Toconao

Toconao is an Andean village sitting at 2,485 meters (8,152 feet) elevation near the western edge of the Salar de Atacama salt flats. The settlement consists of low adobe houses clustered around a stone church, creating a tight residential core in the high desert landscape.

The San Lucas Church was built in 1750 and stands as evidence of early Spanish colonial settlement in this highland region. The structure reflects construction methods of the time, using local adobe, stone foundations, and cactus wood for the roof.

Artisans here carve white liparita stone from a nearby quarry into sculptures and decorative pieces that reflect the community's heritage. This craft gives the village its distinctive character and connects locals to the land they work.

The village sits in an extremely dry climate with sharp temperature swings from hot days to cold nights, so bring both warm and cool clothing. Visitors should prepare for little shade and bring plenty of water, as the surrounding landscape offers few trees or shelter.

The Quebrada de Jere canyon nearby holds ancient rock carvings and a small green oasis with flowing water that feels strikingly out of place in the surrounding desert. This hidden water source creates a pocket of greenery where visitors can see how different the landscape becomes with moisture.