation including dual batteries, onboard air, recovery gear, and a minimum 50L extra fuel capacity. Salt flat crust can be deceptively soft, and at 13,800 ft, a breakdown is a serious emergency. Two-vehicle minimum is not optional here.
Is the route accessible year-round or does the Atacama winter shut it down?
May through September is the recommended window — Atacama's dry winter keeps the salt surface stable and crossable. Summer months (December–February) bring altiplanic storms that can saturate the salt flat and make sections impassable without warning.
Do you need a permit to drive this route, and who issues it?
Yes, SERNAGEOMIN (Chile's National Geology and Mining Service) manages access and requires a permit due to active mining operations in the area. Get this sorted well in advance from Copiapó — showing up at the route without paperwork can get you turned back by mining security.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it dangerous?
The most serious section is mid-route where the salt crust thins over brine pools — vehicles can punch through with no visual warning. Combined with 13,800 ft elevation, zero cell service, and no recovery assets within range, a single mistake can strand a vehicle for days. Tread slowly, probe suspicious surfaces, and never run this section solo.
How far is the nearest fuel stop from the start, and can you resupply water on route?
Copiapó is your last reliable fuel point — fill every container before you leave, as there is no fuel on the 87-mile route. There is no potable water on the salt flat; carry a minimum of 5 liters per person per day plus vehicle cooling reserves, as altitude and dry air accelerate dehydration faster than most drivers expect.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.