Antofalla Salt Flat

Information

This is a salt flat in the northwest of Argentina, which is considered the longest in the world at more than 150 kilometres in length. Its average altitude is over 3800 metres above sea level. With its elongated shape, it belongs mostly to the Catamarca Puna, with only one end (the north) entering the province of Salta.

It is an arid and uninhabited area, with the exception of a few small villages like Antofalla, which is located at its side. When visiting the salt flat you will see areas with lagunas (like lakes) and the so called 'ojos del campo' (eyes of the field) where there is a well delimited opening with water and usually with colour. It is surrounded by spectacular landscapes with mountains and volcanoes of different colours.

One way to get there is by the path that connects Antofagasta de la Sierra with the village of Antofalla, recommended only for 4x4 vehicles and with an authorised guide. Along the way there is a sector where you can see the salt flat from above, and in the last stretch before reaching Antofalla you cross the salt flat in width.