Salar de Piedra Parada

Salar de Piedra Parada is a salt flat located in the Atacama Region at an elevation above 4,000 meters in northern Chile. The white salt deposits stretch across the terrain alongside small salt lakes and distinctive gypsum formations that create varied textures across the ground.

Salar de Piedra Parada was documented in Luis Risopatrón's geographical dictionary of Chile in 1924, bringing scientific recognition to this location. This geographical documentation helped establish the salt deposit as a known natural feature in geographical records.

The salt flat forms part of the traditional lands where indigenous communities have extracted minerals and maintained connections with the natural environment.

The high-altitude location requires physical preparation and proper equipment for a visit. Bringing plenty of water and using a reliable vehicle are essential to navigate the remote and arid environment safely.

Selenite crystals on the surface sparkle under certain light conditions, giving the salt flat a special visual quality. These crystal formations result from the unique geological conditions at this elevation and contribute to the landscape's distinctive shimmer.