Baltinache Lagoons: An Honest Review & Guide

Okay, so you’re probably wondering if the Baltinache Lagoons are actually worth carving out time for when you visit Chile’s Atacama Desert. That is, if pictures can even really do those unbelievably blue pools total justice. We get it, too – with the Atacama boasting so many sights, you’re really going to want to carefully select which spots get a spot on your travel schedule.

Well, the Baltinache Lagoons are basically a collection of seven vividly-colored salt pools tucked away in the middle of the Atacama Desert, just near San Pedro. That’s important to understand. Think floating effortlessly because of the super high salt concentration, all while staring up at the bluest desert sky. Sound heavenly? We definitely thought so too. In our view, experiencing this geological oddity makes for an absolutely incredible and refreshing experience that should not be missed while you’re around here!

What To Anticipate When Visiting the Baltinache Lagoons

First, let’s get clear on the layout. There are seven lagoons in total at Baltinache, but, actually, only two of them are available for swimming. Typically, Lagoon Number One and Lagoon Number Two get the green light for eager swimmers. The others, while beautiful, are basically there for you to enjoy from a viewing area only, meant to conserve their delicate state.

So, what does it really feel like to slip into one of these super-salty pools? You’ll almost instantly notice the intense buoyancy. In some respects, it is similar to floating in the Dead Sea, if that rings a bell for you. You’re incredibly light and, for the most part, unable to sink. It definitely feels strange, but quite an incredible sensation you won’t soon forget. Any open cuts are really going to sting, as I am saying this! Bringing a small first aid kit just might be prudent.

It tends to be windy around here, and the air can be downright cool, specially once you step out of the water. Keep in mind that temperatures can vary quite a lot, dropping a bit, maybe, more once the sun begins to dip. You’ll really want to have something warm to wrap up in, so think of bringing along a thick towel or even a robe to prevent feeling very chilly after your swim. Basically, preparation will really enhance the total experience.

Getting To Baltinache Lagoons

You will find Baltinache Lagoons are more or less 55 kilometers, or approximately 34 miles, west of San Pedro de Atacama. A great portion of that is on unpaved roads that, generally, require a 4×4 vehicle. Usually, the easiest method for you to reach these lagoons is as part of a guided tour, in fact.

Many local tour agencies located in San Pedro de Atacama, basically, include Baltinache Lagoons in their offerings. So too, these tours often combine visits to other nearby sites of interest. Basically, tours include transportation, and so they might add knowledgeable guides, making the complete trip totally hassle-free. We kind of find that most tours schedule trips during the late afternoon. The reason? So you’re able to really take in the spectacular sunset while floating in the lagoons. Sounds like a pretty great time to me. Taking a tour also relieves you from the stress of self-driving on the rugged roads.

Renting your own vehicle is seemingly an option, that’s true. However, you will really want to check if your rental agreement permits driving on unpaved routes. A 4×4 vehicle, alright, is quite important. The roads are very rough. Also, that, getting to the lagoons solo will require some attention with GPS, as signage may just be a little lacking at some turns.

What You will Need to Bring

Packing wisely will seemingly improve your experience exponentially at the Baltinache Lagoons. Alright, so let’s do a short list of items to bring to make sure you’re totally ready.

Swimsuit: In that case, that is just obvious, no? Well, remember that, so too, the salt content can be harsh on some fabrics. We generally propose wearing an older swimsuit that you are ok with, possibly, getting a little faded.
Towel: Like your going to need something to dry off after your swim, and really big towels, generally, give the most coverage to ward off the desert chills.
Flip-Flops or Sandals: We find these are essential for walking around the location, particularly coming from and returning to the water.
Water Shoes (Optional): The bottom surface can feel fairly rocky, so water shoes will certainly protect your feet if you possess a sensitivity.
Sunglasses: You will find the glare from the sun reflecting off of the salt flats can be quite intense, and sunglasses are truly a must for protecting your eyes.
Sunscreen: The Atacama Desert possesses high UV rays, and sunscreen is completely critical, even on overcast days.
Hat: Providing further protection against the sun, any hat, it’s almost like, can definitely make a difference in managing comfort and lowering sun exposure.
Warm Clothes: Once the sun goes down, temperatures totally drop swiftly. Sweaters, jackets, or perhaps even a light coat are advisable.
Water: Staying hydrated at this altitude and in the desert setting, is something to watch carefully. Bring more water than you, typically, would think is necessary.
Snacks: Generally, there are no options to purchase drinks or snacks at the lagoons. Having something to munch on is an amazing idea.
First Aid Kit: With such high salt levels, any cuts will definitely sting. Band-aids and antiseptic wipes are quite convenient to have.
Camera: Alright, so you will obviously want to seize the memories from this striking place, so too a waterproof camera or a protective case, really might prove prudent.

Suggestions For An Incredible Time At Baltinache

Okay, so here is several suggestions that will absolutely help provide for the very best experience at Baltinache Lagoons.

Visit During The Late Afternoon: Going for the sunset, generally, not only allows you to miss the absolute heat of the day, it, in some respects, provides for dramatic lighting for pictures, and we think the scenery just kind of enhances everything overall.
Don’t Stay In The Water Too Long: That high salt levels can possibly lead to skin irritation if you stay in there too long. Limiting swims to approximately 20 mins at any time will totally prevent irritation.
Avoid Shaving Or Waxing Prior: Simply because freshly shaved or waxed skin tends to be extremely sensitive, and so too the salt may definitely cause discomfort. It is actually something to think carefully about.
Rinse Off After Swimming: There actually are showers available. Employing them will eliminate excess salt from your skin and assist in preventing any irritation.
Keep Your Head Above Water: Try to avoid submerging your head as that salt can most definitely irritate your eyes and nasal passages. Should you select to swim under water, you, in some respects, should take the right measures to guard them.
Be Mindful Of The Environment: In that case, the Baltinache Lagoons are actually located in a really fragile ecosystem. Steer clear of littering, or that damaging the bordering flora and fauna.
Inform Yourself On Altitude Sickness: Considering San Pedro de Atacama is currently at a high altitude, and so knowing the indicators and also preventative actions regarding altitude sickness could assist you stay healthy all over your stay.
Respect The Rules: Strictly follow all posted regulations and instructions from your guides. Typically, these recommendations are available to sustain your wellbeing along with protecting the website.

Worthwhile? A Synopsis Of Baltinache Lagoons

To be completely clear, so is it genuinely worthwhile to journey to the Baltinache Lagoons? The short story would be definitely, specifically if you are just in search of anything genuinely amazing coupled with slightly off of the main touristed location.

The experience related to floating in those super-salty waters of yours in the center of the Atacama Desert is simply amazing. The strikingly vibrant pools placed into a stark, barren setting generates a visual spectacle that you will certainly remember always.

Keep at the top of your mind that planning would be vital. Arranging for travel, transporting needed objects, coupled with knowing what exactly you can get outside of the visit can absolutely help you get probably the most amazing trip possible.

Generally speaking, if you desire a completely distinct besides remarkable adventure inside your Atacama Desert, you actually do not must miss visiting the Baltinache Lagoons. In any case, they truly tend to be among the real treasures available with that landscape, granting a unique in conjunction with exciting know-how of all individuals prepared to explore a little additional off of the conventional route. You need to go see them.