Piedras Rojas (Salar de Aguas Calientes)
Piedras Rojas
On the shore of a salt lake at about 4,000 m, rust-red volcanic rock contrasts sharply with turquoise water, a white salt crust and snowy peaks.
Piedras Rojas lies on the southern shore of Aguas Calientes salt lake. Iron-rich lava weathers to a rusty red, and together with the turquoise water, white salt crust and distant snowy peaks, it forms one of the most photogenic scenes in the Atacama. To protect the environment, visitors may only walk along the designated trails and may not go down to the lakeshore. At about 4,000 m, winds are strong and the air is cold, so watch for altitude sickness. Piedras Rojas is usually combined with Miscanti and Miñiques in a full-day tour. Entry is included in the community fee, and the road is occasionally closed by snowfall.
Opening hours
Daytime (road closed in bad weather)
Nearby sights
- Miscanti & Miñiques Lagoons
- Socaire
- Laguna Chaxa
- Toconao
- ALMA Observatory
- Ojos del Salar
- Laguna Tebinquinche
- Salar de Tara