Chile Atacama Desert along Ruta CH-31
This road, like several others in the Atacama, according to the Chilean road maps is a "Camino de sal (Bishofita) / Salt road". Bischofite is a rarely occurring, hydrous magnesium chloride. As a road surface, the Bischofite is apparently mixed with fine gravel and has a similar grip to asphalt. This is always surprising, because this surface looks damp or wet. Unlike earth and gravel roads, the Bischofite roads do not dust.
There are traces of running water in the desert. There are dry rivers and dried-up rivulets everywhere. The route leads through a narrow gorge with a steep incline. Here, deep down beside the road, running water can be heard. But here you can also see the remains of the last landslide.
There are traces of running water in the desert. There are dry rivers and dried-up rivulets everywhere. The route leads through a narrow gorge with a steep incline. Here, deep down beside the road, running water can be heard. But here you can also see the remains of the last landslide.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
Nearly no other people
Best Timing
Daytime
Sunrise & Sunset
06:42 - 20:36
| current local time: 01:54
Photo Themes
desert
Desert Landscape
roadtrip
Locations
Copiapó
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