They rank as the largest salt flats in Argentina, the second largest in South America, and the third largest globally. The Salinas del Gualicho, located a mere 60 km from Las Grutas, span an impressive 430 square kilometers of salt plains situated in a depression 72 meters below sea level.
Spend your morning at the beach and reserve the afternoon to explore this natural wonder. We will traverse 40 km of paved roads and 20 km of gravel to reach the second lowest point in the southern hemisphere, where you can marvel at the breathtaking sunset and a sky filled with stars at night.
This excursion is perfect for everyone. We will visit Alcalis de la Patagonia, Argentina's sole sodium carbonate factory, to learn about the history and global significance of salt. Next, we will journey to the heart of the salt flat to feel the crunch of salt beneath our feet as we await the sunset. We'll conclude the day with a moonlit toast.
Additionally, you may opt to enhance your excursion with a delectable dinner at the disco, prepared by the guides who will share captivating stories and legends of Gualicho.
Tour Description
Our journey begins at 4:00 pm from the designated meeting point, as we depart from Las Grutas heading westward. The initial 20 kilometers will have us tracing the coastline of the Golfo San Matías, where we'll delve into the history of the Spa , explore the steppe's botanical species, and uncover the legend of the railway . This very railway is part of why Argentina boasts one of the world's eight most exotic trains: the Patagonian Train.
As we near West San Antonio , a white silhouette will emerge on the horizon: Alpat (Alcalis de la Patagonia), the sole sodium carbonate factory in Argentina and one of just two in Latin America. We will tour the mining facility , which currently extracts sodium chloride, or salt, in open-air fields. We'll discover the history of salt along with its extraction and packaging processes for both industrial and domestic use.
After our visit, we’ll return to the road, encountering trucks laden with tons of salt en route to the factory, while we head towards the Salinas del Gualicho . Traveling on both asphalt and a long gravel path, we'll encounter an endless expanse of salt, offering breathtaking views from our vehicle. We'll pause right in the core of Gualicho, where the guide will invite us to remove our shoes and feel the salt beneath our feet, as we admire the horizon stretching endlessly with clouds reflecting over the salt flat. Undoubtedly, it will be a surreal landscape.
As the sky alters its hue and nightfall approaches, we'll celebrate this moment with a delightful toast, for no other place in Argentina offers a sky so rich with stars, planets, and constellations as the Salinas del Gualicho. Our guide will assist us in identifying the main celestial bodies gracing the sky: Mars, Venus, Sirius, Orion, and the Southern Cross, while sharing "spine-chilling tales" of Gualicho, its curses, and legends.
By approximately 10:00 pm, we will head back to Las Grutas, concluding this remarkable adventure filled with salt and stories.
You can opt for an additional delightful dinner at the Salinas, dining under the starlit sky with Patagonian wine and dessert to warm the evening. If you choose this option, the return will be around midnight.
The tour concludes with drop-off at the meeting point.
What’s included?
What’s included:
* Transfers
* Bilingual guide
* Toast
* Visit to Alpat (Alcalis de la Patagonia)
What’s NOT included:
* Dinner (Optional)
* Tips (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
The excursion to the Salinas del Gualicho salt flats includes round-trip transportation from designated points in Las Grutas, a specialized tour guide, travel insurance, and beverages during the tour. The tour also includes a stop to enjoy the sunset over the salt flats, ideal for photography and admiring the unique landscapes of Patagonia. Travelers can take advantage of the experience to learn about the history and geology of the salt flats, making the excursion a complete activity for those who enjoy nature and adventure tourism.
The typical duration of the excursion to the Salinas del Gualicho salt flats is approximately 4 to 5 hours. Generally, the tour departs in the late afternoon to allow visitors to appreciate the magnificent sunset over the salt flats, one of the highlights of the trip. Schedules may vary depending on the time of year and demand, so it is recommended to consult the tour operator at the time of booking to confirm the exact departure and return times. This tour is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a day of sightseeing and nature, returning to Las Grutas before nightfall.
The Gualicho Salt Flats excursion is designed to be accessible to most travelers, including families with children and seniors. However, basic mobility is recommended, as some parts of the tour may require walking short distances on uneven surfaces. The activities are easy, and there is no strict age limit, but young children should be accompanied by responsible adults. People with heart conditions or mobility issues should consult with the agency before booking to ensure a safe tourism experience in Patagonia.
To fully enjoy your excursion to the Gualicho Salt Flats, we recommend wearing comfortable, warm clothing (especially in autumn and winter), appropriate footwear for walking on salt surfaces, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the incredible landscapes. It's advisable to bring extra water and a small snack, although the tour usually includes drinks. Don't forget your ID and confirm if there are any specific requirements depending on the season. This basic equipment will ensure you enjoy your visit to the salt flats safely and comfortably.
Booking your excursion to the Salinas del Gualicho salt flats can be easily done through the official Best Argentina Tours website by selecting your preferred date and number of passengers. You can also book through local travel agencies in Las Grutas. Advance booking is recommended due to high demand, especially during peak season. The cancellation policy typically allows free cancellations if notified within a certain timeframe, usually 48 hours before the excursion. For changes or refunds, please refer to the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
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