Salar de Atacama Desert Circuit — San Pedro de Atacama to Paso Sico via the Atacama Salt Flat and Puna Volcanoes
Salt, flamingos, and 6,000-metre volcanoes.
Starting from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile, this circuit climbs the western edge of the Salar de Atacama — South America’s largest salt flat at roughly 3,000 square kilometres — then pushes southeast through the Puna de Atacama toward Paso Sico and the Argentine border. Key waypoints include Laguna Chaxa inside the Los Flamencos National Reserve, where three flamingo species feed in hyper-saline shallows, and the Aguas Calientes thermal pools at the foot of Licancabur volcano (5,916 m). The final push to Paso Sico at 4,079 m crosses open altiplano with nothing between you and Bolivia’s volcanic horizon.
Altitude sickness is the first hazard — acclimatise in San Pedro for two full days before heading high. A stock 4WD with decent all-terrains handles most of this route in dry season, but the salt crust near the salar’s edge can give way unexpectedly and the river crossings on the Argentine side demand real clearance. Best window is April through November; summer rains from January to March flood approach tracks and turn the altiplano to mud. Carry minimum 50 litres of water and enough fuel for 400 km without resupply. CONAF entry fee required for Los Flamencos sectors.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 186 mi / 300 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13904 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile |
| Land manager | CONAF — Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | CONAF — Los Flamencos Reserve |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or 4Runner run this route without mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but aired-down all-terrain tires are strongly advised — the salt flat surface and sandy quebradas will punish street rubber. Lift and lockers aren't required, but they're welcome above 4,000 metres where ruts get loose and steep.
When is Paso Sico actually passable, and does snow close it?
April through November is the reliable window. The Bolivian winter (January–March) brings the altiplano rainy season — flash flooding, swollen crossings, and soft salt flat surface make the route genuinely dangerous then. Snow can close Paso Sico border crossing with little warning outside of the dry season.
Do I need a permit to drive through Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos?
Yes — CONAF manages several sectors of the reserve along this route, including Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa, and charges entry fees per sector. Sort your CONAF paperwork in San Pedro de Atacama before you leave; rangers do check, and fines for driving unregistered in the reserve are real.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I expect?
The Puna approach toward Paso Sico is the crux — long stretches of deep volcanic sand and corrugated gravel above 4,000 metres where altitude tanks your engine power by roughly 30%. Navigation is also sparse here; tracks split without signage and the wrong line can strand you kilometres from help with no cell service anywhere on this route.
How far is it between fuel stops, and is there water available on the trail?
Top off completely in San Pedro de Atacama — it's the last reliable fuel until Argentina, roughly 300 km away, and jerry cans are not optional on this circuit. Water crossings exist but don't treat them as a supply source without filtration; carry a minimum of 10 litres per person given the altitude, dry air, and the real possibility of being stuck a day longer than planned.
Trail track
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