Atacama salt lakes
We arrived in the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama (altitude of 2300m above sea level - I think) after a 25 hour bus ride from Santiago. The town is really small and basically consists out of a few dusty roads and buildings made out of adobe (red mud). The town has a beautiful town square next to the 250 year old church. There is also a museum with real desert mummies!
We are in the Atacama desert, known as the most arid region on earth. But it is really beautiful with weird rock formations and we are also on the edge of the largest salt flats in Chile.
The other day we went on a tour to the salt flats and the salt lakes. We really enjoyed the wide open spaces and the absolute silence. The crystallised surface of the flats is razor sharp. Then we went for a swim in one of the salt lakes. No matter how heavy you are, you will float here! It was amazing to float in the sunset silence until a Chilean family arrived to share their joy with everyone!
Culture shock: restaurants are not allowed to sell alcohol without selling food. Should you decide to only have something to drink and no food, they will put some dirty dishes next to you so that they are 'covered' if the police arrives!
We are in the Atacama desert, known as the most arid region on earth. But it is really beautiful with weird rock formations and we are also on the edge of the largest salt flats in Chile.
The other day we went on a tour to the salt flats and the salt lakes. We really enjoyed the wide open spaces and the absolute silence. The crystallised surface of the flats is razor sharp. Then we went for a swim in one of the salt lakes. No matter how heavy you are, you will float here! It was amazing to float in the sunset silence until a Chilean family arrived to share their joy with everyone!
Culture shock: restaurants are not allowed to sell alcohol without selling food. Should you decide to only have something to drink and no food, they will put some dirty dishes next to you so that they are 'covered' if the police arrives!
<< Home