Ojos de Mar

Ojos de Mar is a collection of three to six turquoise water pools rising through white salty ground in the middle of the Andean desert. Located at around 11,500 feet elevation, the pools form a striking contrast against the parched surrounding landscape with their vivid blue waters.

Spanish explorers documented these water formations during their journeys through the Andes, helping to establish routes across the mountain range. The pools were later studied by researchers who discovered the exceptional conditions and organisms thriving in this high-altitude system.

The name originates from Spanish words meaning Eyes of the Sea, showing how locals see these pools as gateways to hidden underground water sources. The site holds meaning for people living in the high desert who view it as a connection to the earth's inner waters.

Keep a safe distance from the pool edges as the ground is unstable in places, and stick to marked paths to protect the fragile environment. The best time to visit is during daylight with clear skies, when the water colors are most vivid and visible.

The pools harbor extremophile organisms and ancient stromatolites that survive in highly saline and alkaline water conditions. These microbial structures demonstrate how life persists and evolves under some of the harshest environmental circumstances found on Earth.