Salar de Imilac, Salt flat in Antofagasta Region, Chile

Salar de Imilac is a salt flat of 9.8 km² at 2,949 m on the eastern slope of the Cordillera Domeyko, between the Salar de Atacama and Salar Punta Negra in the Antofagasta Region. Maps show it in two parts: a diamond-shaped western basin holding the water and small lagoons, and a long irregular eastern salt crust.

A meteorite impact occurred near this salt flat roughly 5 centuries ago, leaving traces visible in the surrounding landscape. This cosmic event continues to shape the appearance of the area today.

Salt from Imilac was once extracted and hauled by cart to the Pacific coast, as recorded by Luis Risopatrón. Today, fragments of the Imilac meteorite, which fell about 500 years ago, are displayed in the Meteorite Museum in San Pedro de Atacama.

Access requires vehicles with four-wheel drive and careful planning due to the remote location and harsh conditions. The nearest facilities are found in the distant town of Socaire.

The salt flat divides into two distinctly different sections: a diamond-shaped western area containing water and an elongated eastern portion with irregular formations. This split creates contrasting landscapes within a small space.