Best time to travel to Argentina

Flooded Salinas Grandes in Argentina

While some tourists try to avoid the flooded season, they seem to be missing out quite a surreal spectacle

Best time: January–March

Flooded Salinas Grandes
Flooded Salinas Grandes

Covering 6,000 square kilometres of Argentina, Salina Grandes is the world's third largest salt flat after Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Chott el Djerid in Tunisia. Most of the tourists coming here include the white desert on their must-see list. As usual, one seeks for the best time to visit this place, and a number of sources recommend the dry season rather than flooded. Yet, the latter is not that bad as one might imagine. Maybe there's more discomfort but the pictures taken on such a surreal backdrop are worth it.

Generally, Salinas Grandes is set at the bottom, just 170 meters above sea level. It means the desert collects waters from all around, including the neighboring Sierras de Córdoba mountain range. The sun, however, doesn't allow it to stay there for a long while. The rainy season begins in December but then the desert might be described as only humid, not flooded. The best landscapes appear in January. The peak of rainfall is over by the end of Argentina's summer, that's in February. The surreal landscapes are likely to remain there till the end of March.

All in all, the desert is beautiful both drained and flooded. What sceneries are more appealing—you decide.

Practical info

What is the ideal time to visit Salinas Grandes in Argentina?

A visit to Salinas Grandes is best planned during the flooded season - occurring typically from December to March - with January specifically recommended for capturing the full spectacle of a salt flat against a flood. While summer brings rainfall to the area, it provides the tourist with an unmatched and incomparable experience. Consequently, it is a crucial time of the year for tourists to plan a trip to Salinas Grandes to enjoy this surreal and wondrous atmosphere. Show more

Is it possible to visit Salinas Grandes when it is flooded?

It is not uncommon for tourists to visit Salinas Grandes even during the flooded season. Although the dry season is most recommended, especially for ease of travel, it's a sight that can be experienced all year round. While it may require more effort to explore the flooded salt flats, the photos and vistas offer a different and equally beautiful perspective. It's a unique experience that is worth exploring and unique to this area. Show more

What makes Salinas Grandes unique during the flooded season?

Salinas Grandes exhibits different and unique characteristics during the flooded season. Visitors can take in the breathtaking and unique vista of a salt desert merged with water, provide spectacles not to be seen elsewhere. The sight of the reflection of the sky in the water is especially alluring, providing opportunities for fantastic photography. These nuances make the flooded season a remarkable time to visit Salinas Grandes in Argentina. Show more

What are some neighboring tourist attractions to explore when travelling to Salinas Grandes in Argentina?

Tourists to Salinas Grandes will be delighted to know that there are other attractions nearby. These include the Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain range, Quebrada de las Conchas National Park, the Tilcara and Purmamarca Villages, and the city of Salta. These sites are an immersive, enchanting, and rich experience to the explorer, providing an opportunity to take in Argentina's rich cultural heritage and marvel at the Andean landscape in all its captivating beauty. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin