Chile Mirador Salar de Loyoques

The Salar de Loyoques o Quisquirio presents itself as a surreal painting. The Salar de Loyoques is a high-altitude salt flat in northwestern Argentina, located at around 3,600 meters above sea level in the Puna region of the Andes. It contains significant lithium deposits, covering about 200 square kilometers, making it part of the "Lithium Triangle." The area is ecologically important, hosting wildlife like flamingos, and is known for its striking beauty, with vast white salt crusts set against volcanic landscapes. Its lithium resources are attracting increasing global mining interest.

When photographing the Salar de Loyoques, capture its vast, reflective salt flats at sunrise or sunset to take advantage of the soft, warm light and dramatic shadows. Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the scale of the landscape, and consider using a polarizer to reduce glare from the salt crust. The stark contrast between the white salt and the surrounding mountains offers great opportunities for high-contrast compositions. If photographing wildlife like flamingos, use a telephoto lens and keep a respectful distance. Finally, extra gear protection against dust and extreme conditions is needed.

This spot is far from cities; you need a car to come here. Parking spaces are marked on the map. Bring enough water, food and good clothes with you.