Altiplanic Lagoons, Atacama Salt Flats & Toconao Village

Leaving San Pedro de Atacama behind, drive 250km to the Salar de Atacama, Chile's largest salt deposit. Continue out to the Altiplano (or the high plateau) to visit the famous Altiplanic lagoons that make up the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This area offers a unique habitat for seldom seen fauna, such as the horned coot, Chilean flamingo, small flamingo, Baird’s sandpiper, Andean avocet, puna plover, crested duck and Andean goose. Surrounded by impressive conical volcanoes, the Andes mountain range and emerald-green lakes, the landscape is breathtaking. After lunch, visit the small Andean village of Toconao, a community where most of its inhabitants are Atacamanen craftsmen who make their living by carving volcanic stones.