Within the boundaries of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat) is Cejar Lagoon, whose high salt content (160g in 1L of water) makes one float without an effort.
There are three lagoons in this area. Out of the three two are protected and not allowed to swim in. These have salt resistant plants with cells of 3x more than that of the water. These shrubs are home to some birds, mice and lizards that are rare.
Only one lagoon Is open for swimming. Water is cold and salt starts to solidify as soon as one gets out. If planning to swim here do not forget to take moisturizer to use after. There are changing rooms, showers and toilets. Sunblock is not allowed prior to getting into water. If one is with wounds, better stay out. Eyes, face and hair should not be dipped in this highly concentrated salt water. Showers afterwards is preferred to be limited to 3mins.
The beautiful surrounding landscape in the middle of nowhere is an experience.
The next stop was Ojos del Salar, another salt flat, with two freshwater wells or sinkholes in the middle of the desert. They were formed due to natural erosion by underground rivers. If one needs, can swim in this too the depth of this is not known.
Finally we went to Tebinquinche lagoon that is surrounded by Andies range and the Cirdillera de Domiyeko range.
Atacama is a closed basin and the water can not escape to the ocean. Volcanic activity had created minerals and salts that had flown into fresh water bodies and the evaporation had turned them into salt flats during dry season.
Chile has about 2000 volcanoes and 19 are active. Out if these 19, two are found in here.
The tour guide tried to explain the microorganisms including Cyanobacteria in this but it was difficult to understand due to many reasons.
There are three lagoons in this area. Out of the three two are protected and not allowed to swim in. These have salt resistant plants with cells of 3x more than that of the water. These shrubs are home to some birds, mice and lizards that are rare.
Only one lagoon Is open for swimming. Water is cold and salt starts to solidify as soon as one gets out. If planning to swim here do not forget to take moisturizer to use after. There are changing rooms, showers and toilets. Sunblock is not allowed prior to getting into water. If one is with wounds, better stay out. Eyes, face and hair should not be dipped in this highly concentrated salt water. Showers afterwards is preferred to be limited to 3mins.
The next stop was Ojos del Salar, another salt flat, with two freshwater wells or sinkholes in the middle of the desert. They were formed due to natural erosion by underground rivers. If one needs, can swim in this too the depth of this is not known.
Finally we went to Tebinquinche lagoon that is surrounded by Andies range and the Cirdillera de Domiyeko range.
Atacama is a closed basin and the water can not escape to the ocean. Volcanic activity had created minerals and salts that had flown into fresh water bodies and the evaporation had turned them into salt flats during dry season.
The tour guide tried to explain the microorganisms including Cyanobacteria in this but it was difficult to understand due to many reasons.
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