Salar de Aguas Calientes IV

The Salar de Aguas Calientes IV extends across 46 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,676 meters in the northern Andes mountain range.

The region originally contained a 31-square-kilometer lake connected to Salar Purisunchi, which gradually transformed into the current salt deposits.

Scientists regularly study the geochemistry of this closed basin to understand the formation and evolution of saline environments in high-altitude regions.

The salt flat remains accessible through Ruta 27, a paved road that stretches 156 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama to the Argentine border.

Natural salt deposits create geometric patterns across the surface while volcanic activity from Caichinque complex produced lava flows into the basin.

Location: Antofagasta Region

Elevation above the sea: 3,676 m

GPS coordinates: -24.97861,-68.63778

Latest update: April 30, 2025 07:19