Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache: Tour, Price, Times

Q: Which is the maximum altitude reached in this excursion?

The maximum altitude reached is similar to the one in San Pedro de Atacama (2450 m), so you do not need a previous acclimation.

Q: What days of the year can I make this excursion?

This excursion can be made every day of the year, except for January 1 and December 25.

Q: Is it allowed to swim in the visited lagoons in this excursion?

Swimming is only permitted in one of the seven Baltinache Lagoons, and only until September 28, 2026. From September 29, 2026 onward, swimming will be prohibited until further notice.

Q: What is the difference between the Cejar Lagoon tour and the Baltinache Hidden Lagoons tour?

Both tours visit lagoons in the Atacama Salt Flat where you can float thanks to the high salt concentration, but they take place in different areas. The Cejar Lagoon tour includes Cejar and Piedra lagoons, with swimming allowed only in Piedra Lagoon. It also offers better facilities, such as showers, making it a more comfortable experience. In contrast, the Baltinache Hidden Lagoons tour visits a group of seven lagoons with an intense turquoise color, where only one is open for swimming. Facilities are more limited, offering a more rustic experience. Both tours are complementary. If you prefer to do just one, choose Cejar if you’re looking for more comfort, or Baltinache if you prefer a more unique and photogenic landscape.

Q: What kind of vehicles are used in this activity?

The vehicle will depend on the size of the group, having a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or similar) for 12 to 18 people.

Q: Is it possible that the tour time could be modified?

It is possible that the tour takes maximum 1 hour more than what was planned originally, due to road conditions and/or the rhythm of the group. It is a tough road that could cause a malfunction in the vehicle, but we are prepared to give solutions as fast as possible.

Q: How to book Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache?

You can book Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache online through Nomades.com, the largest tour booking platform in Chile. Just go to the activity page, choose the date, number of passengers, and pay online by credit card, bank transfer, or using a 10% deposit to pay the rest at destination.

Q: How far in advance should I book Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache?

The tour Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache can be booked up to 1 days before the departure date. However, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

Visit the hidden lagoons of Baltinache, one of the secret places of the Atacama Desert. Includes shared transportation.

3+ years Free cancellation Free rescheduling

Price per person

CLP$ 39.000

Duration

5 hours

Schedules

7:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 7:45 pm

Includes

Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)
Transportation
Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Drop off at city's downtown
Breakfast in AM tour
Cocktail in PM tour
Pisco sour in tour PM

Does not include

Entrance fee to Baltinache Hidden Lagoons (CLP$ 6.000 per adult, CLP$ 3.000 per child aged 5 to 17, and for older adult aged 65 or more, cash payment only, the day of the tour)

Restrictions

Not allowed for pregnant women
Minimum age required of 3 years old
Entering the water with sunscreen is not allowed
The use of microfiber swimsuits is not allowed, as they release microplastics that are harmful to the lagoon

Weather

Subject to weather conditions

What to bring

Comfortable clothing
Windbreaker
Trekking shoes
Hat to protect against the sun
Water
Cash money for the payment of entrance fees
Swimsuit (not made of microfiber)
Towel
Flip flops

Description

You’ll depart San Pedro de Atacama heading southeast on a drive of about 1 hour, watching the tones of the Atacama Desert shift along the way. The goal: the Baltinache Hidden Lagoons, a group of 7 salt lagoons linked by an easy trail.

Along the route, there are stops for viewpoints and photos, perfect to capture the contrast between the desert and the turquoise waters. Then, you will head to the Vallecito area to see the Magic Bus, a classic attraction in the Atacama Desert.

After the visit, you’ll return to San Pedro de Atacama, wrapping up a must-do experience for travelers seeking nature, desert landscapes, and unforgettable photos in Atacama.

Important notes

If you plan Baltinache + Astronomical Tour on the same day, allow ≥ 45 minutes between the end of this tour and the start of the astronomy tour; end time may vary.
Swimming is allowed in one lagoon only, up to 15 minutes. No sunscreen or oils when entering (environmental care).
Until further notice, swimming is prohibited in the Baltinache Lagoons.

You can choose between the following options:

Shared tour

Adult: CLP$ 39.000 per person.
Child (age 3 to 12: CLP$ 31.000 per person

Private tour

1 person: CLP$ 250.000.
Group of 2 people: CLP$ 125.000 per person.
Group of 3 people: CLP$ 83.000 per person.
Group of 4 people: CLP$ 63.000 per person.
Group of 5 people: CLP$ 68.000 per person.
Group of 6 people: CLP$ 56.000 per person.
Group of 7 people: CLP$ 71.000 per person.
Group of 8 people: CLP$ 63.000 per person.
Group of 9 people: CLP$ 56.000 per person.
Group of 10 people: CLP$ 50.000 per person.

Pickup Area

The pickup service is available for accommodations located within the area marked in blue. If your accommodation is outside this area, you will be assigned one of the following meeting points, marked with a yellow star:

Plazoleta La Apacheta.
Domingo Atienza & Gustavo Le Paige Intersection.
San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal.
Séquitor Roundabout.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the maximum altitude reached in this excursion?

What days of the year can I make this excursion?

Is it allowed to swim in the visited lagoons in this excursion?

What is the difference between the Cejar Lagoon tour and the Baltinache Hidden Lagoons tour?

What kind of vehicles are used in this activity?

Is it possible that the tour time could be modified?

How to book Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache?

How far in advance should I book Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache?