Dry Salinas Grandes in Argentina 2024

These salt flats, the third largest in the world, are among the country's biggest attractions

Best time: April–November

Salinas Grandes is the snow-white desert of Argentina. At first glance, you might really believe it is snow but it is not so! The first impression is deceptive: the temperature in the Argentine salt desert Salinas Grandes reaches +45°С during some days. Being the world's third largest salt desert, it covers the area of 6,000 square kilometres that embrace 4 provinces including Catamarca, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero and La Rioja.

Salinas Grandes is a vast salt marsh located in a tectonic depression at an altitude of 170 m between the ranges of the Sierra Pampa of Argentina, to be more precise in Salta province. Obviously, Salinas Grandes is the bottom of a dried relict lake. This lifeless plain is suitable only for the extraction of mineral salt. Only sometimes in the desert does water accumulate, drained from nearby mountains or from heavy rains.

Because of the inconceivable heat and frequent winds, the water, standing as a mirror-like surface, evaporates very quickly. The extraction of minerals is carried out in this territory: there are extensive deposits of soda and potash. Travellers can see this process here if interested. In Salinas Grandes, you can buy figures of salt made by locals or have dinner in the open-air "Restaurant de Sal".

Travelling along the salt desert is a rather extreme experience. If you're determined to cross the desert, the dry season from April to November is definitely better time as it's neither too hot nor is the territory flooded. You will need sunglasses, sunscreen, and stock up plenty of drinking water!

Practical info

Where is Salinas Grandes located?

Salinas Grandes can be found in the northern part of Argentina, in the Salta province, sheltered between the Sierra Pampa ranges. The desert spans across a 6,000 square kilometres landmass across several provinces in the country, including Catamarca, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero and La Rioja.

When is the best time to visit Salinas Grandes?

It is recommended to visit Salinas Grandes in the dry season from April to November when temperatures range from 15 to 25°C, and the possibility of flooding is minimal. During the summer season, the region is prone to extreme heat and winds, which can make traversing and exploring the vast salt desert unpleasant. Visitors are advised to carry sun protection, including sunscreen, water and sunglasses for an enjoyable experience.

What is the area of Salinas Grandes salt desert?

Covering an area of 6,000 square kilometres, Salinas Grandes is the third-largest salt desert in the world. Located in the northwest region of Argentina, along the Sierra Pampa ranges, it offers breathtaking and tranquil views of snow-white vast salt flats. The desert stretches across four provinces in Argentina, including Catamarca, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero and La Rioja, providing visitors with a comprehensive cultural experience.

How is the mineral extraction process carried out in Salinas Grandes?

Salinas Grandes is perfect for mineral extraction due to massive deposits of potash and soda. The process involves the pumping of saline water into shallow ponds, where it evaporates, and the salt layer is then extracted. The extracted salt is then graded, harvested, loaded onto trucks for transport to nearby factories, where it is processed.

Can visitors buy salt figures made by locals or dine outside in Salinas Grandes?

Visitors to Salinas Grandes can buy unique salt figures made by the locals, dine outdoors at the 'Restaurant de Sal' with handmade salt tabletops or stay at the exquisite salt hotel to witness the spectacular sunset on the white, icy plain desert. A guided tour of the salt flats is a unique experience, and visitors can revel in the breath-taking views of the salt desert.