These are the largest salt flats in Argentina, ranking as the second largest in South America and the third worldwide. Las Salinas del Gualicho , situated just 60 km from Las Grutas, span a vast salt plain covering 430 square kilometers in a depression that lies 72 meters below sea level.
You can spend your morning at the beach and dedicate your afternoon to exploring this natural wonder . We will journey 40 km on paved roads and 20 km on gravel to reach the second lowest point in the southern hemisphere , where you'll witness breathtaking sunset views and a night sky filled with stars.
This excursion is designed for everyone. We'll visit Alcalis de la Patagonia , Argentina's sole sodium carbonate factory, to learn about the history and global significance of salt. We'll venture to the heart of the salt flat to feel the salt beneath our feet as we await the sunset. We'll conclude the day with a moonlit toast.
Optionally, you can enhance your excursion with a delightful dinner at the disco , prepared by the guides as they share the stories and legends of Gualicho.
Tour Description
Our journey kicks off at the meeting point at 4:00 pm, as we leave Las Grutas behind, setting our course westward. Over the initial 20 kilometers, we'll trace the coastline of the Golfo San Matías, discovering the history of the Spa, the diverse botanical species of the steppe, and the intriguing legend of the railway. This railway is the reason Argentina boasts one of the world's eight most exotic trains: the Patagonian Train.
As we approach West San Antonio, a white silhouette will gradually emerge on the horizon— it's Alpat (Alcalis de la Patagonia), Argentina's sole sodium carbonate factory and one of only two in Latin America. We'll tour the mining plant's facilities, which currently extracts sodium chloride, or salt, beneath the open sky. We'll delve into the history of salt, exploring its extraction and packaging processes for both industrial and household purposes.
Following our visit, we will rejoin the route, encountering trucks loaded with tons of salt headed for the factory, while we travel in the opposite direction toward the Salinas del Gualicho. After traversing both asphalt and a lengthy gravel path, an endless expanse of salt will greet us, with views from the car becoming increasingly awe-inspiring. We will pause right at the heart of Gualicho, where our guide will invite us to remove our shoes to feel the salt beneath our feet, and soak in the horizon that fades into the distance with clouds reflecting upon the salt flat—truly, a surreal landscape.
As the sky shifts hues and night approaches, we'll celebrate the moment with a delightful toast; no other location in Argentina offers a sky so rich with stars, planets, and constellations as the one above the Salinas del Gualicho. Our guide will assist us in identifying the prominent celestial bodies that dominate the night sky: Mars, Venus, Sirius, Orion, and the Southern Cross, while sharing the "eerie tales" of Gualicho, its curses, and legends.
At approximately 10:00 pm, we will return to the caves, concluding this extraordinary adventure filled with salt and stories.
You can opt to add a delectable dinner in the Salinas under the starlit sky, accompanied by Patagonian wine and dessert to warm the night. If you choose this option, the return will be around midnight.
The tour will conclude 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 your accommodation in Puerto Madryn, a professional bilingual guide specializing in nature and landscape tourism, travel insurance, and entrance to the salt flats. In addition, the tour includes several stops for taking photographs, watching the sunset over the salt landscape, and enjoying a tasting of local products. This experience is ideal for those who wish to discover one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Argentine Patagonia.
The best time to visit the Salinas del Gualicho salt flats is during spring and summer, between October and March. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, with mild temperatures and longer days, ideal for enjoying the tour and taking photos of the spectacular sunset. However, the excursion can be done year-round, though it's always recommended to check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing, as the area can be windy and temperatures can drop at night.
The excursion to the Gualicho Salt Flats is suitable for people of all ages, including children and seniors. It requires no special physical condition, as transportation is by vehicle and the walks are short and easy. Visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes. If any member of the group has reduced mobility or other special needs, it is advisable to inform the agency in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
The excursion to the Gualicho Salt Flats lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours. The tour generally begins in the afternoon to take advantage of the sunset and ends at night, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular change of colors in the salt landscape. The exact schedule may vary depending on the time of year, but it usually starts between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. The return is approximately between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. It is important to check with the tour operator to confirm the schedule for your chosen day.
Before embarking on the excursion to the Gualicho Salt Flats, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, a jacket for the evening, appropriate walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. It's essential to bring a camera or cell phone to capture the incredible panoramic views. We also recommend bringing water and a personal snack, although the excursion includes a tasting. If you have any special medical conditions, please inform the agency in advance. Finally, we advise booking in advance, as spaces are usually limited during peak season.
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