Floating in Salar de Pedernales Chile

Into the Cradle of the Desert

In Chile's Atacama Desert, a turquoise jewel is tucked away in the middle of a massive white salt flat. Within the Salar de Pedernales lagoon, water is so thick with salt that it holds visitors afloat with barely a ripple. Natigana, creator of beautifuldestinations, showcases the magic of this hidden lagoon. A travel influencer's journey might usually focus on the tedium of journeying. But not here. This adventure is pure playtime: the whole point is to float in a lagoon surrounded by a 100-mile marker of salt crust. Salar de Pedernales is within the broader Salar de Atacama basin which is the largest salt flat in South America. The salt flat, which encompasses both this lagoon and a broader expanse of salt crust, stretches across the Andes to the nearby Pacific Ocean. Chile is known for its natural beauty. Salar de Pedernales is a standout. You only need to look at the video — the vibrant turquoise color of the water moves against the miles of white salt in the Atacama Desert. It’s a surreal desert oasis.

The dance of salt and water

The lagoon is what you might imagine the Dead Sea to be if it was really just a lake in the Atacama. Unlike the Dead Sea, which sits 1,400 feet under sea level and relies on the Mediterranean for water, this lagoon is hundreds of miles from the sea and even further from the ocean. Instead, it relies on the Andean high mountains, which create the perfect conditions for mineral-rich water. And of course the water has to get here through some mechanism, but that’s a geological mystery. The high concentration of salt is, more than anything, the story of this lagoon. The salt comes from the Andes Mountains in a process known as geological runoff, essentially the action of wind and water acting on the natural erosion of the rock and minerals in the region. As the water flows into the lagoon, it “traces” the salt, leaving behind a salty liquid and a whole milieu of minerals to float in. There’s so much salt, though, that the water’s density is nearly twice that of regular water. This is what gives this lagoon its unique buoyancy. In fact, it's so thick with salt that one could even float while standing in this lagoon. The other element is the rock and mineral runoff which creates the stunning blue waters. The water is a turquoise blue color, a result of the minerals in the water reflecting the sun’s rays. In other words, the minerals in the water act like a prism, splitting and scattering the light from the sun. Depending on the angle, the light can give off a stunning blue hue. One could describe this lagoon as a floating spa. Its therapeutic properties could rival even the more famous spas around the world. The water is incredibly rich in minerals, and while the salt source is distinct from that of the Dead Sea, it could still provide a similar experience to the more famous salty springs. This lagoon is an oasis from the desert. But like any true oasis, there are tradeoffs. It is mostly dry. The best time to visit is during the rainy season, which is between November and January. It is during this time that the lagoon fills up and becomes alive and rich with nutrients — perfect for floating. It is also during this time that can one get fully submerged in the water. The hot, dry desert air can dry out the skin but the water is still warm and inviting.

A visual siren

The turquoise lake is a visual calling card. There’s a reason Natigana chose to showcase this place as a gem in an otherwise barren Atacama. The contrast of deep blue water against the stark white salt flats and pink mountains frames the lagoon and creates a visual feast. But it's also a unique quiet. Most of the time the lagoon is almost deserted; it’s a place where one wonders what could be at the end of the world. These natural rhythms of the lagoon and salt flats create a dance of scarcity and abundance. The lagoon is the most vibrant, the most beautiful, because it is a rare oasis sandwiched between the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains. It has a unique geography and climate that makes it one of the most beautiful sites in the world.

The Journey

The journey to Salar de Pedernales is not for the faint of heart. It’s a long trek that requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Generally, this lagoon is accessible by foot or vehicle, but the journey is long. The salt flat itself is not particularly remote. However, the journey there can be long and requires coordination. If one does go, however, it is worth it. These elements come together to make a destination unique. First, experiencing the buoyancy of the water itself is a moment of great wonder. Second, floating in the lake offers a calm and visceral impact: it’s an incredible feeling to float in the highly salted water and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Finding the best time to travel

There are two moments of the year to travel. Most people visit during the rainy season (November through January). This is because the water levels are higher and the water is more buoyant. But one could potentially visit year-round if they want to avoid the crowds. However, if one travels in the summer months, they’ll have less water to float in and won’t get the same buoyancy.

The art of floating

It’s not as easy as it looks. The two primary methods of floating are lying down — which can be uncomfortable because it’s not always warm if it’s not the rainy season and the water is not deep enough — or floating in a seated position. Floating can be very relaxing but it can be just as taxing depending on how one positions their body. This activity is completely individual and the best moment is when one finds their own way of floating.

How to get there

Getting there is a bit of an adventure in itself. One needs a guide and a four-wheel drive vehicle. The traveler must go through the small town of Socaire, from there, travelers would need a four wheel drive vehicle to get to the lagoon. It’s a four day trek from Socaire, but the journey is lush and beautiful and the lagoon is a reward for that long journey.

Take the plunge

If you want to experience something truly unique, this is a destination worth considering. But be advised that it’s a long journey and it’s not for everyone. Tackling a trip to Salar de Pedernales requires some time, effort, and coordination. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll get a truly unique experience.

In the end, there’s no escaping the salt**

All these elements come together to make Salar de Pedernales a unique place. There’s no way to prepare for the sheer beauty of this lagoon. It’s a moment of magic, floating in a unique spot that you’ll never forget. But more than anything, Salar de Pedernales is an experience that is worth the journey.